Dean Watkins Therapy Blog
Blog posts and information on Imposter Syndrome and related topics including worry and self-doubt, perfectionism, procrastination, and self-criticism.
On the outside, imposter syndrome can look like a set of nagging doubts. But at its core, it’s often about how we relate to our thoughts. When we take every thought as truth, our minds can quickly become tyrants, pushing us into cycles of worry, perfectionism, and self-doubt. One of my clients, let’s call him […]
Introduction Imposter syndrome – or the “impostor phenomenon” – was first described by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes in 1978. Their research highlighted how high-achieving people, especially women, often struggle to internalise success and instead attribute it to luck, timing, or others’ mistakes. Since then, much research has expanded our understanding of imposter syndrome. […]
You’ve just done something well. Maybe a project landed better than expected, or you received feedback that was genuinely positive, or you got the promotion you’d been working towards. And instead of feeling good – or at least settled – you feel anxious, exposed, like the bar has just been raised and you’re not sure […]
A Client’s experience of therapy for Imposter Syndrome Many people assume that anxiety means feeling nervous all the time. In reality, anxiety often hides behind a confident exterior. This story – shared with permission and anonymised for privacy – shows how therapy can help someone struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, and imposter feelings at work to […]
Therapy in Rainham, Kent When you’re looking for therapy, you might be wondering whether to work with someone in person or online.Both can be hugely effective, and I offer both, but there are unique benefits to in-person therapy in Rainham, Kent that can make it an especially powerful choice for some people. In this post, […]
Uncertainty Isn’t the Enemy – But Our Response to It Can Be If you find yourself stuck in overthinking, worrying about what others might think, or endlessly tweaking your work so it feels “just right,” you’re not alone. These are common experiences for people who struggle with self-doubt, anxiety, and imposter syndrome – and they […]
There’s a particular kind of confusion that comes with doing well professionally but feeling worse about yourself than ever. The promotion arrives and instead of feeling proud, you feel exposed. The project lands well and instead of satisfaction, there’s a quiet dread about the next one. The praise comes in and somehow it makes the […]
The Hidden Cost of Imposter Syndrome at Work (And How to Break Free) You might look like you’ve got it all together on the outside – competent, calm, capable.But inside? It’s a different story. Quiet self-doubt, second-guessing, and a fear that at some point, you’ll be exposed as not good enough. If this sounds familiar, […]
Which Type of Imposter Are You? Understanding the 5 Patterns Identified by Dr Valerie Young Imposter syndrome can show up in all sorts of sneaky and frustrating ways, and often without us even realising that’s what’s happening. One moment you’re doing well on the outside, the next you’re questioning your worth, brushing off compliments, or […]
Self-Compassion & Acceptance: Key Ingredients in Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Introduction Imposter syndrome often shows up like a persistent inner critic. You’ve worked hard, earned your place, and yet there’s that lingering thought: “What if I’m not actually good enough?” It can feel like you’re one step away from being exposed as a fraud even when […]