Working with imposter syndrome

ABOUT THE EPISODE

What we cover

Dr Jill Stoddard brings an ACT perspective to imposter syndrome and the ways therapists can respond to self-doubt.

• Understanding the imposter phenomenon
• Psychological flexibility
• Responding to self-doubt
• Acting in line with values

What keeps the imposter phenomenon going?

Dr Jill Stoddard brings an ACT perspective to the self-doubt that can appear even when a person has real evidence of their competence. Efforts to eliminate uncertainty completely may keep attention fixed on proving, checking or avoiding being found out.

Understanding the imposter phenomenon does not require arguing the person out of every doubtful thought. The conversation instead considers how the struggle with those thoughts may narrow behaviour and pull somebody away from what matters to them.

How can psychological flexibility change the response to self-doubt?

Psychological flexibility creates room to notice self-doubt without allowing it to make every decision. A therapist can help the client recognise the internal experience, reconnect with their values and consider what useful action remains possible while uncertainty is present.

This is not about pretending confidence or pushing through regardless of context. Values-guided action needs to be workable and chosen, with space to learn from what happens rather than using the outcome as another verdict on whether the person belongs.

Related listening: If self-doubt is appearing alongside exhaustion or overload, listen to Burnout in Therapists for early warning signs and ways to respond before crisis.