Refuting the Impostor Syndrome

It’s a hard fight. The number of times my physical disability has impeded my progress in becoming an independently licensed mental health counselor just adds to the weight of the war. I struggle daily with the barrage of attacks saying, “Maybe I am not a good counselor” and “Maybe I really am too disabled to do this”.

So, I waste no time with my counter-attack.

“What about all the clients, dozens, who have taken the time to verbalize that this therapy is helping?” and “Why, then, did I make it this far?”

I have stalwart armor, too. I am blessed to have a sizable group of people supporting me along the way. And my weapons are powerful; Advancements in technology have made home-based therapy practices not only possible, but optimized. My experiences surviving my many battles such as abuse, disability, mood disorders, and poverty, give me the advantage on the field. And I can’t deny the existence of my “superpowers”, the ability to care for someone no matter what, and the ability to lower the defenses of another person with compassion. Nor can I deny that this work is the most fulfilling I’ve ever encountered, and I can’t imagine a better way for me to serve the community.

By this time in the argument, I’m picking myself back up, repositioning, and preparing for the next attack. This war may last for years. But I’ll be damned if I don’t honor what I’ve got to fight in it with. May you find a way to do the same.

-Nicky