We recently connected with Rachel Rankin and have shared our conversation below.
Rachel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
The biggest risk I’ve taken was leaving my pilates business to become a therapist. My pilates clients have blessed me in numerous ways and I’m tremendously grateful to have met each and every one of them. Deciding to become a therapist was inspired by my passion for helping others see their potential. Without all of the one on one experiences as a pilates instructor, I would not have been able to transition to becoming a psychotherapist.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am part of a group practice in Los Angeles called Abundance Therapy Center. We have numerous wonderful therapists that specialize in various areas of mental health, catering to a variety of ages and cultural demographics. I went into the field to help others overcome trauma and have a special place in my heart for working with people suffering from eating disorders. In my teens and early twenties, I battled an eating disorder and had a difficult time finding an outpatient therapist that I resonated with. When I read Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van der Kolk, my life changed. At the time, I wanted to become a physical therapist, so started the process to apply for physical therapy programs. However, after reading the now renowned book on trauma, I knew that I wanted to help people heal from their trauma that was affecting their eating disorders. After graduating from Antioch, I worked in a treatment center in Palm Springs where I met so many people that had amazing stories. Working with trauma, addiction, and eating disorders is my passion and I hope to help people find their authenticity to live their life to the fullest.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Although social media is great, what can be helpful is honing in on one niche population to work with to develop an expertise in that area. I’ve always subscribed to the 10,000 hours theory that the more hours working with a specific clientele is what makes one an expert in their craft.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
I’ve had a few career transitions and would not change them. I think versatility in career trajectories can only add to the person’s capabilities.
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