Therapy for Imposter Syndrome and Persistent Feelings of Inadequacy
Assisting Driven Professionals and Students in New York
When Success Doesn’t Silence Self-Doubt
Despite how hard certain individuals work, and how much they achieve, they continuously experience a powerful internal voice: “You’re still not good enough, and you only got this far by accident. You don’t belong.” For many objectively competent professionals and students, these persistent experiences of inadequacy also involve anxiety about others discovering their imagined incompetence; this pattern is commonly known as “imposter syndrome.”
Without effective coping strategies, persistent experiences of inadequacy and imposter syndrome can fuel perfectionistic overcompensation, burnout, chronic stress, and professional identity confusion. Therapy offers a space to learn effective skills to navigate these beliefs, understand their origins, and develop a more grounded and compassionate relationship with your personal and professional identities.
Common Signs and Symptoms of “Imposter Syndrome” and Persistent Feelings of Inadequacy
Persistent self-doubt despite a record of success and accomplishments.
Discounting or downplaying success and accomplishments as being due to luck, timing, others’ misperceptions, or external factors.
Difficulty internalizing accomplishments or accepting praise.
Fear of being “found out” or exposed as incompetent.
A constant sense that you’re falling short of expectations.
Comparing yourself unfavorably to peers or colleagues.
Schedule a free 20-minute initial consultation to learn more about our services and how we can support you in achieving your mental wellness goals.
Ways Treatment Can Help
Although therapy should always be custom tailored to your unique needs and preferences, the following treatment goals are common among individuals struggling with “imposter syndrome” and persistent feelings of inadequacy:
Identifying internalized beliefs that fuel self-doubt and experiencing of inadequacy and learning skills to more effectively navigate them.
Interrupting patterns of self-sabotage related to such beliefs.
Building emotional resilience in the face of criticism, mistakes, or perceived failure.
Learning to more mindfully internalize success and accept positive feedback.
Schedule a free 20-minute initial consultation to learn more about our services and how we can support you in achieving your mental wellness goals.