A Therapist's Guide to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Tired of that almost constant voice in the back of your mind that fills you with self doubt? The one that says, “who are you to start a business?” or “ooof — you really think you can charge as much as that girl?” Join the club. We all experience imposter syndrome and try so hard to beat it, but maybe that’s part of the problem… In this episode, I get to have a super insightful conversation with therapist, life coach, & podcast host, Devoney Kodad. Consider this a therapist’s guide to overcoming imposter syndrome!

What is Imposter Syndrome?

Because everyone knows I love to dig into the root cause of any problem, that’s where this episode starts! I immediately ask what imposter syndrome really is and why it pops up in our mind at what seems like the most inopportune time!

Devoney breaks down what’s actually going on in our brain and a few different reasons someone might be flooded with self-doubt. We also dive into why it seems to impact female entrepreneurs so prevalently!

Does Social Media Make Imposter Syndrome Worse?

Okay, you don’t have to be a therapist to know the answer to this one. That said, it is helpful to know why it’s happening and honestly… it’s actually for your own good! “We have an innate desire, or need, for us to be part of a community, so that comparison is somewhat built in for that. And at the same time can go into an unhealthy space when comparison is creating really unhelpful thoughts.”

We unpack what it means to want to belong and fit in and how it doesn’t have to mean losing yourself in the process.

How Can We Handle Self-Doubt When It Comes Up?

It may sound a bit contradictory to what you think she’d say, but the way to minimize imposter syndrome may actually be to stop shoving it down.

“When the imposter syndrome comes up, many of us have built these really strong patterns of ‘I need to question it. I need to doubt it. I need to push it away.’ But when we start to just notice it, maybe say, ‘it’s okay that you’re here.’ Take a couple of breaths. Ask what do I want to do here anyways if this is not in the driver’s seat? We’re changing the way we’re interacting with it. What we’ll find over time is that we’ve built up a new pattern of ‘oh – it’s cool. You’re okay to be here.’ And then it tends to get a little quieter!”