Are You A High-Performing Person? Hear From Therapist Chris Rabanera, LMFT

Are you a high-performing person from California, Michigan, or Nevada? Do you constantly push yourself to the limit, aiming for the next promotion, the bigger bonus, the larger house? Being a high-achieving individual is a common characteristic in people with eating disorders. It is also a typical trait for many medical professionals, who have been especially struggling these last few years. Trained in San Diego, California, therapist Chris Rabanera, LMFT, really gets the complexities of the drive to perform. He provides online therapy in California, Michigan, and Nevada. Chris is so passionate about what he does. I’m so glad that you’ll get to know him!

Why did you choose to specialize in high-performing individuals in California, Michigan, and Nevada?

I’m fascinated by high-performing individuals who have achieved greatness and success. I’m surrounded by high-performing individuals. My inner circle consists of doctors, lawyers, pharmacists, directors, program managers, educators, and entrepreneurs. I understand the high-pressure situations they are in, the constant stressors and struggles they encounter, and the unhappiness that results from it. I recognize work stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. I see how it affects their families and relationships. I see how it changes them into people who dread waking up the next day.  I want to be an agent of change for them.  I also understand how helping high-performing individuals will have a widespread, rippling effect because of their influence on others.

What kind of treatment do you provide?

I provide online therapy for those located in California, Michigan, and Nevada.  I treat issues such as work stress and burnout, grief, imposter syndrome, relationships, depression, and anxiety.  My relaxed and laid-back style of treatment makes it seem like you’re talking to an old friend.  The only reason you would know you’re in therapy is that I ask questions no one has ever asked before.  This approach helps you view the situation in a new perspective. Clients say they wish they would have reached out to me sooner so they could have felt better earlier.

Do you work with only high-performing individuals?

Though I specialize in working with high-performing individuals, those are not the only people with whom I work. I see all people suffering from anxiety, depression, burnout, work stress, and relational challenges. My clients commit to themselves and make their mental health a priority.  They follow through by taking action to improve their lives.

I really prioritize therapeutic fit. Researchers have shown how the therapeutic relationship or fit has a significant effect on treatment outcomes.  I want the best treatment outcomes for my clients, so fit is essential. I only work with individuals for whom I am a good fit, and vice versa. I provide a complimentary, 15-minute phone consultation with every individual to ensure that the fit is right and I can help you with your specific issue.

You have mentioned to me how you work with a lot of medical professionals. What unique needs do medical professionals in California, Michigan, and Nevada have that you address in therapy? 

Medical professionals are in a unique situation of caregiving. Life and death is in their hands. The high pressure and emotionally charged environment can take a physical and emotional toll on the medical professional. 

Medical professionals also have high standards.  Many have advanced degrees.  With the higher standards, many have unachievable expectations of themselves.  Many physicians at the beginning of their career have imposter syndrome. They feel like they are not good enough, do not know enough, and constantly second guess themselves. What medical professionals don’t understand is that they are enough. They’ve gone through the training. They’ve passed their board exams. That wasn’t a fluke. They see others shine but don’t recognize that they are stars themselves. 

What happens during a first appointment with you?

After the initial paperwork, we jump right in. We have a conversation about what’s going on in life, how this issue is affecting you, how you’ve attempted to manage the issue, what has worked and what hasn’t worked.  I’m able to gain a thorough understanding of what you’re experiencing. Then, we talk about what you would like to achieve in therapy, create goals and discuss our plan to achieve them. This warm, inviting conversation feels like you are talking with a good friend.

What do you wish high-performing people in California, Michigan, and Nevada knew about therapy?

Therapy is a process and you cannot rush through it. Similar to how you cannot rush the feeling of happiness, you cannot rush through therapy. Therapy is an experience. You can’t go through the motions as fast as possible. You can’t check it off the list and say you did it. Therapy doesn’t work like that. You need to be present throughout therapy. Therapy is a process, not an end goal.

Therapy is not a quick fix.  You aren’t going to see all the results of treatment in one or two sessions. It takes time to learn and use new coping skills.  It takes time to be present and process emotions. It takes time to see what resonates with you.  It may take months and even years to work through mental health issues.

If you’ve tried therapy before and didn’t get the results you wanted, don’t throw in the towel. It may mean you did not find the right therapist for you. Each therapist is unique and has their own style of therapy. Even if you took two therapists who received the same education and same training, the relationship with each therapist will be different. Finding the right fit with your therapist is essential for your success.

How can people learn more about and contact you?

I create content on each platform on a regular basis.  People can follow me on Instagram and Twitter at @TheBaseEQ. I’m on Facebook at fb.com/TheBaseEQ.  I’m on LinkedIn as Chris Rabanera.  You can also check out my website at TheBaseEQ.com.

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Hey everyone, I really appreciate you reading my blog!  Have a wonderful day. :)  

Marianne 

If you want to take the next step toward eating disorder recovery and find out more about eating disorder treatment, ARFID, bulimia, binge eating or other eating disorders in San Diego, check out the resources on my website, including previous blog posts and my guest-speaking gigs on podcasts.

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