Imposter syndrome

As a beginning therapist, imposter syndrome is likely a feeling that is not new.

**If you want to be good at something, you have to be willing to be bad at it first**

The first time you do something you build brand new neural pathways. Each time you do that activity, you make the pathway stronger. Eventually the pathways are so strong that the action becomes automatic. For example, the first time you tried to ride a bike you likely fell, turned the wheel the wrong way, and overall had a difficult time. However, eventually your brain was able to wire the neural pathways to make riding a bike automatic and you no longer have to think through each step to do this.

Changing neural pathways can be even more complicated. Once pathways are strongly wired together, it takes significant time and effort to change those pathways. Watch this short video to understand how hard it can be to unlearn something that has become automatic.

Becoming an effective therapist takes time and consistency. It is important to remember that research shows it is the relationship that helps clients create change. If you are building relationships with your clients, you are doing everything that is necessary to help them change.