At some point in your trauma niching journey, you will face impostor syndrome. Many, if not all of us, will face the syndrome repeatedly.  It may show up as a fear that you do not know what you are doing, or you may worry that someone will discover you are not who you say you are as a professional.  Impostor syndrome is normal, I would even say, a predictable part of the journey.  It is not if it will happen, but rather when it will happen.

Impostor syndrome is the feeling that you are a fraud when you really are not.  I have talked with other trauma therapists who report feeling like they do not have the tools needed to assist clients in accomplishing their goals, but after further conversation, they identify training they have taken and multiple books they have read on the topic.  They also identify their passion, deep respect, and concern for their client, which have all been deemed important to the healing process of survivors of trauma.  I realize while talking to them, that they have what it takes and they are fully prepared.  They are just combating impostor syndrome.

I am not passing judgment on my fellow colleagues, because no matter how far along I get in my trauma niche journey I deal with impostor syndrome.  I remember my first encounter.   It was when I was assigned my first client in graduate school.  I constantly questioned myself wondering if I had what it took to help this client or if they would discover that I did not know anything.  Looking back the truth was I had what it took to help them.  I had received a bachelor’s degree in Human Services Counseling and I had taken a semester of graduate school coursework.  I knew some things.  I had to learn how to quickly identify impostor syndrome, remember my accomplishments, and walk in my most confident self to combat the syndrome.  Having these tools did not make me immune to impostor syndrome because I still contend with it a couple of times a year, but it has helped me fight back.  Below is an overview of what I have learned along the way that can help you too.

Identify It: Many of us have heard the first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem.  Identify that the negative self-talk, second-guessing your skill set, and feeling completely incompetent as clear signs of impostor syndrome. Quickly identifying where the symptoms are coming from helps you deal with the root of the issue and stop it from becoming a bigger problem.  Take time to learn your warning signs for impostor syndrome, so you can quickly identify them the next time you start feeling like a fraud as a trauma therapist.

Remember Your Accomplishments: Take time to remind yourself of the education, postgraduate training, and experience you have.  This is another key to overcoming impostor syndrome.  The brain is designed to focus on the negative, it is a way to keep you safe.  Intentionally remind yourself of the accomplishments you have and how those achievements equip you to meet the needs of your clients. Take some time and write down what you have done thus far to prepare as a trauma therapist.  Use this list to remind yourself the next time you deal with impostor syndrome.

Develop Your Confident Self:  Once you have identified the impostor syndrome and reminded yourself of your accomplishments it is important to walk in your most confident self.  We all have a part of us that feels most confident.  Some people’s confident part is well developed, while others could use some attention.  Use your imagination and see yourself doing things that make you feel confident and competent.  It could be treating a client, or it could be something completely different.  The more you can create this image and get to know this part of yourself the more it will be valuable to you when you are faced with overcoming impostor syndrome.   Being able to connect with the most confident part of yourself and embodying that part helps you to feel less overwhelmed by the impostor syndrome.

Impostor syndrome is a common part of the trauma niching journey.  It will come and go, but it does not mean you have to be held hostage by it when it shows up.  Taking time to learn your warning signs, having a list of accomplishment you can refer to, and being well connected to your most confident part are all ways to fight against and overcome the impostor syndrome.   You can do it.  Fight back!

Comment Below: What situations, as a trauma therapist, trigger the impostor syndrome for you?