Imposter Syndrome as a Therapist

As a therapist, it is hard to not feel as though sometimes you are at a masquerade ball and are wearing a mask that hides who you are, your qualifications, and your expertise.

From the outside, you are a qualified therapist. From the inside, you may feel as though you are not qualified enough to be one.

You may struggle with intrusive thoughts that whisper “Are you really qualified to be a therapist?” or “Why should your clients listen to you?” or even “What makes you qualified to help this individual?”

Hello, Imposter Syndrome.

If you suffer from Imposter Syndrome as a therapist, you are not alone.

The reason being, therapists are human too! Feelings of unworthiness and incompetence are natural human emotions that we have all experienced at some point in our lives and certainly do not mean they are truthful.

Now, given the impact of Imposter Syndrome and how some of the feelings associated with this condition can be quite debilitating to our mental health, the question is, how can you overcome Imposter Syndrome as a therapist?

Let’s explore the steps to overcoming it, together!

Address The Root of The Experience

The first step to overcoming the feelings and thoughts associated with Imposter Syndrome is to address and acknowledge it. Imposter Syndrome is not a condition that is continuously prevalent in our lives. It comes and goes, and shows up at unexpected times.

Therefore, it is important to address and acknowledge the moments where you feel most like an “imposter” as a therapist. Examine the instances when you feel as though it is difficult to be a supportive therapeutic professional. Is it when you are working with a specific client condition? Is it when you are doing your notes at the end of the day?

Understanding the root of the feeling will help you to implement strategies and tools to overcome this (very) human experience!

It’s important to acknowledge the moments where you feel like an “imposter” the most.

Examine the instances when you feel as though it is difficult to be a supportive therapeutic professional. Is it when you are working with a specific client condition? Is it when you are doing your notes at the end of the day?

Accept It

At the end of the day, regardless of the little nagging voice whispering in your ear, you are a qualified therapist. You have the experience, and have done the work, and no one can tell you differently.

It is hard to ignore the whispering voice in your ear, but reminding yourself of the fact that you are qualified and are a therapist for a reason, will help you to accept Imposter Syndrome (and eventually embrace it!).

Overcoming the emotions and experiences associated with Imposter Syndrome is not a matter of curing it. It is a process that requires investigating and challenging it to reduce its impact on your work, and accepting its very minimal role in your life.

Be Forgiving with Yourself

Part of accepting that you experience Imposter Syndrome, is also to be more forgiving yourself. With your qualifications and experience, it is common to feel as though you should know all of the answers for your clients. However, nobody knows everything about each condition and illness (even therapists!).

Not having the answer for your client is a part of being a therapist. None of us have all of the answers–and we shouldn’t.

At the end of the day, mistakes and feeling lost in your profession are inevitable. One mistake does not mean you are underqualified or an imposter. It means you are human! Be forgiving with yourself, a little leniency can go a long way.

Seek Additional Support

If Imposter Syndrome has been affecting your life in a way that feels as though it is impacting your profession and your mental health, it is important to lean on the support of external resources.

Engaging in clinical consultation and finding your own therapist can offer you support in a way that is affirming, reassuring and encouraging. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to remind you of your qualifications and accomplishments. Sometimes all it takes is someone to listen to you.

It can be comforting to know you're not alone and to learn about the methods other therapists have taken to tackle their own Imposter Syndrome experiences.

Find a Community with Therapy Homeroom

Experiencing Imposter Syndrome as a therapist is often overwhelming, but it doesn’t mean you have to live with it.

At Therapy Homeroom, you can lean on the resources and tools provided to better cope with Imposter Syndrome.

You’ve got this!