Is your impostor syndrome in the way of your confidence?
As a clinician, you’re a bright, intelligent and talented human. You’ve worked so hard to become a therapist. You can sail through your client sessions, as long as there is no conflict. You don’t like conflict, so you struggle hard when you’re faced with it. You’d rather avoid it at “all costs.”
I know that not all of us came from families, that modeled healthy self esteem and confidence. Some of us had caregivers that were self critical and they didn’t believe that were ever “good enough.” So it’s no wonder we can fall vulnerable to impostor syndrome, and feel like a fraud, especially when we make mistakes in sessions. We’ll do everything we can to hide how we really feel about ourselves, by “trying harder.” This cycle only enables our perfectionism and prevents us from building our confidence.
Clinicians who suffer with impostor syndrome, experience the following: constant self doubt, low self confidence, disregarding their accomplishments, experience ongoing anxiety and even depression, they constantly compare themselves to their Colleagues and strive for perfectionism. I understand this all too well. I spent a large part of my mental health career as an “impostor.” I never felt like I was a good enough therapist. When clients would push back on my boundaries, my confidence would crumble and I felt exposed. It took a lot of self growth work, with admitting how I really felt about myself. I learned how to embrace and accept myself, just as I am. This was my turning point, which started my healing journey. This is why I enjoy supporting Clinicians, so you too can work on your impostor syndrome, by building your confidence and setting boundaries with your toughest clients.
Here’s 3 tips to overcome impostor syndrome:
Acknowledge and normalize how you’re feeling. Remind yourself that it’s common for therapists to feel like an impostor. Remind yourself that your self doubt, doesn’t make you less effective as a therapist.
Practice self compassion. Be kind to yourself and avoid harsh self criticism. Allow yourself to grow and learn as a therapist.
Seek out support from your peers. You’re not alone in this. Support provides you with validation and feedback, to encourage you.
You can work through your impostor syndrome, to be confident and to feel good enough. You can also unlearn the behaviors and mindset that was passed down from past generations. But you can’t do this alone. Reach out to your support network, or those you trust.