How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome As A Private Practice Owner With These 8 Tips
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As a therapist who has been practicing for years, it’s easy to assume that imposter syndrome would no longer be a factor in your work. However, it’s a common issue that many professionals face, and it’s completely normal to experience it every now and then. In fact, in Dr. Sandi Mann’s book, Why Do I Feel Like an Imposter?: How to Understand and Cope with Imposter Syndrome (affiliate link) it discusses how 70% of people struggle with imposter syndrome at some time in their life.
70%….That’s ridiculous!
Even though I started my private practice in 2020, and I’ve been practicing as a therapist for even longer, I still am subject to imposter syndrome. It actually happened for again me the other night as I finished up with my clients for the day. I left my office feeling defeated and asked myself the question “am I even helping?”
Being in the field for as long as I have been, I know that when these imposter feelings arise it is important to take a step back and look inwards instead of being quick to deflect or worse.. run away.
So what do I do about it now as a private practice owner who runs solo virtual practice? It’s not like I have a team of co-workers I could run down the hall to like I used to in my agency life. This article will discuss 8 things I do to tackle imposter syndrome when it hits.
Remind yourself of your qualifications and experience.
One of the worse things about imposter syndrome is the fact that it eats away at your confidences like a month eating at your favorite wool sweater. If you’re feeling a unsure about your skills and abilities, the first thing you can do is to remind yourself of your qualifications and experience. After all, you’ve worked hard to get where you are, and your clients trust you to provide them with the help they need. So before you assume that you are a fake, take a moment to reflect on your successes and the positive impact you’ve had on your clients’ lives. This can help you regain your confidence and feel more assured in your abilities.
Reality check: which is more likely? That you managed to hoodwink 2+ years worth of graduate school professors and a licensing board (twice) OR that you are having an off day?
One way to boost your confidence is to make a list of all your accomplishments. Write down everything you’re proud of, from the big wins to the small victories (bonus points if you list things in and outside of the therapy room). Take note of the skills and knowledge you used to achieve these successes, and think about how you can apply them in the future. By focusing on your strengths and achievements, you can remind yourself of the value you bring to your clients.
Another helpful exercise is to ask your clients for feedback in session. Check in with them them and ask them to share their thoughts on the work you’ve done together. This doesn’t have to be a formal treatment review, just a simple “Hey, I wanted to do a quick pulse check on how you think things are going?” will do it. Heck, this is good practice to do regularly anyway to be sure you are on the same page and working towards a mutual goal.
Hearing positive feedback from those you’ve helped can be a powerful confidence booster. It can also provide valuable insight into what you’re doing well and where you can improve.
Remember: everyone has moments of self-doubt. But by taking the time to reflect on your accomplishments and seek feedback from those you’ve helped, you can regain your confidence and continue to provide top-notch service to your clients.
Try to reframe your perspective on imposter syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something that many people experience throughout their professional lives, and therapists are no exception. While it can be easy to feel like you are alone in this experience, it’s important to remember that imposter syndrome is actually quite common.
Rather than seeing it as a weakness, try to reframe your perspective on imposter syndrome.
Think of it as a natural part of the growth process. It’s a sign that you care about your work and want to do the best you can for your clients. When you experience imposter syndrome, it can be tempting to let it hold you back or to give up entirely. However, by acknowledging and addressing imposter syndrome when it arises, you can continue to grow and improve as a therapist.
Remember that it’s okay to ask for help and support from colleagues, mentors, or supervisors (more on this below). They can offer valuable insight and advice that can help you overcome imposter syndrome and continue to excel in your profession. By embracing the challenges that come with imposter syndrome, you can become an even better therapist and continue to make a positive impact on the lives of your clients.
Check in with yourself to see how you’re feeling physically and emotionally.
It’s always important to check in with yourself and see how you’re feeling, both physically and emotionally. This is especially true when you’re dealing with imposter syndrome. Sometimes, it’s not just about the task at hand, but also about how you’re feeling personally. Maybe you didn’t get enough sleep the night before, or perhaps you’re feeling a bit under the weather. Maybe you indulged in some junk food and your body is finally calling it quits.
It’s important to recognize that all of these things can play a role, especially when you’re not performing at your peak, or at least you feel like you’re not. The good news is that there are some quick fixes that can help you get back on track, all of which center around getting a healthy dose of vitamin TLC. For example, taking a walk can be a great way to clear your head and get your blood flowing. Eating something healthy can also give you a boost of energy and help you feel more focused. And of course, drinking plenty of water is always a good idea.
If you’re really struggling, it’s okay to take a day off. Sometimes, a little rest and relaxation can do wonders for your mental and physical health. The bottom line is that it’s important to take care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. When you’re feeling your best, you’ll be better equipped to tackle whatever challenges come your way.
Reach out for supervision or consultation.
