What Is Imposter Syndrome? Why Successful Women Still Feel Like Frauds
Have you ever achieved something significant but still felt like you didn't deserve it?
Perhaps you received positive feedback at work yet convinced yourself it was luck. Maybe you've worried that one day people will realise you're "not actually good enough."
If so, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome.
Despite the name, imposter syndrome isn't a mental illness. It's a pattern of thinking that causes capable, intelligent people to doubt their own abilities and fear being exposed as a fraud.
Ironically, it often affects people who are highly competent.
What Does Imposter Syndrome Feel Like?
You might:
Dismiss compliments
Attribute success to luck
Compare yourself constantly
Feel anxious before meetings
Overprepare for everything
Avoid applying for promotions
Fear making mistakes
Why Do So Many Women Experience It?
Women often receive conflicting messages about success.
They may feel pressure to be:
ambitious but not "too ambitious"
confident but not arrogant
capable but always accommodating
These expectations can make it difficult to fully own achievements.
How Is It Linked to Perfectionism?
Perfectionism and imposter syndrome often go together.
If your standards are impossibly high, even excellent performance can feel like failure.
Instead of celebrating success, your attention goes straight to what could have been better.
Can Therapy Help?
Yes.
Therapy isn't about convincing you that you're amazing.
It's about helping you develop a more balanced and compassionate way of evaluating yourself.
Evidence-based approaches such as CBT and ACT can help identify unhelpful thinking patterns, reduce self-criticism and build confidence that isn't dependent on constant achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is imposter syndrome anxiety?
Is imposter syndrome more common in women?
How do I stop feeling like a fraud?
Is imposter syndrome linked to perfectionism?
Can a psychologist help with imposter syndrome?
If you're constantly questioning your abilities despite evidence of your success, you're not alone. At Common Ground Therapy, we support women across Australia through online psychology appointments, as well as offering in-person sessions in Perth, to build confidence, reduce anxiety and overcome patterns of self-doubt.
