Feeling like a fraud despite your accomplishments can be exhausting. If you constantly doubt your abilities, minimize your success, or fear being “found out,” you’re not alone. Many high-achieving adults struggle with these thoughts, which are commonly known as impostor syndrome. Learning how to overcome impostor syndrome is a powerful step toward improving confidence, reducing anxiety, and protecting your mental well-being.
At Abloom Therapy & Wellness, we provide online therapy in Ontario to help individuals understand impostor syndrome, break unhelpful thought patterns, and rebuild a healthier relationship with success. This guide explores what impostor syndrome is, its causes and symptoms, and how therapy can help you move forward.
What Is Impostor Syndrome?
Impostor syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their abilities and feel undeserving of their achievements, even when there is clear evidence of competence. Despite external success, people with impostor syndrome often believe they have only succeeded due to luck, timing, or deception.
The impostor syndrome definition is not a formal mental health diagnosis, but it is widely recognized in psychology and counselling. It commonly affects professionals, students, caregivers, entrepreneurs, and anyone facing high expectations or life transitions.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What is impostor syndrome and why do I feel this way?” you’re already taking an important step toward self-awareness.
Impostor Syndrome Symptoms
Impostor syndrome can show up differently for each person, but common impostor syndrome symptoms include:
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Persistent self-doubt despite positive feedback
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Fear of failure or being exposed as incompetent
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Difficulty accepting praise or accomplishments
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Overworking to “prove” your worth
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Comparing yourself negatively to others
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Anxiety, stress, or burnout
These symptoms often overlap with anxiety or low self-esteem, which is why therapy for impostor syndrome can be especially helpful.
Impostor Syndrome Causes
Understanding impostor syndrome causes can help reduce shame and self-blame. Common contributing factors include:
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Perfectionism and unrealistically high standards
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Childhood experiences involving criticism or pressure
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Cultural or societal expectations
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Being part of an underrepresented group
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Major life changes such as career shifts or parenthood
Impostor syndrome is not a personal failure. It is often a learned response to external pressure and internalized beliefs, which means it can be unlearned with the right support.
How to Overcome Impostor Syndrome
Overcoming impostor syndrome takes time, patience, and intentional effort. Below are evidence-based strategies often used in impostor syndrome therapy and counselling.
1. Identify and Challenge Negative Thought Patterns
A key part of learning how to overcome impostor syndrome is recognizing the inner critic. Thoughts like “I don’t deserve this” or “I’m not good enough” can feel automatic, but they are not facts.
In counselling for impostor syndrome, therapists often use cognitive-behavioural techniques to help clients challenge unhelpful beliefs and replace them with more balanced, realistic perspectives.
2. Redefine Success and Failure
Many people with impostor syndrome link self-worth to performance. Learning to separate who you are from what you achieve is essential.
Therapy helps clients redefine success as growth, effort, and learning, rather than perfection. This shift reduces fear of failure and builds resilience.
3. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
Constant comparison fuels impostor syndrome. You may be comparing your behind-the-scenes struggles to someone else’s highlight reel.
Through counselling for impostor syndrome, clients learn to focus on their own values, progress, and strengths instead of external validation.
4. Practice Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is not about lowering standards; it’s about treating yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend. Research shows that self-compassion reduces anxiety and increases emotional resilience.
Virtual therapy sessions can help you build self-compassion skills and reduce harsh self-judgment that keeps impostor syndrome alive.
5. Seek Professional Support
If impostor syndrome is affecting your confidence, relationships, or career, working with a therapist can make a meaningful difference. Therapy for impostor syndrome provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your experiences and develop healthier coping strategies.
How Therapy Can Help With Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome therapy focuses on understanding the root of self-doubt and building long-term emotional resilience. In counselling, you may work on:
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Identifying core beliefs that fuel impostor feelings
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Managing anxiety and perfectionism
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Strengthening self-esteem and confidence
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Developing healthier work-life boundaries
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Processing past experiences that shaped self-doubt
Many clients prefer online counselling because it offers flexibility, privacy, and accessibility from the comfort of home.
The Benefits of Online Counselling in Ontario
Abloom Therapy & Wellness offers Ontario virtual therapy for individuals seeking support with impostor syndrome and related concerns. Online counselling in Ontario allows you to:
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Access therapy from anywhere in the province
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Fit sessions into busy schedules
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Feel comfortable in a familiar environment
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Receive consistent, professional support
Our therapists provide compassionate, evidence-based virtual therapy tailored to your unique experiences and goals.
When to Seek Counselling for Impostor Syndrome
You may benefit from counselling for impostor syndrome if:
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Self-doubt is interfering with your work or studies
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Anxiety or burnout is increasing
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You avoid opportunities due to fear of failure
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You struggle to enjoy your achievements
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a proactive step toward mental wellness and personal growth.
How Abloom Therapy & Wellness Can Help
At Abloom Therapy & Wellness, we specialize in online counselling and virtual therapy for adults across Ontario. Our therapists understand the emotional toll of impostor syndrome and work collaboratively with clients to build confidence, clarity, and self-trust.
We offer a supportive, inclusive space where you can explore your challenges at your own pace. Whether you’re navigating career stress, life transitions, or long-standing self-doubt, our team is here to help.
Final Thoughts
Impostor syndrome can make even the most capable people feel inadequate, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Learning how to overcome impostor syndrome starts with understanding it, challenging unhelpful beliefs, and seeking the right support.
If you’re ready to move beyond self-doubt and build lasting confidence, Abloom Therapy & Wellness offers compassionate online therapy in Ontario to support your journey. Reaching out for help could be the first step toward feeling more grounded, capable, and at ease with your success.
