Imposter Syndrome

Living With Imposter Syndrome

Ever find yourself thinking…

“I don’t really deserve this.”
“People think I'm more capable than I am.”
“One day they’ll realise I’m not good enough.”

That’s imposter syndrome — the feeling that no matter how much you achieve, learn, or accomplish, it’s never quite enough… and that you're somehow “faking it.”

Many people experience this quietly, even those who seem confident, successful, and put together on the outside. Imposter feelings don’t mean you’re weak or incapable — they mean you’re human, and you care deeply about doing well.

What Imposter Syndrome Can Feel Like

It can look like:

Doubting your abilities, even when you have evidence you’re doing well

Comparing yourself to others constantly

Feeling like you “got lucky” rather than earned your success

Worrying others will “find out” you’re not as competent as they think

Struggling to accept compliments or praise

Overworking to prove yourself

Staying quiet or avoiding new opportunities out of fear


Imposter syndrome doesn’t show up because you’re not good enough —
it shows up because you have high expectations of yourself and don’t want to let others down.

Where It Often Comes From

These feelings can grow from:

High-achieving environments or families

Childhood pressure to be “good” or “capable”

Being praised for outcomes, not effort

Perfectionism and people-pleasing tendencies

Past criticism or a lack of emotional safety

Being the “first” to achieve something (e.g., first in family, new country, career change)

Neurodivergence and masking — feeling like you must “perform” to belong

Trauma or chronic stress

Imposter feelings often start as a way to protect yourself from disappointment, failure, or rejection.

What Helps

Counselling can help you:

Understand where these beliefs began

Recognise your strengths and achievements

Build confidence in your skills and identity

Develop kinder inner self-talk

Let go of perfectionism and self-pressure

Feel safe trusting yourself


We focus on replacing “I must prove myself” with “I belong, I am capable, and I deserve to be here.”

Small shifts can lead to powerful change.

A Gentle Truth

People who struggle with imposter syndrome are usually:

✨ Caring
✨ Capable
✨ Conscientious
✨ Reflective
✨ Trying their best

You don’t feel this way because you aren’t enough.
You feel this way because you already are enough — and your brain hasn't caught up yet.


You Deserve to Feel Capable in Your Own Life

Your achievements aren’t accidents.
Your place isn’t a mistake.
You are allowed to take up space, succeed, and feel proud of yourself.

And if you’re still learning to believe that — that's okay.

You don’t have to face these feelings alone. With support, self-compassion, and time, your inner critic can soften, and your confidence can grow.

You deserve to feel like you belong — because you do. 💛