Imposter Syndrome: How to Overcome it.
Understanding Imposter Syndrome: A Path Toward Clarity and Hope
Imposter syndrome is something that affects many of us, regardless of profession or life stage. It’s that feeling of self-doubt the nagging belief that we’re not good enough and the fear of being exposed as frauds—despite clear evidence of our competence. Whether you're an executive, teacher, or a colleague, imposter syndrome can show up in a variety of ways, often making us question our accomplishments and abilities.
Five Types of Imposter Syndrome
Not everyone experiences imposter syndrome in the same way. Dr. Valerie Young, an expert on the subject, identified five common types of imposter syndrome:
The Perfectionist – You feel like anything less than perfect is a failure. Even small mistakes feel like proof that you’re not competent.
The Expert – You believe you must know everything before you can feel qualified. You might hesitate to speak up or act unless you're 100% sure.
The Soloist – You think you must do everything alone. Asking for help feels like a weakness or an admission of incompetence.
The Natural Genius – You believe that if something doesn't come easily, you must not be good enough. Struggling with a skill makes you doubt your intelligence or ability.
The Superhuman – You push yourself to work harder than everyone else to prove your worth. You constantly take on more to show you’re capable.
Understanding which type of imposter syndrome resonates with you can be the first step toward challenging those thoughts and developing a healthier perspective on success.
The Power of Shared Experiences
Imposter syndrome can feel isolating. When we’re caught in this cycle of doubt, it’s easy to think that we’re the only ones struggling. However, the reality is that many people—whether they're high achievers or just doing their best—experience these same feelings of inadequacy. This is why I’ve found that group supervision is such a valuable tool in normalizing the experience of imposter syndrome.
In group supervision, I see firsthand how the weight of isolation lifts when people realize they’re not alone. Sharing challenges and successes with others at a similar stage in life helps put fears into perspective. Those who participate often leave feeling lighter, more hopeful, and with a renewed sense of self-trust.
A 'Fire of Uncertainty'
In 2025, there's an increasing sense of uncertainty and fear around achievement. Many factors contribute to this—external pressures like the instability of the job market, societal expectations and internal pressures such as perfectionism and self-doubt. Together, they create what I call a "fire of uncertainty" that can feel overwhelming.
Whether it’s the fear of not being good enough or the pressure to succeed, the constant weight of these feelings can lead to burnout and anxiety. It’s crucial to recognize this cycle and begin to break it down. This is where grounding techniques come in.
Returning to What We 'Know'
One of the most effective ways to counter this feeling of uncertainty is by returning to what we know. Grounding techniques can provide a sense of stability amidst the chaos. Personally, I encourage my clients to "steal moments of peace" throughout their day—simply taking a few minutes to breathe, be mindful and reset.
These small moments can make a huge difference, helping us reconnect with ourselves, calm our minds and find clarity. When we give ourselves permission to pause, we allow space for fresh perspectives and importantly, a deeper understanding that we are capable of handling whatever comes our way.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Moving Forward with Hope
Imposter syndrome can be persistent, but it doesn’t have to define us. By understanding the different ways it manifests, connecting with others who share our struggles, using grounding techniques and remembering that we are not alone in our doubts, we can shift the narrative. We begin to move from a place of uncertainty and fear to one of clarity, hope and confidence.
If you’ve been feeling the weight of imposter syndrome, remember that it’s okay to take a step back, breathe and seek support. You are capable, you are enough and you have everything it takes to move forward.
As a Therapist and Professional Supervisor, I’ve seen many walk through the door with imposter syndrome. I have had it too. Talking it through with someone who ‘gets’ it is the first step to moving through it. If you need to chat- reach out today.