Imposter Syndrome: Why You Feel Like You’re Not Good Enough (Even When You Are)

Ever feel like you’re just pretending to be good at something, even though you’ve put in all the work and have the experience to back it up? Maybe you’ve found yourself at work or in a relationship, thinking, “I don’t deserve to be here. I’m not as good as people think I am.” If that sounds familiar, you might be dealing with Imposter Syndrome.

It’s more common than you might think. Imposter Syndrome is that sneaky voice in your head that tells you you’re not really worthy of your achievements, no matter how much training, experience, or talent you have. It makes you feel like a fraud, like you’re just waiting for someone to figure out that you don’t actually know what you’re doing.

How Does Imposter Syndrome Show Up?

Imposter Syndrome can show up in many areas of life. At work, you might find yourself thinking you only got that promotion by luck, or that you’re just "faking it" until you’re caught. In relationships, you might feel like you're not truly worthy of the love or support you receive, or that you’re somehow going to disappoint those around you. And it’s not always easy to shake that feeling, even when you’ve done the work and earned your place.

I’ve been there too, and I know how overwhelming it can feel. But I also want to share something that helped me get through it—and it’s something that’s been incredibly powerful for my clients as well.

The Turning Point: Finding the Voice Behind the Doubt

One of the biggest breakthroughs I had in overcoming my own Imposter Syndrome came from working out who was behind that voice telling me I wasn’t good enough. After some really intense supervision, I realised that the voice I was hearing in my head wasn’t even mine. It was the voice of a childhood bully—someone who used to tell me I wasn’t good enough and would never amount to anything.

Once I recognised where this voice was coming from, something shifted. I realised it wasn’t my own voice at all—it was just old, harmful messaging from someone who didn’t have my best interests at heart. It wasn't mine to carry anymore. From that point on, I was able to tell that voice to “go away,” and with that, I felt a weight lift.

Now, I know this may sound a bit out there, but recognising the source of those negative thoughts and putting them into context helped me reclaim my confidence. I stopped giving that voice the power to undermine my success.

How Can I Help You Manage Imposter Syndrome?

If you’re struggling with Imposter Syndrome, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. As a counsellor in Basingstoke, I offer a supportive and non-judgmental space to work through these feelings. We can explore where these self-doubts are coming from, and like I did, uncover any voices or beliefs that may be holding you back. Once you’re able to identify the root causes, it becomes much easier to challenge those thoughts and build a more compassionate, realistic view of yourself.

Whether you’re feeling like a fraud at work, questioning your worth in relationships, or just doubting your abilities in general, there are ways through it. Together, we can work on practical strategies to manage those feelings and start to see yourself in the light you truly deserve.

If you’re ready to get started, get in touch with me at Annie Best Counselling. Let’s tackle those feelings of doubt, and help you reclaim your confidence.