Do you find yourself constantly stressing about what others think of you? Are these self conscious thoughts and emotions preventing you from feeling confident? Does this inner voice make you react or behave in an unfavorable way? You are not alone. Imposter syndrome is not a medical condition but is a syndrome many individuals suffer with. In fact, when people are in a transitional phase in their life, like starting a new job, finishing school, attending college, imposter syndrome is more frequent.
Hello, my name is Grace Akopyan, I am a Licensed Therapist and a Therapy Professor at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education (GSEP) and founder of Therapy with Grace. this might come to a surprise, but I struggled with Imposter syndrome at one point in my life. Back in the day when I was in my Master's program at Pepperdine University studying to be a therapist, I remember feeling very overwhelmed and like I was not “good enough” to see clients. As a student, you are required to conduct therapy to individuals, children, couples and adults prior to graduation. I remember feeling very stressed out and having this inner thought in my head. This inner critic found in imposter syndrome kept telling me I was not ready to help others during my first session. I remember battling with this imposter syndrome voice in my head telling me to stop and give up while my conscious self was directing me to suppress my emotions because the session is not about me! This might seem a bit confusing but in simple terms, I was mentally in conflict with myself. When I spoke to my fellow classmates in the GSEP program, they reassured me that they felt similarly and that it was normal. Although I was reassured by them at the time, it did not make my sessions easier. It is nice to hear others empathize and understand your struggles but what I needed at the time was guidance on how to stop these thoughts when I was in session.
Since then, I have worked with multiple clients who struggle with imposter syndrome and as a psychotherapist in the Glendale , Los Angeles, California area, I came up with a 3 step process to help anyone in this scenario.
One way to stop your imposter syndrome is to acknowledge that this is really happening to you and name it. Therapy with Grace can help you with naming your inner critic. Let's use Bob for example. Bob is the imposter syndrome critic that makes you doubt yourself. Every time Bob comes up, know you are not yourself because I might be second guessing myself, putting myself down or a bit more emotional and not rational than your true self.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and be vulnerable. At Therapy with Grace we want you to know that help doesn’t always need to come from a work colleague, it could come from an external person such as a friend, mentor or professional counselor or psychotherapist.
Lastly and final way is to own it and give yourself credit for it. This can feel uncomfortable or unnatural to many of us but take credit where it is due and stop minimizing your abilities! Therapy with Grace can help you with building your self esteem to minimize the imposter syndrome you feel.
I remember when I was in session and Bob was present, my imposter syndrome would tell me that I am not worth paying attention to. I had to learn how to silence Bob and remind myself of all the training that I have gone through. Think about a time someone paid you a compliment about your capabilities and how that actually proves your assumption of not being good enough wrong.
You do not have to go through this alone, Therapy with Grace is here to help. Booking an individual therapy session can help you get back on track and finally feel in charge of your life. Schedule a complimentary mini session with me to see if I will be a good fit for you.
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