Impostor Syndrome
Impostor Syndrome and Anxiety
Impostor syndrome is the persistent feeling that your achievements, success, or abilities are not truly deserved, despite evidence to the contrary. People experiencing impostor syndrome often believe they have only succeeded due to luck, timing, or external factors, rather than their own skills, effort, or competence.
Many individuals with impostor syndrome live with an ongoing fear of being "found out" or exposed as inadequate, even when they are performing well and receiving positive feedback from others. These feelings can occur in many areas of life, including work, study, relationships, parenting, or personal achievements.
Impostor syndrome can affect people at any stage of life and is particularly common among high-achieving individuals who place significant pressure on themselves to succeed. It is often associated with perfectionism, self-doubt, fear of failure, and a tendency to compare oneself to others.
Over time, impostor syndrome can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, burnout, reduced confidence, and difficulty recognising or celebrating personal accomplishments.
Therapy can help you overcome persistent self-doubt, build confidence in your abilities, and develop a more balanced and realistic view of your achievements and strengths.
Signs of Impostor Syndrome
Persistent self-doubt: Frequently questioning your abilities, competence, or achievements despite evidence of success. This ongoing fear can create significant anxiety, particularly in work, academic, or social settings.
Attributing success to external factors: Believing your accomplishments are due to luck, timing, or help from others rather than your own efforts.
Fear of being exposed: Worrying that others will discover you are not as capable as they think you are. Many become highly focused on avoiding mistakes or appearing inadequate which lead to excessive worrying, overthinking, and feeling constantly "on edge."
Perfectionism and high self-expectations: Setting unrealistically high standards and being highly critical of mistakes or perceived shortcomings.
Difficulty accepting praise: Dismissing compliments, positive feedback, or achievements and focusing instead on what could have been done better.
Overworking or avoiding challenges: Feeling the need to constantly prove yourself through excessive effort, or avoiding opportunities due to fear of failure. This often reinforces both anxiety and impostor feelings over time.
How can a Psychologist help?
Working with a qualified psychologist can help you understand the underlying beliefs and patterns that contribute to impostor syndrome. Therapy provides a supportive space to explore self-doubt, perfectionism, and unrealistic expectations, while developing a more balanced and compassionate view of yourself and your achievements.
Treatment may focus on challenging unhelpful thinking patterns, building self-confidence, managing fear of failure, and learning to recognise and acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments. Through therapy, many people develop a stronger sense of self-worth and become better able to trust in their own abilities and successes.
If this resonates with you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You are welcome to make an enquiry at any time to explore how Natalie may be able to support you.
You can complete the enquiry form below with any questions or details about your situation, and Natalie will get back to you to arrange a 15 minute phone call if needed, or to answer any questions you may have.
Alternatively, you can book directly through Halaxy at a time that suits you.
Get in Touch
Needing support with impostor syndrome?
Enquire now and Natalie will get back to you as soon as possible.
Appointments are available in person in Camberwell or via Telehealth for your convenience.
You’re welcome to submit an enquiry form with any questions or concerns, and Natalie will respond to discuss how she may be able to support you or to arrange a suitable time to connect.
Alternatively, you can book directly through Halaxy below at a time that works for you.