Imposter Syndrome: Do I Belong Here?: Andrew Schreier

The Challenge of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome⁵ is defined as “a behavioral health phenomenon described as self-doubt of intellect, skills, or accomplishments among high-achieving individuals.” It is an internal experience of believing you are not as competent as others perceive you to be. It often manifests as chronic self-doubt, fear of failure, and attributing success to external factors rather than personal ability. Though initially identified in high-achieving women, Imposter Syndrome affects people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds.

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of Imposter Syndrome:

• Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards and berating oneself for falling short.
• Comparison Culture: Constantly measuring one’s achievements against the curated successes of peers.
• Societal Expectations: Pressures to excel, often exacerbated by systemic biases that question the legitimacy of underrepresented individuals in certain fields.

The impact of Imposter Syndrome can be profound. It often leads to:

• Anxiety and depression.
• Reluctance to seek opportunities or promotions, leading to career stagnation.
• Overworking to “prove” oneself, which can result in burnout.
• Difficulty trusting others, including mentors or colleagues, due to fears of being judged.
• Procrastination or avoidance of tasks to delay the possibility of failure.
• Impaired decision-making, driven by a lack of confidence in one’s judgment.
• Diminished satisfaction with personal and professional achievements, as successes are undervalued or dismissed.

Despite its challenges, addressing Imposter Syndrome can lead to significant personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose. Understanding its roots and effects is the first step toward overcoming it.

My Experience Tackling Imposter Syndrome

My journey with Imposter Syndrome began with a harsh realization: I was my own worst critic. No matter how much positive feedback I received from others, I dismissed it as unwarranted. I started as a counselor working directly with those impacted by substance use. Earlier in my career, people would often ask if I had lived experience. This ranged from individuals in treatment, colleagues, supervisors, and other professionals. 

Even after working as a licensed counselor for several years, I questioned whether I could be of any service in the field without the experience. When I was initially introduced to doing counseling for those impacted by gambling I actually hesitated to pursue it further. I thought, “If I don’t belong in substance use because of lack of lived experience then I won’t belong in gambling either. I need to wait until I know my place here.” And so I did. I waited a few more years before deciding to specialize in gambling counseling.  

For years, I continued to feel like I didn’t belong in the helping profession because of lack of lived experience. I avoided talking about it and relied heavily on my training, academic focus, and most importantly, what I learned from those sitting in the room with me who shared their struggles and challenges. One particular moment brought the focus of tackling imposter syndrome head on when I became a licensed clinical supervisor.

Now, I was working to help others develop as counselors and noticed many of them struggled with feeling like they were an imposter. They questioned whether they belonged in the field despite their academic success, obtaining licenses, receiving proper supervision, and ongoing training development. When I began working with larger organizations I also saw it in other roles I interacted with: front desk staff, clinic managers, and nurses.  

A substance use professional with no experience using substances. A licensed professional counselor with their own history of mental health issues. A peer support specialist working their own recovery program. A marriage and family therapist who is currently dealing with their own separation from their spouse. A nutritionist who continues to have their own challenges with food consumption. An administrative staff member who started working at the front desk. The core question many of these professionals will have when it comes to their role is, “Do I belong here?” 

People questioned their place in the field they have passionately chosen to be a part of with a fear that they would be discovered as a fraud because of lacking “perfection.” As helping professionals, we viewed ourselves as needing to have the lived experience, having no issues with mental health, a perfect marriage or relationship, and ultimately having all the answers to life’s questions. It doesn’t help when others say, “you are a counselor; don’t you know everything” or “you are a marriage therapist; so you must have a perfect marriage.”

Through these experiences, I’ve learned that I was not the only one questioning my belonging in this profession of helping others. There were friends, colleagues, and others who I assumed knew their place and felt confident in what they were doing. It was comforting to know that I was not alone; and these experiences led me to addressing it head on for myself and those I was supervising.  

Solutions Based on My Expertise

Addressing Imposter Syndrome requires a combination of introspection, external support, and actionable strategies. Here are the approaches I’ve found most effective, both personally and professionally:

1. Reframe Negative Thought Patterns

Our thoughts shape our reality. By identifying and challenging irrational beliefs, we can begin to shift our mindset. For example:

• Replace “I only succeeded because of luck.” with “My hard work and skills contributed to this success.”
• Use evidence-based thinking: List your accomplishments and the specific actions that led to them.

2. Embrace Vulnerability and Open Conversations

Sharing feelings of self-doubt can be liberating. In my counseling sessions, I’ve seen how group discussions help individuals realize they’re not alone in their struggles. Similarly, being open with colleagues about Imposter Syndrome can foster connection and mutual support.

3. Cultivate Self-Compassion

Perfectionism and self-criticism often go hand in hand with Imposter Syndrome. Learning to treat oneself with kindness—as you would a close friend—can counteract these tendencies. For instance, rather than dwelling on a mistake, focus on what can be learned from it and how it contributes to growth.

4. Seek Professional Guidance

Therapeutic modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are effective in addressing the underlying thought patterns associated with Imposter Syndrome. As a counselor, I’ve seen how these approaches help clients build confidence and resilience.

5. Celebrate Achievements: Big and Small

Taking time to acknowledge accomplishments, no matter how minor they seem, can help build a sense of competence. Keeping a “success journal” to document wins is a practical way to reinforce positive self-perception. One important area of development for me was recognizing why some teammates and colleagues didn’t like public celebrations.  

If someone is struggling with Imposter Syndrome, celebrating them publicly casts more light on their performance. If they are worried about being discovered as a fraud, the spotlight will likely cause more distress. It does not mean we can’t celebrate the success of others. We should focus more on understanding how individuals like to be celebrated and even exploring that for ourselves.  

Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Imposter Syndrome is a deeply ingrained challenge for many, but it is not insurmountable. By recognizing its presence, sharing experiences, and implementing effective strategies, we can begin to dismantle the self-doubt that holds us back.

Looking ahead, I envision a world where conversations about Imposter Syndrome become more normalized, reducing the stigma and isolation it often brings. In my work, I plan to continue exploring this topic through counseling sessions, podcast discussions, and professional presentations, offering tools and insights to empower individuals to embrace their worth.

If you’re struggling with Imposter Syndrome, remember: You are not alone. Your feelings, while valid, do not define your value or capabilities. With time, effort, and support, you can overcome self-doubt and step into the confidence you deserve. Do you belong here? We are all a part of the card-carrying human race. It’s our connection with one another that makes a great impact on our ability to help and be present for someone.