WOMEN TO WATCH

Rachel Pinto

Clinical Director
Chenal Family Therapy PLC

In 2011, I was hired as an intern by a friend at his one-person psychotherapy clinic, Chenal Family Therapy (CFT). Since then we have grown to six locations across the state, providing therapy, testing and psychiatry services to approximately 500 patients per week. CFT clinicians use evidence-based approaches to give our clients the support they deserve as we work to heal their souls and improve their lives. My role is to lead by example in providing effective therapy and in developing my co-workers to be great therapists.

PRESSING QUESTIONS

How I knew this was my passion:

I always wanted to be a therapist, but I didn’t quite have the confidence to attempt it until I had exhausted all other viable options! I worked in church ministry, advertising and education before I made the switch.

Biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career:

I went through a difficult time personally during graduate school. I had a two-year-old, a heavy school schedule and needed to work full time to support us. It was grueling, but showed me what I was made of.

Best career moment so far:

I will soon move from directing our North Little Rock office to directing our flagship office in west Little Rock. Developing therapists and other leaders within the company has been, and I hope will continue to be, my greatest achievement.

Most rewarding part of my job:

When a client or colleague finally believes the awesome thing about themselves. When they can say, “It wasn’t my fault,” or “I have other choices now,” or “I am enough,” then I know their life is really about to change.

How I define success:

If I reach retirement and my wife and kids still know they are my favorite people, then I’m a success. Daily, it’s doing the next right thing and keeping my whole self in the moment and in the room.

If I could lunch with any woman, it would be:

I would take P!nk out for pizza or burgers. I admire her immensely as a musician, performing artist and businesswoman.

My typical workday:

Five or six hours of therapy with clients, chipping away at PTSD symptoms, confusing emotions, and/or destructive conflict cycles. This is interspersed with supporting my colleagues and making CFT a place where everyone, employees included, gets to be in process.

Advice for my 18-year-old self:

You don’t have to worry so much. You are stronger than you think, and you are going to be okay.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Neighborhood you live in

Lakewood

Hometown

Cabot

Last good read

“The Third Reconstruction: How a Moral Movement is Overcoming the Politics of Division and Fear” by William Barber II and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove

Favorite Food

Anything my mama makes. She is a fantastic cook!

Favorite Lunch Spot

Big Orange

First thing you do at the office each morning

Make a cup of coffee

Last splurge

Justin Timberlake tickets

Hobbies

Play guitar and make my kids laugh

Dream Vacation

Prague F

Favorite Song

The entire “Hamilton Mixtape” is excellent!

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