Ever switch careers and think, "What was I thinking?" Yeah—me too. Ever leave something familiar to start over—and immediately question everything? I’ve been there.

There’s a particular kind of fear that creeps in when you leave something you were good at to start all over again. Before starting my master’s in counselling psychology, I spent over a decade as a nurse—supporting patients in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. I had found my rhythm. I trusted myself. I knew what to do when things got messy.

And then…I pivoted. New language. New theories. New role. Suddenly, I wasn’t the expert anymore. I was a student again—constantly wondering if I belonged, if I was too late, if people could tell I was just figuring it out as I went. Suddenly, I was the newbie again. There was (and still is) so much to learn in the world of psychology. At times, I even worry about ageism—not in the usual sense, but the idea that I might look too young for clients. I catch myself thinking, “Will they take me seriously?” or “Do they think I know enough to help them?” That’s when Imposter Syndrome hit me the hardest.

But here’s what I’ve learned so far when Imposter Syndrome Shows Up:

That inner doubt? It’s a natural part of being human especially when you’re stepping into something new. Growth often feels uncomfortable, not because you’re doing something wrong, but because you’re doing something different.
Talking to peers. Some of the most reassuring moments have come from chatting with classmates or therapists who’ve been doing this for years. Knowing I’m not the only one feeling this way has been a huge relief. Find your support, find your village, find your community. They are out there.
One of the most humbling lessons I’ve learned on this path is that you will never stop learning and that’s not a flaw, it’s a gift. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience behind you, being a therapist means stepping into every session with curiosity and openness. No two clients are the same. No two stories unfold the same way. That means you’re constantly being invited to see the world through someone else’s lens, to stretch your thinking, and to question what you thought you knew.
Remembering my “why.” I chose this path because I care. I want to help people. And that passion matters.
My background in nursing isn’t a setback—it’s a strength. It’s a reminder that I’ve walked alongside people through pain and healing before, and I can do it again, just in a different way. I remind myself to trust my gut, to trust my heart, and to trust myself especially on the days when doubt creeps in.
It can be helpful to come back to the basics—doing what’s ethical, keeping the work client-centered, and focusing on what I do know. That shaky, uncertain feeling? It softens. It quiets down. Because when I lead with care, compassion, and integrity, I’m exactly where I need to be. Imposter Syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not good enough—it means you care enough to want to do it right. It means you're stretching. It means you’re growing. And most of all, it means you give a damn.

My Takeaway

Imposter Syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not good enough—it means you care deeply about showing up with integrity. If you're switching careers, learning something new, or doubting yourself as a helping professional, I see you. You’re not alone. Keep going. Your heart is in the right place, and that matters more than perfection ever will. It’s normal to feel uncertain when you’re challenging yourself, but that discomfort is a sign of growth, not failure. Trust the process, even when it feels messy. The fact that you’re questioning yourself shows you’re invested in doing your best, and that’s something worth celebrating

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