Imposter Syndrome

Imposter Syndrome Why You Feel Like a Fraud (And How Counselling Helps)

Do you ever worry that people will “find out” you’re not as capable as they think? Do you downplay your accomplishments, feel undeserving of success, or believe you just got “lucky”?
If so, you might be experiencing imposter syndrome and you’re not alone.

Even high-achieving professionals, students, parents, and business owners struggle with this quiet form of self-doubt. The good news: these feelings are common, they’re not a personal flaw, and with support, you can overcome them.

At Orchard Valley Counselling Services in Kelowna, we help individuals work through self-doubt and build confidence from the inside out not just through achievements, but through true self-belief.

What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome isn’t a diagnosis it’s a pattern of thinking and feeling where you believe your success is undeserved, temporary, or accidental.

Common signs include:

  • “I don’t belong here.”
  • “I’m not as smart or skilled as they think I am.”
  • “I’m just faking it better than others realize.”
  • “Soon, they’ll figure out I’m not good enough.”

These feelings can affect anyone students, parents, entrepreneurs, CEOs, artists, healthcare workers, or new employees in a job.

Why Imposter Syndrome Happens

It often develops from experiences like:

  • High expectations growing up (“You have to be perfect to be worthy.”)
  • Being praised only for achievements, not effort or identity
  • Working in competitive or high-pressure environments
  • Being the only one in a space (new job, gender/minority identity, first in family to attend university)
  • Anxiety, perfectionism, or past criticism

The Impact of Imposter Syndrome

Imposter feelings can show up as:

  • Perfectionism and fear of mistakes
  • Overworking to “prove” yourself
  • Avoiding new opportunities or promotions
  • Anxiety, burnout, or depression
  • Difficulty accepting compliments or success
  • Constant comparison to others

How Counselling Helps with Imposter Syndrome

Therapy provides a space to explore where these beliefs come from and more importantly how to change them.

1. Understanding the Root Cause

Counselling helps you identify where the “I’m not enough” story began, and why your mind holds onto it.

2. Reframing Perfectionism & Self-Criticism

Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), you learn to challenge thoughts like “I failed” and reframe them into “I’m learning.”

3. Calming the Nervous System

Imposter syndrome lives not only in thoughts but also in the body tight chest, racing heart, tense muscles. Mindfulness and somatic techniques help build safety in your own skin.

4. Building Real, Grounded Confidence

Not fake confidence real self-trust. Confidence that doesn’t rely on achievements, but on knowing who you are.

5. Practicing Self-Compassion

Learning to treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a friend who’s struggling.

You’re Not a Fraud You’re Human

Feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care. It means you’re growing. And it means you’re human.

Counselling can help you step out of self-doubt and into a life where you can actually enjoy what you’ve worked for without fear of being “found out.”

Ready to Break the Cycle of Self-Doubt?

At Orchard Valley Counselling in Kelowna, we help people move from anxiety and perfectionism to confidence and self-acceptance.

👉 Book a free consultation your achievements are real, and you deserve to feel that too.