You Belong: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Have you ever reached a personal milestone—earning a promotion, completing a degree, or delivering a big project—only to think it was just luck or good timing?
You might be experiencing imposter syndrome—a persistent sense of self-doubt that lingers despite clear evidence of success (Carmichael et al., 2024). These feelings are especially common among high-achieving individuals across education and professional settings. While anyone can experience it, people from marginalized backgrounds often face additional challenges such as racism, discrimination, and microaggressions that can deepen these feelings of not belonging (Carmichael et al., 2024).
Research shows that underrepresented students and professionals often feel like outsiders because of limited representation and the pressure to prove themselves (Wyatt et al., 2019). These experiences can lead to anxiety, burnout, and self-doubt—but imposter syndrome isn’t a personal weakness. It’s often the result of systemic inequities and cultural pressures that make belonging feel harder to claim. If you’ve ever felt this way, know that you’re not alone—your voice and presence in those spaces matter deeply.
Understanding how imposter syndrome affects your mental health and performance is the first step in overcoming it. Cognitive-behavioral strategies can help by identifying and challenging unhelpful thought patterns (Lawati et al., 2025). Try tracking your accomplishments—large or small—as daily evidence of your capability. Celebrate milestones, even minor ones, to remind yourself that your success stems from effort and ability, not chance.
Practice positive self-affirmation rooted in your identity and story. Remind yourself, “I am enough. My presence, my work, and my journey matter.” And when possible, seek support—connect with peers, mentors, or affinity groups where you can talk openly about imposter feelings and find strength in shared experiences.
For more information you can contact info@williamspsychological.org.
Additional resources:
https://therapyforblackgirls.com/
References:
Carmichael, N., Zayhowski, K., & Diaz, J. S. (2024). Deconstructing imposter syndrome among BIPOC genetic counseling students: Insights from a longitudinal qualitative study. Journal of Genetic Counseling. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgc4.2004
Lawati, A. A., Rawahi, N. A., Waladwadi, T., Almadailwi, R., Alhabsi, A., Lawati, H. A., Al-Mahrouqi, T., & Sinawi, H. A. (2025). Impostor phenomenon: a narrative review of manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. Middle East Current Psychiatry, 32(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43045-025-00512-2
Wyatt, G. E., Chin, D., Milburn, N., Hamilton, A., Lopez, S., Kim, A., Stone, J. D., & Belcher, H. M. E. (2019). Mentoring the mentors of students from diverse backgrounds for research. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 89(3), 321–328. https://doi.org/10.1037/ort0000414
Denaiya Pendleton, Intern at Williams Psychological Services
Cedric Williams, Ph.D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist