Using ACT to Help Clients (and Yourself!) Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Course overview

The imposter phenomenon is a feeling of intellectual phoniness that persists despite objective evidence to the contrary. Sufferers believe others overestimate their competence and this causes a fear of being found out or exposed as a fraud. The imposter experience affects up to 70% of us and may be more common among those with a history of marginalization. Interventions have historically aimed to change critical thinking and boost confidence, but contemporary research has shown this doesn't always work and often backfires. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ACT is a transdiagnostic, evidence-based approach that aims to build psychological flexibility a person's ability to choose behavior based on values without letting negative thoughts or uncomfortable feelings get in the way. This is achieved through six core therapeutic processes: present moment awareness, willingness, cognitive defusion, self as context, values identification and committed action. In this training, Dr. Jill Stoddard will help participants learn how to use ACT to help themselves and their clients to overcome impostorism so they may build a full and meaningful life and career.