Imposter Syndrome Amongst Allied Health Professionals

Yes, that's right! 

Allied health professionals can have imposter syndrome. In fact, many of us do......

What???? Allied health professionals can have imposter syndrome?!?

The answer is an absolute and resounding YES!!!

 If you are a health professional and have experienced imposter syndrome, or don’t even know what it is, then this read is for you.
 
Some of my most accomplished colleagues, friends, supervisees and associates have stories roaming around in their minds that can go a little like this; “you don’t know what you’re doing”, “you’re a fraud, an imposter”, “You shouldn’t get paid for THAT”, “You’ll get laughed at, found out”, “You don’t help anyone”, “You’re not good enough, destined to fail”. And so on, and so on………..

As a psychologist in private practice, I have had the honour and privilege of supervising and supporting GP’s, psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, social workers and nurses. The nature of their work requires regular supervision to prevent burnout, enhance professional development and, of course, provide a safe and confidential space for self-reflection and internal learning.
 
One topic of conversation that often comes up – from new graduates to highly experienced therapists - is that of the “imposter syndrome”. As noted above, the Imposter Syndrome refers to that internal self-critic, sometimes experienced as maladaptive thinking that focuses on professional identity and fears of self-doubt and inadequacy.

​Imposter syndrome can present in many a guise and shows up in unique ways for those I work with. For some it can be an annoying self-doubt, niggling away in the back of their mind, whilst for others it can be professionally debilitating and lead to great emotional distress. The imposter syndrome has the potential to stop a person from reaching their full potential, dreams and goals, can lead to chronic burnout, poor relationships and career self-sabotage. When the self-critic flares up, it can create a mental barrier to confidence, self-esteem, joy and professional fulfillment.
 
So……... Here Are My Top Tips For Managing Imposter Syndrome.

1. Raise internal awareness. Start to notice your own thoughts around inferiority and what patterns, tones and words your mind uses to make you feel like an imposter.
   
2. Journal them down so you can become clear on how your own mind stories work  
3. Recognise how they make you feel. This way, you can become attuned to your thoughts by noticing how you feel and vice versa. This also builds self-awareness and insight.
   
4. Start to understand and raise awareness about your meta-cognitions. Meta-cognitions are the thoughts we have about our thoughts. Sometimes we know what we are thinking, we are aware that our mind is making us feel like an imposter, we know we are self-doubting, putting ourselves down, or focusing on the negative but we can’t stop. What we think ABOUT ourselves for having these thoughts can be just as damaging as the original thoughts. For example, “I can’t believe I’m having these thoughts again”, “I wish they’d just shut up and go away”, “I’m such a loser because I can’t get rid of these thoughts”, “What is wrong with me?”.  
5. THE WAY WE RESPOND TO THE THOUGHTS may be more the issue than actually having them. The more we berate ourselves for having the thoughts, the greater the likelihood that the self-critical mindset will be amplified. So, what we think about what we are thinking about, can exacerbate the internal emotional state attached to the experience.
   
6. Learn to DETACH from the negative self-talk. When we become aware that we are experiencing the imposters self-critic, learn to use simple mindful exercises. One such exercise that can help is using external stimuli to allow us to “get out of our heads” and connect to the external reality of the world around us. Focus on the experiences of the five senses in that moment; what can we see, taste, hear, smell and touch? Even though the exercises may be simple, it may not be so when we are having a difficult time. Practice these often so when you need them you can use them.  
7. Treat our thoughts as STORIES rather than FACTS. Our thoughts are based on our own experiences, perceptions and inter-generational patterns. We learn to believe in the truth of our thinking however, if the thoughts do not serve a positive purpose in your life or help you to live your best version of self, then practice changing them and the beliefs that underpin them.  
   
8. Build a catalogue of your unique strengths, abilities and characteristics so when your mind is giving you a hard time and putting you down, you can easily access them. Write them on cards, practice saying them as affirmations, write them on a screen saver or on your phone. Learn to believe in yourself and your gifts (because we all have them!).  
9. Ask for feedback and honest discussion if the self-doubt continues to re-emerge. Seek out good supervision with a trusted mentor, professional or colleague. Build trust in that relationship and share your self-doubts and imposter stories with them. They should be able to help you analyse them and gain clarity.
   
10. Be curious about your own personal imposter syndrome stories. Once you have gained awareness of them, begin to question them. How true are these stories? Where are the facts? Do some empty chair work (pretend you are talking to yourself) from an external point of view.  
11. Become aware of the physiological signs you experience when the imposter syndrome flares up. Tightness in shoulders, sweaty palms, rapid breathing, “fuzzy” thinking etc, can alert you to the layers of maladaptive thinking you may be engaged in which can help to raise awareness and create distance from them.  
    
12. Be pragmatic, take responsibility and own your imperfections. If you genuinely aren’t good at something, own it. Be transparent and honest about this. You aren’t perfect, and nor should you expect yourself to be. Taking responsibility for weaknesses, playing to strengths and owning vulnerabilities is an important part of being a good therapist. Knowing when we lack experience or knowledge- and being transparent about this – is good practice.
    
13. Above all, be self-compassionate. No good comes from self-deprecation. Evaluate, analyse, question and take responsibility for your shortcomings but do it kindly, with self-respect and compassion. Just like you would do with others.  

 
Know that you are not alone in experiencing the “imposter syndrome”. It is common and it’s a thing. Working on understanding, raising consciousness and moving through the layers is possible with practice and persistence.
 
The Author
Rebecca Pearce is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience, a board-approved psychology supervisor, and the practice owner of a private mental health practice, Berwick Psychology & Hypnosis. She has a passion for supervising other therapists working with adult mental health and wellbeing and has a special interest in the areas of eating disorders, health psychology, behaviour change, alcohol and drug addiction and personality disorders.