One of first things I did when I opened my doors was seek out private supervision. I looked for somebody that I respected and was familiar with the work that I did but was also knowledgeable enough to be able to give me some guidance and direction when I was feeling stuck.
As a private practice owner, it’s crucial to have a support system in place that can offer guidance and consultation when needed. Seeking out private supervision is a great way to achieve this, especially since it is probable one of the few times where we get the opportunity to hand pick out supervisor that we feel is a best match for us.
Having a supervisor that you can rely on frequently can be incredibly helpful, not only for moments of imposter syndrome but also to check that you are doing things to the best of your abilities and not impacting your client in any way. Initially, it is recommended to meet with your supervisor on a monthly basis (more if needed). If your case load reduces to part time or per diem work (say when you go on a maternity leave), you can see your supervisor as needed. [Remember, supervision is a business expense so be sure to track it in your accounting systems.]
Having someone in your corner is always an important thing, let alone the fact that it’s an ethical responsibility to be sure you are acting in your client’s best interest. It’s crucial to prioritize the well-being of your clients, and seeking out private supervision is a great way to ensure that you are providing them with the best possible care. Find someone you trust and respect, and don’t hesitate to reach out to them when you need guidance or direction.
Dust off those old CEU’s.
Attending Continuing Education Units (CEU) courses is not only a requirement for many professions but also an excellent opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills. However, just attending a course doesn’t mean that the information will stick with you forever. That’s why it’s essential to dust off those old CEU notes and re-watch course recordings to gain a different perspective.
Even if you knew the material well, hearing it again from a different perspective can help you gain new insights that you might not have noticed before. It’s always in your best interest to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. While you may not always have the time to attend new CE courses, revisiting your past notes and recordings is a great way to stay on top of your game.
So, if you’re looking to keep your sanity and better serve the people you work with, don’t hesitate to go back to your old CE notes and recordings. You might be surprised by what you can learn from them, and the answer you’re looking for could be right beneath your hands. Keep learning, keep growing, and keep dusting off those old CEOs!
Reach out to fellow therapists in your community.
Even if you don’t have co-workers in your practice, there are still many therapists who would be happy to connect and offer support. Consider joining online consultation groups or attending virtual networking events. You might also find it helpful to have a therapist of your own to talk to about your experiences (more on that in a bit).
Keep in mind that you maintain HIPAA compliance at all time to, especially if you’re using something that’s more on the informal side, such as a Facebook group. Now these are great for general questions to get a pulse on treatment interventions, but I would not rely heavily on this as your primary form of” supervision. Mostly because, 1) you don’t know what the qualifications of the people in the group unless it’s a pre screened closed group and 2) especially with Facebook — you never know who’s on the internet and you want to maintain that climate.
Protect client confidentially at absolutely all cost!
Do your own psychotherapy.
Is something from the client session triggering something inside of you? It’s not uncommon for therapists to feel a personal connection with the clients they work with, and sometimes that connection can trigger emotions and feelings within the therapist. This is known as countertransference.
Heck, most of us went into the therapy business in order to help ourselves in some way shape or form because we at one point where are our own ideal client.
Making sure that you were not transferring any of your own stuff onto your therapy session is important. Sometimes you can sort this out and supervision but often times what I find happens is I recognize the connection during my supervision consultations. Then I reach out to my own personal therapist to work deeper to resolve that issue. This can help you to better separate your personal experiences from your work as a therapist and provide better care for your clients.
When in doubt, refer out.
Remember if you are truly stuck with a client and you’ve done all the steps above and feeling like yours, still not making progress, it is your ethical responsibility to make sure that the client is receiving the best care possible, even if that’s not with you.
There may be situations where despite your best efforts, you are unable to make progress with a particular client. In such cases, it is essential to remember your ethical responsibility to ensure that the client receives the best care possible, even if that means referring them to another provider.
As a therapist, it is important to recognize that your business may evolve over time. Therapy is a personal business and we are humans. We are going to change. Life is going to change us and it’s okay that our business changes with that. So….
If a client is no longer aligned with your values or message, it may be time to consider referring them to someone else who can better meet their needs. Remember, your priority is always your client’s well-being, even if that means acknowledging that you are no longer the best provider for them. Make sure that you give the client plenty of time and assistance and finding a new provider but do not feel that you are trapped and I know when situation.
If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope with a particular client, it is crucial to recognize your limitations and take steps to address them. Your mental and emotional health is just as important as that of your clients, and if you have tried supervision and consultation, your own therapy, and are still struggling… know that there is no shame in referring out to a different provider.
In Summary
Imposter syndrome can affect even experienced therapists, and it’s normal to experience it occasionally. As a solo virtual practice owner, there are ways to tackle it, including reminding yourself of your qualifications and experience, reframing your perspective, checking in with yourself, seeking supervision or consultation, reaching out to colleagues, doing your own psychotherapy, and referring clients out when necessary. By taking these steps, you can overcome imposter syndrome and continue to provide your clients with the high-quality care they deserve.
