Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Vite.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
16 years ago, I decided to go into the field of social work to be an advocate for children. Growing up, I had witnessed firsthand what happens to children when they aren’t heard, supported or advocated for by the adults in their lives. I knew this is where I wanted to make an impact. Over the course of the last 16 years, I graduated with a Masters in Social Work from the University of Chicago and have worked as a mental health therapist in various settings such as schools, nonprofits and community mental health clinics. In 2011, I became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker which opened up more doors for me professionally. I continued my work with children and families which was very fulfilling.
In 2014, I had the honor of becoming a mother to my first daughter and had my second daughter two years later. My postpartum journey and mothering experience are what inspired me to start my private practice Compassionate Wellness Counseling. I found myself feeling and experiencing things that I didn’t hear other mothers talking about. I want other mothers to know they are not alone and there is help available to them if they are struggling in motherhood. I am thankful to have had a lot of support along the way. My parents came to this country from Mexico and worked hard to be the successful business owners they are. They have pushed my sisters and I to achieve our goals while cheering us on every step of the way. I owe a lot of my success to my parents and my supportive husband.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting Compassionate Wellness Counseling has been challenging for several reasons. I am trying to build a practice while still working for someone else. I am raising two young daughters who I want to be as present for as I can. Like several other mompreneurs, I am constantly trying to balance the work, home and family life as best as I can. I am learning how to be really efficient with my time and organize myself in a way that still leaves me with energy to be the best mother and partner I can be. I also didn’t learn how to run a business in my social work graduate program or how to brand myself so there has been a lot to learn on this journey. I still find myself easing into the aspects of running a business that are uncomfortable for me. It has been a tremendous growing experience.
Compassionate Wellness Counseling – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
In my private practice, I specialize in maternal mental health, women’s mental health and support couples through the transition to parenthood. I feel very passionate about normalizing the challenges and difficult moments that exist in motherhood and in our relationships after children. Too often women are afraid to talk about postpartum depression or anxiety, the isolation that can occur after having a baby or the feeling that they are losing themselves for fear of being judged. I want to change that and provide a platform for these mamas to feel validated and heard. I also want to help destigmatize mental health and the act of seeking help in our Latinx communities.
One of my disappointments in preparing for the birth of my first child was realizing that most of the support available to expecting parents and new parents in our communities focuses on the baby and the birth. It is important to me to offer support and education around the changes that happens to us as parents and the things that we go through. With that in mind, I facilitate motherhood circles and workshops for couples to help them learn what to expect after bringing baby home and how to keep their relationship strong. I am proud of the work I am doing and my contribution to changing the way we think about parenthood.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
A marker of success is different for everyone. In my field, a mother thanking me for creating community and a place for her to be real in her struggles is success. Positive feedback from people I have worked with helps me know I am on the right track and validates the work I am doing. My practice is small and I am limited in how much I can do at this time because of the stage of life I am in. It is because of this that I do not define success by how many projects I have going on or the number of clients I have. As long as I continue to be authentic in the work I do and in how I connect with those that seek my services, I will be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.compassionatewellnessoc.com
- Phone: 949-216-0897
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @compassionatewellnessoc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/compassionatewellnessoc
Image Credit:
Bachmanville Photography
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