How do you deal with imposter syndrome? I'm a new therapist and I work with a bunch of women who have been doing this for ages. They're all really sweet, but I can't help feeling like I'm way out of my league. I mostly see younger clients which I guess works in my favor, but I just feel like I'm totally incompetent compared to the women I work with.

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I think we all feel this way even years and years into our careers - it's so normal! It especially hits hard early in your professional life but just keep reminding yourself that EVERYONE starts somewhere regardless of the industry or expertise. Go easy on yourself and that voice will dampen over time.

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Everyone feels this way. The question is do you have something of benefit to offer the young people you’re helping? As a person who mentors a lot of early career professional counselors, I would encourage you to think about the distance between your clients’ experience and your knowledge and skill set, not the distance between your skills and those of seasoned, mid to late career professionals. From that place you have so much to give. Plus young eyes bring new life into every counseling program.

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This is a great way to think of the differences in skill sets! I’m going to use this mindset in my practice as well. Thank you!

I’m a middle aged new counselor (second career) and I often feel less than capable than the interns in my agency! They are young and so smart. Who knows, maybe your coworkers admire you more than you think! What you give is important and meaningful to your clients - they aren’t comparing you to others. 😊 why should you?

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Very true. I’m still fresh into my field as of now but I know that as I grow older, I will look towards the younger coworkers for new and fresh perspectives. Young minds are typically very flexible, easily adaptable (not that this isn’t true for older generations but it’s true that we get more set and comfortable with our ‘tried and trues’ as we get older). Not to mention, younger generations have just finished school and have an unparalleled positive outlook and a fresh mind on the latest research and techniques. So, as therapist 1 stated, your coworkers probably admire you more than you think. Remember what you bring to the table!

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Get training in topics that interest you or are relevant to your clients. It’s is a wonderful feeling when you can use new skills to serve clients well. Well wishes

Everyone else is too focused on their own work to pay any mind on how you do yours. You don't have to have everything figured out at the drop of a hat. Give yourself space to grow into the role and focus on what you do best. You're very much welcome to start off with smaller steps.

Agreed with everyone here. But also… use this situation to your advantage. You’re obviously surrounded by well qualified, intelligent individuals in your field. Take every opportunity to learn from them! Then one day someone will look at you the same way you’re looking at them.

What I do is I celebrate my success and my small wins. I don't compare myself to others in my field, but rather I just focus on myself. I am much happier now that I've recognized that I am here for a reason and not just because of coincidence. I deserve to be in my position now.

I have been feeling this a little too deep lately. Currently, I'm just trying my best to focus on my strengths a little more than my shortcomings. However, I really believe that the first step to dealing with this is acknowledging the fact that we don't know everything, that we don't have everything figured out.

Google Dr Valerie Young. She does Ted Talks about Imposter Syndrome. Very helpful!

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