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Imposter Syndrome Counselling

Message from Sherene Chaz

Counsellor & Well Being Facilitator

Many of the young adults I meet are driven, capable, and deeply committed to doing well. They hold themselves to high standards and often measure their progress against equally accomplished peers. Recognition and achievement matter to them, not simply for success, but as reassurance that they belong. When mistakes occur or expectations are not met, the response can feel disproportionate marked by shame, harsh self-criticism, or a quiet fear of being exposed as less capable than others assume. In competitive environments, comparison may overshadow competence, and genuine achievement can be quickly dismissed. To protect against perceived failure, some respond by over-preparing, overworking, or setting standards that are difficult to sustain. Counselling offers space to examine these patterns and the internal narratives that drive them.

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Counselling support for young adults

Imposter syndrome describes a persistent sense of self-doubt despite evidence of competence or achievement. Individuals may worry that their success is undeserved or that, sooner or later, others will recognise them as less capable than they appear. These doubts often persist even in the presence of objective accomplishments such as academic qualifications, promotions, or professional recognition. While commonly associated with work or study, similar patterns can appear in friendships, romantic relationships, or other areas where performance or comparison feels heightened.

Signs you may benefit from Imposter Syndrome Counselling:

*Disclaimer: This list is for educational purposes and does not replace professional diagnosis.

You may notice:

  • Feeling that strong performance is the minimum required to justify your place

  • Doubting your legitimacy, even when your achievements are visible and recognised

  • Interpreting mistakes as confirmation that you do not truly belong

  • Over-preparing to avoid the possibility of being exposed as less capable

  • Dismissing praise as luck, timing, or lowered expectations

  • Hesitating to contribute unless you are certain you are correct

  • Feeling that your credibility depends on sustained, flawless performance

How Counselling with Serene Hour works:

Counselling at Serene Hour is a structured and collaborative process. Sessions are typically held weekly and provide a consistent time to explore current concerns, underlying patterns, and the thoughts or behaviours that may be causing distress. The pace of the work is guided by your comfort and goals, with space for both reflection and practical application where appropriate.

Our work together may involve

  • Exploring the beliefs that link your sense of belonging to performance

  • Identifying internal standards that may feel necessary but difficult to sustain

  • Examining fears of exposure and how they influence work, study, or relationships

  • Understanding how comparison shapes your perception of competence

  • Developing a more stable sense of identity that is not solely dependent on achievement

  • Reflecting on how mistakes and uncertainty are interpreted in your internal narrative

What clients say

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Niranjan Patkar
A awesome mentor, listner and a good soul, Sherene ma'am is an extremely knowledgeable person. If you need any kind of professional guidance or councelling then do visit Serene Hour and meet Sherene ma'am. Thanks alot Serene Hour for a wonderful couple of hours.
Mansi Sharma
Shereen helped me get a clear picture of what I wanted to do and saw myself doing in the future. That gave me a lot of clarity. Most importantly she did not herself make a decision for me, rather asked me questions so I could make a decision for myself. It was a great experience!
S K
She is a listener, definitely puts your heart and mind at ease. And she will try her best to help you out. A lot of feedback is given by her which helps in thinking from a better perspective, would definitely recommend, it is a ‘serene hour’ indeed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does imposter syndrome mean I’m actually underqualified?

Experiencing imposter thoughts does not automatically indicate a lack of competence. In many cases, individuals meet or exceed the expectations of their role. The concern lies in how performance is interpreted internally — where normal learning curves or occasional mistakes are taken as evidence of inadequacy.

Imposter syndrome is often discussed in relation to women, particularly in competitive academic or professional environments. While individuals of any gender can experience imposter thoughts, research suggests that social expectations, visibility in male-dominated fields, and early messaging around achievement may influence how self-doubt is internalised. The experience itself, however, is not limited to one gender.

Yes. While often discussed in professional contexts, similar patterns can appear in relationships or social environments where comparison, visibility, or evaluation are present. The underlying concern is not limited to performance but to feeling legitimate within a given setting.

Some clients find a short number of sessions helpful, while others continue longer. Sessions are reviewed collaboratively based on your needs.

Read Blog : 3 Benefits of Therapy with a Licensed Psychologist

Enquire About Sessions

Sherene Chaz
Counsellor & Well Being Facilitator

+61 403 44 77 83

sherenechaz@gmail.com

Session availability varies. You are welcome to get in touch to discuss current options.

Locations:

Sydney (online and in person) Australia-wide (telehealth) | India & UAE (Virtual)