Madison Weber, MHC-LP, Associate Therapist
As a high-performing woman, you have likely achieved a great deal of success in your personal and professional life.
Whether it’s in a work setting or in relation to your personal life – you’re a hard worker, you take risks, and have overcome obstacles to get where you are today. Despite all of your achievements, you may find that you are also struggling with a constant feeling of self-doubt. You may feel undeserving of all you have earned or that you’re a fraud. This feeling is called imposter syndrome, and it’s a common experience among high-performing women.
At Inside Psychotherapy our skilled team of therapists specializes in working with high-achieving women to overcome these feelings. Read on to learn more.
Are You Experiencing Feelings of Unworthiness?
Take a moment to think if you are feeling this way: unworthy of success, being unable to realistically assess your competence and skills, feeling like success has happened to you from external factors, not because of your abilities, minimizing or putting down your performance or achievements, fear that you will be found out as a fraud, and self-doubt.
If so, you may be experiencing some imposter syndrome. But don’t worry- there are so many resources available to help.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is an anxious thought pattern in which individuals doubt their accomplishments, competence, or intelligence, and have an overwhelming fear that they will be found out as a fraud. Someone with imposter syndrome may feel that they are inadequate or will fail despite the heaps of evidence to the contrary.
Self-Doubt is Common in High- Achieving Women
This kind of self-doubt can be prevalent in any kind of high-achieving woman. Whether it be a professional in a work environment, stay-at-home moms who feel like they are faking their way through the day, or undergraduate and graduate students who can’t understand how they were admitted to their school or program, around 70-80% of people will experience at least one instance of imposter syndrome in their lifetime. In fact, that number grows even bigger when looking at high-achieving individuals.
Ignoring the Feelings of Imposter Syndrome Can be Detrimental
Not addressing the feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome can become a slippery slope. Simply feeling like you are a fraud and a liar will actually inhibit you from taking risks. This might look like not applying for a promotion or a new job, not seeking help in school, or applying to graduate programs. Imposter syndrome has the ability to trick you into thinking you are fraudulent and therefore undeserving of success and achievement. By not addressing these thought patterns you might miss out on opportunities because you don’t give yourself the recognition you deserve.
To some extent, low levels of anxiety and anxious thoughts can be helpful in certain scenarios as a high-achieving woman. For example, your acute attention to detail ensures that your work is exemplary. However, when this anxiety turns from propelling you forward into inhibiting you from moving due to fear, that’s when it’s time to address the situation.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Recognize and acknowledge your feelings.
Acknowledge that there is a voice in your head screaming doubts at you. It may be tempting to believe those thoughts or completely dismiss them entirely, but facing them head-on is an important first step to getting out of this pattern. During this first step, it’s also important to show yourself compassion. Continue to show yourself care and remind yourself that you are not alone.
Challenge this thought process of- “I’m a fraud” or “I don’t deserve to be here.”
Through acknowledging this inaccurate voice, you can begin to combat those thoughts with the truth- that you are competent and worthy of your position! One way to do this is to think of concrete examples of your success and achievements. This stage is intended to quiet the negative voice inside your head and fight the thoughts of self-doubt.
Talk it out.
Whether it is with a therapist or friends, it is important to talk about how you are feeling with others. Receiving support from others and hearing their examples of your success and achievement may help shape your thoughts about yourself. Another exercise would be to ask yourself- how would I speak to a friend if they were experiencing this? And then, turn around and say those things to yourself.
Reframe your thinking.
Ask yourself: what is the worst possible outcome? What is the best possible outcome? What is the most probable outcome? By looking for evidence to support many sides to the argument, you will begin to reframe your thought patterns in a way that is less influenced by anxiety. This will allow for changes in your thought processes in the future, as well.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety
These types of strategies characterize a form of anxiety therapy that can be especially helpful for high-achieving women who may be experiencing imposter syndrome- cognitive behavioral therapy.
It’s very common for high-performing women to also experience anxiety surrounding their successes and responsibilities. On top of seeking anxiety therapy, as well as therapy for imposter syndrome, it may also be important to find a therapist to address mental health challenges specific to women.
Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety can be especially helpful across the board to teach coping skills and relaxation techniques, as well as diving deeper into challenging and reframing your thoughts.
Imposter syndrome itself may make you feel like a failure, and it is important to remember that seeking therapy for anxiety or imposter syndrome is absolutely not a sign of weakness or failure. It’s actually a proactive step toward living a more fulfilling life with less anxiety.
Are You Ready to Start Anxiety Therapy in NYC?
Anxiety is the most common mental health challenge in the United States. If you live in a big city and are struggling with anxiety, know that you’re not alone, and professional support is available. At Inside Psychotherapy we have a skilled team of therapists that are ready to help you break the cycle of anxiety. Follow the steps below to get started!
- Learn more about our skilled team of therapists here.
- Fill out our convenient online contact form.
- Begin the journey to a life free from anxiety!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Inside Psychotherapy, NYC.
In addition to Anxiety Therapy, we offer a wide variety of therapy services designed to meet you where you are in your life. We also offer services both online and in person. We also utilize several different treatment modalities including CBT, Eclectic Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. Our services include therapy for:
