Hypnotherapy for Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome can be a powerful motivator, pushing us to strive for excellence. However, in today’s competitive and high-pressure environment, it can quickly turn into self-doubt and fear, holding us back from recognizing our true worth and achievements.
Imposter Syndrome: Overcome Self-Doubt with Hypnotherapy
Imposter syndrome is a common experience that can affect anyone, from high achievers to those just starting their journey. While a touch of self-doubt can sometimes motivate us to work harder, imposter syndrome often goes beyond that, creating an ongoing pattern of self-criticism and fear of being "found out."
This internal struggle can hold you back, overshadowing your achievements and leaving you feeling inadequate or undeserving of success, no matter how much you’ve accomplished. It’s like a subconscious loop that keeps replaying, convincing you that you're not enough.
A solution-focused hypnotherapy approach can help you reframe these thoughts, build self-belief, and move forward with confidence, recognizing and embracing your true potential.
Types of Imposter Syndrome & How We Can Help You Overcome It
Feelings of Inadequacy and Self-Doubt
Self-criticism: Doubting your abilities and feeling undeserving of success.
Perfectionism: Setting unrealistically high standards and fearing failure.
Fear of exposure: Worrying others will see you're not as capable as they think.
Downplaying successes: Minimizing achievements or attributing them to luck.
Fear of success: Fearing success will bring pressure or expectations.
Negative Impact on Well-being and Performance
Avoiding challenges: Shying away from new opportunities due to fear of failure.
Overworking: Overcompensating for self-doubt, leading to burnout.
Rejecting praise: Feeling uncomfortable accepting compliments.
Imposter cycle: Feeling like an imposter despite success, fueling doubt.
Chronic stress: Constant worry and self-doubt causing ongoing stress.
How Can Hypnotherapy Help With Imposter Syndrome
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy can help you break free from the cycle of self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy. We will explore the root causes of your imposter syndrome and identify practical steps to challenge and overcome these beliefs. Together, we’ll create a positive, empowering narrative, helping you visualize a future where you embrace your achievements with confidence and take manageable steps toward that vision.
Using safe and effective techniques, we can address the subconscious triggers that reinforce feelings of being an “imposter.” Through hypnosis, we engage the subconscious mind to replace negative self-talk with positive, affirming beliefs, enabling lasting transformation.
These techniques are backed by neuroscience, leveraging the brain's natural ability to reprogram itself and build a healthier, more confident mindset.
Stephen Hardy
DSFH, HPD, AfSFH, MNCH (Reg.), CNHC (Reg.)
I’m a clinical solution-focused hypnotherapist and coach.
My mission is to help people have more fulfilling, fun lives and careers.
As a clinical hypnotherapist, I work with both the conscious and subconscious minds, using a combination of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy, CBT, and Neuroscience, mixed in with my experience of working in senior corporate positions.
The goal is to enable rapid positive change, through helping clients reframe their thinking, and creating new patterns of behaviour. It’s a positive, fun approach.
Testimonials
Free Discovery Call
We'll spend 30 minutes exploring your current challenges and establishing whether Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy is a good fit for you.
The relationship between a therapist and a client is fundamental to the success of any engagement. This is an opportunity to get to know me and find out if my style of engagement would work for you.
You will gain a fresh perspective on what's been holding you back, and confidence in your ability to move forward in life.
An opportunity for you to ask me any questions or address any concerns you may have.
FAQs
What is Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy? How does it differ from more traditional therapy?
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy is a proven, fast and effective agent for long term change, and has been successfully deployed in several organisations including Northumbria Police.
I take a holistic approach to supporting clients, addressing the cause of their problems, not just the symptoms. Unlike some other therapies, I don’t focus on a client’s issues beyond gaining an initial understanding. I also don’t perform any regression work or focus on past trauma. Sessions are conducted in a solution-focused manner, helping clients move forward with their lives. I use a combination of NLP, CBT, neuroscience, and hypnotherapy to facilitate rapid change in our clients. The goal of solution-focused hypnotherapy is to enable rapid, sustainable change.
Is Hypnotherapy safe? Will I lose control?
I use an element of trance in sessions to accelerate the therapeutic process, with solution-focused hypnotherapy being a core element of sessions. Trance is a very familiar state. All of us go into trance many times every day, for example, when we’re focusing on something we love doing, driving a regular route, or jogging. Trance is when the conscious and subconscious minds come together in focus, allowing you to access the vast resource library in your subconscious and helping you to get the very best out of yourself. It’s a myth that anyone can make you do something against your will in trance. You’re always in control, and your mind will “wake” you if it doesn’t feel safe or if there’s something you need to address. Typically, clients find this part of the process very relaxing and enjoyable.
Do you provide online sessions, and if so, are they as effective as in-person sessions?
Yes and yes!
Since Covid, many people have developed a preference for online interactions. The bulk of my sessions are now conducted over Zoom, giving clients the opportunity to relax within the comfort of their own homes.
The only request is that you ensure you have access to decent WiFi and are in a place where you can comfortably relax with minimal distractions.
Are there any conditions you can’t treat?
I specialise in working with clients who have mild to moderate anxiety or depression and related disorders. As a solution-focused hypnotherapist, I also work with individuals with high levels of anxiety or depression; however, clients need to be aware that this can be a longer process, and they may need to do this in conjunction with taking medication as diagnosed by their medical professional.
Suffering from a psychotic episode can mean that hypnosis is contraindicated, therefore hypnotherapy should not be received in that scenario. Those with a history of psychosis but who aren’t currently suffering from a psychotic episode can benefit from hypnotherapy to help address anxiety-related disorders.
Some physical ailments can be psychosomatic, but it’s important that they are properly assessed by a medical professional.
How many sessions does it take to overcome anxiety?
Everyone is different and I take a client led approach. You know how you feel and how many sessions you need to get to where you want to.
From experience, roughly 10-12 sessions is probably a good rule of thumb, however some people have significantly less, some a few more.