Vision Psychology Brisbane

Open 6 Days - Wishart Psychologist & Counselling Centre

Coping Strategies for Imposter Syndrome

Are you a new graduate, in your first job or perhaps have been there a year or so?

Maybe you have even switched careers and have been in your current role for a little while – but you dread coming to work and being found out that you can’t do your job.

Well, you are not alone. You may be suffering from Imposter Syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is an internal belief a person has about themselves and their ability to do their job. It can affect performance at work, their study and also their relationships.

Signs of Imposter Syndrome

Here are some of the common signs that you might have Imposter Syndrome:

  • A person with imposter syndrome may feel like their workplace or study successes are the result of luck.
  • They feel like it is a matter of time before they are exposed as someone who can’t do their job or perform in their studies.
  • They don’t feel confident in what they are doing;
  • And often suffer symptoms of anxiety as a result.

The good news is that there are some simple ways to manage these thoughts, before it is too late and they become your reality.

Coping with Imposter Syndrome

Here are some coping strategies, I recommend:

  1. Take action by developing some coping strategies. Try not to passively accept how you are feeling.
  2. Know the signs of Imposter Syndrome and when it is taking over your thoughts.
  3. Identify what you consider to be ‘doing a good job’ and find a way to measure how you perform against that criterion. If you have a job description that could be a good place to start.
  4. Then, develop some goals on how you want to perform and write them down. What is it that you want to achieve that validates your sense of doing a good job, succeeding in your role, or working well in your studies?
  5. If you have identified areas in need of development, then spend some time working on improving those skills. Perhaps you could organise some extra training or time with colleagues to work on managing the specific skill better.
  6. Talk with your colleagues to see how they manage their work and what is important to them.
  7. Speak with your supervisor about it, if you feel you can. They may be able to offer some suggestions and give you feedback.
  8. Recognise when you are ‘self-sabotaging’. This means you may be unconsciously doing things to worsen your performance.
  9. Get professional supervision if you are in a social work or counselling role.
  10. Ensure you spend time on your own self-care.
  11. Read, research and listen to podcasts for other ways to build your knowledge.
  12. Remember “YOU’VE GOT THIS!”

Maree Stevens AMHSWAuthor: Maree Stevens, BAdVocEd; GCert Sp Ed; M SocWk; M HumServ; GDipCouns; GCert MentalHlthPrac.

Maree is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with several years’ experience working with children, young people and their families impacted by Family and Domestic Violence. Maree’s work is trauma informed and person centred, and she is able to provide psychological counselling to young children from age 5 years, as well as to teens and adults.

Maree is currently not taking bookings. Our team can assist you with placing you with another clinician. Please call Vision Psychology on (07) 3088 5422.

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