Imposter Syndrome for Newly Qualified Counsellors

There is a shared consensus that imposter syndrome happens when a person fears being found out as a fraud, often attributing success to nothing more than luck (Clance & Imes, 1978). Although researchers make varied recommendations on how to challenge, overcome or accept the phenomenon, the scarcity of research in terms of how it affects counsellors means that we can be in a parallel process with our clients because we are working with others who experience imposter syndrome whilst also wrestling with our own. Drawing from academic research on imposter syndrome, adding contextual knowledge of working in the counselling profession and sharing insights into how counsellors professionally develop, we guide you through the structured workshop element of the CPD to help you follow recommendations for developing strategies that may help you with imposter syndrome. Who might find this helpful? The presentation is directly relevant to counsellors nearing qualification and newly-qualified counsellors. Clinical supervisors, placement providers, student mentors and qualified counsellors may also find this useful for managing their own imposter syndrome or for supporting others with theirs. Duration – 60 minutes.