by Kayla Keller, LCSW
“We can’t all be imposters, can we?”-Dr. Jessamy Hibberd
“I can’t write a blog”. That is the first thought I had when sitting down to write this. “People read the blogs of famous-changing the game type therapists, not me”. That was my second.
According to the American Psychological Association 82% of people know what I am talking about: Imposter Syndrome.
That feeling that you are a fraud or you have not earned what you achieved. I have worked hard since I left high school to achieve this career. I work hard to connect with my clients and care immensely about them. I know all this, but sit down to write a blog ,and it blinks away in an instant. Have you ever felt this way?
How can you combat this feeling?
1. Talk about it! You are not alone in this feeling. When you start talking about it, you often find yourselves hearing the truth as you share it to others. This imposter syndrome is not the truth. You are competent.
2. Examine the evidence: What are the facts? What hard work have you put in to get yourself to this point?
3. Be compassionate with yourself. You are not perfect, and you probably have stumbled and struggled to get where you are. You are constantly learning and getting better and that is okay.
4. Try some positive affirmations: I am a great *insert role here*, I achieved *insert achievement here*. Not only does this boost confidence, but it is a great way to remind yourself of what you have already accomplished.
