#26: Imposter Syndrome: Roots, Causes, and Personal Journeys with Dr Gurpreet Kaur

Hello Therapy: Mental Health Tips For Personal Growth

Have you ever found yourself questioning your achievements, feeling like a fraud despite all evidence to the contrary?
In this episode, I am joined by Clinical Psychologist, Dr Gurpreet Kaur, and we address how imposter syndrome manifests as feelings of fraudulence and inadequacy despite evident success and achievements. Learn about the cultural and intergenerational roots of these feelings and how high functioning anxiety and perfectionism often intertwine with imposter syndrome.
Our discussion emphasizes the heavier burden faced by women and minorities due to systemic barriers and competitive environments, shedding light on how organizational structures can perpetuate feelings of inadequacy. We’ll also discuss practical strategies and therapeutic techniques, including EMDR, to help manage and challenge these feelings. Dr Kaur and I also reflect on our own imposter syndrome journeys.

Whether you occasionally experience self-doubt or it significantly impacts your mental health, our discussion aims to offer understanding, validation, and actionable steps toward reclaiming your confidence and self-worth. Stay tuned as we dissect the layers of imposter syndrome and provide you with tools to navigate and counter this pervasive issue.
Highlights:
(25:44) Intergenerational Patterns in Imposter Syndrome
(31:06) High Functioning Anxiety and Imposter Syndrome
(35:52) Exploring Inner Critics and Compassion
(43:22) Key Takeaways - How To Cope With Imposter Syndrome

About this week's guest
Dr Gurpreet Kaur is a Clinical Psychologist and EMDR practitioner who specialises in treating trauma and helping people overcome their imposter syndrome to live life fully without being held back by anxiety or self doubt. She shares mental health and therapy information on several social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn and has contributed to several media articles. As well as 1:1 therapy Dr Kaur also runs a group for women who want to overcome their imposter syndrome and has a free resource on her website for anyone who wants to take the first step to resetting their imposter cycle.

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DISCLAIMER - The Hello Therapy podcast and the information provided by Dr Liz White (DClinPsy, CPsychol, AFBPsS, CSci, HCPC reg.), is solely intended for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute personalised advice. Please reach out to your GP or a mental health professional if you need support.

Chapter

1. #26: Imposter Syndrome: Roots, Causes, and Personal Journeys with Dr Gurpreet Kaur (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Imposter Syndrome in Depth (00:00:09)

3. Perfectionism, People Pleasing and Self-Sabotage. (00:05:40)

4. Dr Liz White - a Personal Imposter Syndrome Journey (00:12:23)

5. Dr Gurpreet Kaur - a Personal Imposter Syndrome Journey (00:24:47)

6. Intergenerational Patterns in Imposter Syndrome (00:26:20)

7. High Functioning Anxiety and Imposter Syndrome (00:31:42)

8. Exploring Inner Critics and Compassion (00:36:28)

9. Key Takeaways - How To Cope With Imposter Syndrome (00:43:58)