The 3 Factors Beneath Imposter Syndrome | Trauma Therapists

I want to share something with you from my Trauma Therapist Consultation group from the other day that I found really interesting. I don't usually share what happens in the groups, but this feels important.

During the call, we ended up talking about "imposter syndrome", which isn't something we often discuss in the field as experts. One of the therapists there, an invited speaker at an upcoming conference, shared about having moments of feeling unqualified, questioning her expertise [which, to the rest of us, is solidly impressive].

Do Experienced Trauma Therapists experience Imposer Syndrome?

You know, being in the field for over a decade, I wasn't surprised because I hear this a lot, especially in my 15-minute consultation calls with therapists wanting to join Cohort training.

And it got me thinking… “Don't we all experience imposter syndrome? And isn't there something good about that humility?

I mean, sometimes these feelings actually show us where we need to grow. Like, the people I talk to who want to join our Trauma Cohort Training, are already checked into knowing they need more skills. They just need someone in their corner to offer support & clinical guidance.

But here's what I’d like for you to know... 

there's a real difference between imposter syndrome and being aware of areas where you need to grow.

And there are a few important things beneath imposter syndrome that I think you'd find interesting.

Before I share the 3 factors beneath imposter syndrome, first, I want to talk about why it's super important for us to understand what's really going on beneath impostor syndrome, especially as therapists. Because, you know, everything we feel kind of shows up in our work with clients.

I think when we get clear on what we're actually feeling, it helps us not get stuck. And you know how it is - so many of us end up feeling held back, professionally, because of imposter syndrome.

So, here are the 3 things I've noticed that are really beneath impostor syndrome:

First —>> not having good support and consultation.

Do you know that when we, therapists, work in isolation or have limited access to peer consultation, we’re more vulnerable to imposter feelings? I have been there. 

Without a support system, we privately struggle with difficult cases and tend to question our interventions and clinical judgment. Our clients feel that insecurity and as a result,  feel less confident in working with us. They need to feel clarity and confidence. 

Second —->> lack of training.

You know how it is when you're working with complex cases or something new comes up - if you don't have enough training, it can feel really overwhelming. Especially with all the new research and treatment approaches coming out, particularly in areas like trauma work.

And the third thing —>> expecting yourself to be somewhere you're not yet.

Like, we put these huge expectations on ourselves about how expert we should be, even when we're actually making good progress.

These are the factors beneath imposter syndrome that drive insecurity and self-doubt.

But here's what I've seen that's really amazing…

when you have an expert in your corner and you're working with other skilled therapists who support you AND also push you to grow, all that insecurity just... dissolves. And real confidence takes its place.

That's what makes having a strong professional community so powerful.

What do you think? How does this resonate with you?

In your corner, 

Esther Goldstein

P.S. When you’re ready, Cohort Training is still open for you. Fill out the application form to join now and you’ll also get a 15-minute consultation call with me.

Want to ask questions about Cohort Training? Book a free 15-minute call with me here.