Find an Imposter Syndrome Therapist in Calgary

Imposter Syndrome describes a persistent belief that your success is accidental or undeserved, even when there is strong evidence of competence. It’s typically driven by identity-level patterns formed early in life—such as “I’m not enough” or “I only have value when I achieve.” These beliefs create chronic doubt, perfectionism, and fear of failure or exposure.

Identity-Level Therapy targets the patterns beneath performance anxiety—not just the behaviours themselves. Using the ShiftGrit Core Method™, clinicians work to uncover and recondition the beliefs that fuel overworking, self-criticism, and minimization of success. This helps clients internalize their achievements, reduce fear-based motivation, and develop a stable sense of capability.

They’re related but not identical. Imposter Syndrome usually includes elements of anxiety, perfectionism, and self-esteem issues, but its core feature is the inability to feel competent even when someone is competent. Many people with strong external success still experience Imposter patterns because the identity-level belief system hasn’t been updated.

Yes. Behavioural strategies alone often fail because they don’t shift the underlying identity patterns. Identity-Level Therapy focuses on recalibrating those deeper beliefs so confidence becomes internal—not performative. Clients typically report feeling more grounded, less reactive to criticism, and more able to take up space without fear of being “exposed.”

Many clients notice early relief as they understand the origin of their patterns and begin interrupting automatic reactions. More lasting change occurs as identity-level beliefs are reconditioned through the ShiftGrit Core Method™. While timelines vary, most people experience steady, measurable progress across weeks to months, depending on severity and goals.