By: Tania Pollard, MACP
What do people really think of therapists? Do they wonder if therapists can read minds? Or if they are truly being non-judgemental? Perhaps they ask themselves if the process will even be helpful? Or, to the other extreme, that therapists have all the answers, knowledge, and expertise.
While the latter could certainly be considered a compliment, it is also an expectation that can add to the pressure of a therapist’s role and feed the beliefs of incompetency, leading to doubts about their own professional capabilities.
One particular article considers six components of Imposter Syndrome in individuals/professionals:
- Self-doubt, and anxiety that their previous achievements and successes are unable to be replicated.
- A desire to be the best, and an inability to recognize their strengths when this is not accomplished.
- Perfectionism
- Avoidance of circumstances where they might not meet their expectations of success for fear of feeling ashamed.
- Unable to receive compliments relating to their work, and capabilities, out of denial.
- Feeling guilty about actually being successful due to the potential repercussions of social/cultural stigma.
Despite the years of training and experience, every new client is different from the last which means so is their treatment plan. So, while a therapist may recognize, based on past clients and expertise, the most effective approach to support the presenting concerns it may not always render a similar positive result. Of course, there are a number of factors that may impact this and yet it can still lead to self doubt, or an idea that they lack the skills to do their job well. Some therapists may feel that the pressure to prove their competence and confidence is always lingering in the background.
It’s not just an unmatched past experience that could lead a therapist to believe they are not competent at their job, but a combination of experiences and perceived failures when treatment may not have gone to plan. Perhaps the client’s readiness for treatment played a significant role, or differing personalities between the client and the therapist. A fragile therapeutic relationship, or just circumstances that were not within anyone’s control could also impact and shift the therapeutic journey. When compounded, it may be enough to welcome the Imposter Syndrome to rear its ugly head!
So, an awareness of Imposter Syndrome is important given that the six components listed above can be experienced by any working professional. For the therapist, some of the techniques they support their clients with may be helpful to tackle the unhelpful beliefs (such as reframing thoughts, acknowledgement and self-validation, and unconditional positive regard). Additionally, seeking support and consultation from team members can help validate and normalize some of the challenges that come with their role so that they can continue to provide effective treatment to clients with confidence.
Article source: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10591-021-09580-y