Do You Ever Feel Like a Fraud? Understanding Imposter Syndrome for SLPs

Do you ever question your worth despite years of education and training? You're not alone. Imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon marked by persistent self-doubt and the fear of being exposed as a fraud, is surprisingly common among high-achieving individuals, including SLPs.

I, myself, have felt that dark cloud of imposter syndrome, which didn't seem to want to leave me alone throughout my career. Coming from a graduate school primarily focused on pediatrics, articulation, and language disorders, I felt completely unprepared for my clinical fellowship in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). As the only SLP in the facility, I had to put on a front to my colleagues, administration, patients, and their families because if I couldn't help them, there was nobody else to turn to. This insecurity, combined with my being far from home and having the most responsibility I had ever had, created a pressure so strong I thought it would crush me.

Understanding Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome can manifest in various ways, including:

• Thoughts: "I don't belong here," "I'm not good enough," "People will find out I'm a fraud."

• Feelings: Inadequate, unqualified, incompetent, insecure, anxious.

• Physical sensations: Shallow breathing, tension, upset stomach.

These experiences can negatively impact your ability to effectively care for patients, leading to decreased motivation, impaired job performance, and increased burnout. Ultimately, this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy; the more you tell yourself you don't belong, the more likely you are to believe it, strengthening that feeling of isolation and fear of being inadequate. Around the carousel we go.

What’s the Root Cause?

Several factors can contribute to imposter syndrome:

1. High expectations: Perfectionism, pressure to succeed, and fear of failure can fuel self-doubt.

2. Childhood experiences: Early messages of inadequacy or criticism can shape your self-perception.

3. Societal and institutional influences: Bias, discrimination, and a lack of representation can reinforce feelings of not belonging.

4. Transitions: New roles, responsibilities, or work environments can trigger self-doubt.

Can I Overcome It?

Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Absolutely. Just kidding; I’ll add more. First, it's important to remember that you're not alone. Research shows that about 70% of people experience imposter syndrome. But if you remember one thing from this article, it should be that there are effective strategies you can employ immediately. Here are a few evidence-based strategies to get you started. Good news? None of them cost a dime, and all of them work.

1. Awareness and acceptance: Acknowledge and accept your feelings of being an imposter without judgment. Constantly pushing against these feelings turns into a Chinese finger trap where the harder you pull against it, the tighter the trap becomes. Use that extra energy where it can be useful.

2. Change your thinking: Challenge negative thoughts and reframe them with positive affirmations. For example, change "I can't do this" to "I can't do this… yet. How can I do better, and who can help me learn?"

3. Remember your accomplishments: Maintain a "feel-good" file to remind yourself of your successes and strengths. Refer back to it when you find yourself in a negative mindset. You’ve overcome a lot in your life. Use that momentum to catapult yourself past this next challenge.

4. Reach out for support: Discuss your experiences with trusted colleagues, mentors, or friends. Chances are they've felt similarly at some point.

How My Story Began

After I had spent a couple of weeks in a whirlwind of unpreparedness, high census, and disgruntled families, I decided it was time to do something about this sensation of inadequacy. I came to accept it for what it was. A feeling. Nothing less, nothing more. I could have seen this feeling as something that would crush me to smithereens or something that could empower me to grow stronger and be the best clinician possible. I decided on the latter, and thank goodness, because if I didn't, there's no way I'd be writing this for you right now.

First, I remembered my graduate school success and used that momentum to power me through the tough days in the SNF. I joined a few special interest groups on ASHA and built connections with SLPs who provided me with support and guidance when I needed it most. I leveraged the skills and knowledge of my supervisor, who was willing to jump on a call whenever I felt lost or confused. I am grateful to have many of these connections (and many more) today. They say raising a child takes a village. And boy, is that true. But it takes a village to do anything important in this life.

Getting over and through your imposter syndrome might be the most important thing you do. If you're experiencing imposter syndrome, try one of these strategies today, even if it's something small. You'll be happy you did. And so will your patients.

If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, anxiety, or any other mental health issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for guidance and support.

References:

The research for this article came from taking Carolyn McManus’s PT, MPT, MA course, “Managing Imposter Syndrome: Have Confidence in Your Competency,” on Medbridge. If you’re interested, my affiliate link saves you over $100 on membership.