Could Imposter Syndrome Be a Hidden Blessing
- May 12, 2025
- 4 min read
For nearly 14 years, I've helped individuals navigate the complex landscape of addiction in order to achieve recovery. Nicknamed "The Casual Counselor", my approach is unconventional, but undeniably effective.
Imposter syndrome often feels like a heavy weight, convincing us we don’t belong or aren’t good enough. But what if those nagging doubts are actually a sign of growth, self-awareness, and untapped potential? In this article, we explore how imposter syndrome might be less of a flaw and more of a hidden strength.
On a semi-frequent basis, in the midst of a one-to-one session with a client, I’m stricken by a terrible, fearful revelation:
“I don’t know what the hell I’m doing!”
“Am I actually helping this person right now?” Is there a chance that I am actually harming them?”
“This client pays me to be their helper, but are they even getting anything out of this session?” You get the idea.
Classic “Imposter Syndrome”.
“Imposter Syndrome”, simply defined and refined within the field in which I work (addiction treatment), is the belief that, despite the many years of education, training and experience I have as a licensed counselor, I am, in all actuality, a fraud. A fugazi. A fake.
But, an important part of the art of therapy is the art of “Reframing”.
“ Reframing”, simply defined and refined, is the act of changing one’s perspective, attitude, and beliefs about the feelings they are feeling in the moment, and the thoughts that stem from those feelings. It is a vital part of growth and change, “Reframing”.
After all, the lens through which we view this world, in essence, defines this world.
An example of this is: if I wake up today and tell myself that “life sucks”, I’m going to find plenty of evidence to back up that belief. Conversely, if I wake up today and tell myself that “life is full of hope and opportunities”, I’ll find evidence of those, as well.
We are, after all, what we tell ourselves. The world is, too. My commitment to challenge the belief that “life sucks”, is the art of “Reframing”.
When “Imposter Syndrome” strikes, it is actually coming from a very healthy place inside of me. It originates from the truth that I do not have everything all figured out with respect to the services I provide to my clients. I still have much to learn. And, for all the wonderful colleagues, supervisors, and mentors I’ve had in this field, I learn the most important lessons from my clients.
It’s not that I’m a fraud or an imposter it is evidence that I care. I know, on a fundamental and a conscious level, that I still have much to discover within my chosen profession. Every client has a unique journey in recovery. No two paths are the same. There is no one-size-fits-all blueprint on the road to healing. Each individual is their own phenomenon. This needs to be honored. What works for one person might not work for another.
It also stands to reason as a reminder that I am not the expert in the room when I’m doing therapy with a client. They are the experts. Not me. I am the helper. The guide. The ally.
Sure, I’m the one who went to school, completed the internship, aced the state licensing exam, and got the fancy letters after my name, but I have absolutely NO idea what is going to truly help that individual to get better, stay better, and build a beautiful life for themselves. Only they know that. My job is to help them discover their expertise.
So, when those fearful little moments of “Imposter Syndrome” strike, it’s my opportunity to initiate the “Reframe”. I remind myself that it is okay to ask my clients if they feel like they are benefiting from the work that we are doing together. It is healthy, in fact, to check in from time to time to verify this, and to ask if there is anything they would like to change or reshape about the work we are doing with one another.
It is healthy because it is honest, and it offers an invitation for the client to empower themselves. To take a moment to evaluate where they are in “the work”, and if it might need a little tweaking. If it does, we brainstorm just exactly how to do that together as a team, and the work continues from there.
When we show up, in any industry, thinking that we have it all figured out, that’s a sign of delusion, ego, and BS. Michelangelo is quoted as saying, “I am still learning”. And that guy painted the dang Sistine Chapel, among his many other grand accomplishments.
Well, I’m no genius Renaissance Painter, but I, too, am still learning, and I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful for those moments of self-doubt, because they remind me that I don’t, won’t, and will never have this work, or this world, all figured out.
Fear not “Imposter Syndrome”. It is not something that needs fixing. It needs to be acknowledged, and then tended to with the all-important “Reframe”.
Remember, it is a sign that you are being honest with yourself. Real. Though we still have much to learn about the work we do in this life, that does not mean we aren’t doing a great job with what we’re working with at present. I know I am. The results I see with the many people I work with are proof of that.
Read more from Joshua Bennett-Johnson
Joshua Bennett-Johnson, Licensed Addictions Therapist
After working for 7 years in an amazing clinic, I launched into private practice in 2018. I love my job. I can say that without reservation. Watching people rebuild their lives is something that is worth more than any dollar amount.
