Signs That Imposter Syndrome is Holding You Back
Have you ever found yourself questioning your own success—wondering if you really deserve the praise, promotions or accomplishments others see in you?
Maybe you lie awake at night worrying that one day, people will “find out” you’re not as capable as they think. You might chalk up your achievements to luck, timing or just being in the right place at the right time. If so, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is a deeply common experience among women, especially high-achieving professionals, perfectionists and caregivers. And while it may be invisible on the outside, it can take a toll on your self-esteem, your relationships and your ability to fully step into your potential.
At the Women’s Counseling Center of Denver, we work with women every week who feel stuck in cycles of self-doubt, anxiety and self-criticism—even when they’re doing well externally. Our women’s-focused therapy in Denver helps clients recognize the quiet grip imposter syndrome has had on their lives and begin to build a more grounded, confident inner voice.
What Is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome is a pattern where someone doubts their accomplishments and has a persistent fear of being exposed as a “fraud,” despite evidence of success. For women, this can be fueled by cultural messaging, early childhood dynamics and environments that reward self-sacrifice over self-trust.
You might find yourself thinking:
I don’t belong in this room.
They overestimated me.
I just got lucky.
If I speak up, they’ll realize I don’t know what I’m doing.
These thoughts don’t just hold you back—they create chronic stress and emotional exhaustion. Over time, they can erode your confidence, keep you from growing and disconnect you from your own worth.
Common Signs of Imposter Syndrome in Women
Many women don’t realize they’re struggling with imposter syndrome because it can disguise itself as humility, high standards or even motivation. But over time, it chips away at your confidence and leaves you feeling like a fraud in your own life. Here are some of the most common signs:
🌿Downplaying Your Success
You struggle to accept praise, often redirecting it toward others or explaining it away. Instead of saying “thank you,” you might say, “It wasn’t a big deal,” or “I just got lucky.” You rarely allow yourself to feel proud of your accomplishments—even when they’ve taken real effort and skill.
🌿Fear of Being “Found Out”
You live with a low-level fear that people will discover you’re not as competent or intelligent as they think. Even after years of experience, degrees or promotions, you worry that you’ve somehow tricked others into believing you’re qualified.
🌿Perfectionism and Overworking
You hold yourself to impossible standards and work excessively to prove your worth. Mistakes feel catastrophic, and “good enough” never feels like enough. You might feel like you're only as valuable as your last success—or only lovable if you're excelling.
🌿Avoiding New Challenges
You shy away from opportunities—like applying for a promotion, starting your own business, or speaking up in meetings—because you’re afraid you won’t measure up. Rather than risk failure, you stay small, even when you know you’re capable of more.
🌿Relying on External Validation
You depend heavily on others to tell you that you’re doing well. Without reassurance, you feel anxious, uncertain or unworthy. Your self-worth feels like it’s always hanging in the balance, and criticism—no matter how constructive—can feel crushing.
How Imposter Syndrome Affects Relationships
Imposter syndrome isn’t just something you bring to the workplace—it shows up in your personal life, too. In fact, many women unknowingly carry these same self-doubts into their romantic, social and family relationships.
You might:
Question if you’re worthy of love or care, even in close relationships
Overextend yourself, trying to prove your value by being overly helpful, accommodating or agreeable
Avoid conflict or difficult conversations, fearing rejection or being seen as “too much”
Feel anxious when you're not constantly earning approval, and struggle to relax in your own skin
This pattern of self-doubt and overcompensation can lead to burnout, resentment or relationships that feel unbalanced. You may find yourself giving more than you're getting—because part of you feels like you have to “earn” connection.
At the Women’s Counseling Center of Denver, our women’s therapists are trained to help you identify these relational dynamics and begin shifting toward more secure, authentic and empowered ways of relating to others.
Therapy for Imposter Syndrome in Denver
You don’t have to keep living with the fear that you’re not enough—or that one mistake will unravel everything you’ve worked so hard to build. With the right support, you can begin to trust your accomplishments, speak from a place of self-assurance and step into spaces with your full voice intact.
Our therapy for women in Denver offers a safe space to explore:
Where your imposter feelings come from—early life experiences, past relationships, cultural pressures
How perfectionism and people-pleasing are keeping you stuck
What healthier, more affirming thought patterns can replace the self-criticism
How to build self-trust that doesn’t depend on other people’s opinions or constant achievement
We take a personalized approach with every client we work with. Using techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), DBT, parts work and psychodynamic therapy, we help you connect the dots between your past and your present—so you can change the story you’ve been living.
Tips to Start Challenging Imposter Thoughts
If you’ve been living with imposter syndrome for a long time, it can feel like that critical inner voice is just part of who you are. But with time and the right support, you can start to recognize it for what it is—a learned pattern, not a permanent truth.
Here are a few ways to begin challenging imposter thoughts:
Observe the Negative Voice
Start by noticing when the voice of self-doubt shows up. Is it when you receive praise? When you’re asked to lead? When you make a mistake? Labeling it as “the imposter voice” can help create space between your thoughts and your identity.
Try saying to yourself: “That’s the imposter voice talking—not the truth about who I am.”Practice Thought Reframing
Instead of trying to stop imposter thoughts (which can backfire), work on reframing them. For example:“They’re going to realize I’m not qualified” → “I’ve worked hard and earned this opportunity—growth always feels a little uncomfortable.”
“I only got lucky” → “I showed up, I did the work, and I’m here because I’m prepared.”
Even if it feels unnatural at first, consistently practicing more balanced thoughts can begin to shift the way you see yourself.Keep a Success Log
Create a space where you track your wins—big and small. This could be a note on your phone, a journal, or even a folder of emails or kind words from others. When your inner critic starts spiraling, this log becomes a reality check. Evidence matters.Talk About It
Imposter syndrome thrives in silence. You’d be surprised how many other smart, successful women feel the exact same way. Talking to a therapist—or even trusted friends—can help normalize the experience and offer a more grounded perspective.Anchor Yourself in Values, Not Just Performance
When your worth is tied to how perfectly you perform, anxiety is inevitable. Instead, try anchoring your self-esteem in your deeper values: integrity, kindness, curiosity, determination. Who you are matters more than what you achieve.
You Deserve to Believe in Yourself
You’ve done enough proving. Enough pushing. Enough pretending. It’s time to feel at home in your own life—and that starts with believing that your voice, your presence and your success are valid and real.
If imposter syndrome is holding you back in your career, your relationships or your day-to-day well-being, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep struggling silently.
Reach out today to schedule a free 20-minute consultation. We’d love to connect you with one of our experienced women’s therapists in Denver who can help you begin to trust yourself again, from the inside out.