Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming the Inner Critic

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Somatic Approach to Embracing Success

Imposter syndrome is like that one annoying party guest who wasn’t invited but somehow found their way in—and now they won’t stop whispering, “You don’t belong here.” If you’ve ever achieved something amazing (or even just mildly impressive) only to feel like you’re moments away from being exposed as a fraud, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome and the fear of success often go hand in hand, especially for those with a history of trauma.

But here’s the thing: that voice in your head? It’s not you. It’s a survival response. And it can be healed.

As a trauma therapist specializing in PTSD therapy in San Diego, I’ve helped countless clients break free from the suffocating grip of imposter syndrome using somatic therapy, brainspotting, EMDR, and compassionate inquiry. If you’re tired of self-doubt running the show, keep reading.

The Trauma-Imposter Syndrome Connection

If you have a history of trauma, your nervous system might be wired to see success as a threat. This is where the fear of success comes into play. When you’ve spent years surviving by staying small, being seen—really seen—can feel dangerous.

According to Gabor Maté, “The attempts to escape from pain create more pain.” That means when we try to dodge feelings of inadequacy by overworking, overachieving, or dismissing our success, we’re actually reinforcing the imposter narrative.

Why Traditional Affirmations Don’t Work

If telling yourself, “I am worthy and capable” worked, you wouldn’t be reading this, right? That’s because imposter syndrome isn’t just in your head—it’s in your body. Your nervous system has learned to associate success with risk, and until you work with your body (instead of trying to talk over it), those fears won’t budge.

This is where somatic therapy in San Diego comes in.

How Somatic Therapy Helps You Ditch Imposter Syndrome 

Somatic therapy works by addressing trauma where it actually lives: in your nervous system. Here’s how:

1. Somatic Experiencing: Releasing Stuck Survival Energy

Developed by Peter Levine, Somatic Experiencing helps release the survival energy trapped in your body. Trauma isn’t just a bad memory; it’s an unresolved experience stored in your nervous system. By gently guiding you through bodily sensations and micro-movements, we can help your system learn that success is safe.

2. Brainspotting: Targeting the Root of Self-Doubt

Brainspotting (pioneered by David Grand) uses eye positions to access unprocessed trauma. If the idea of stepping into a leadership role, raising your prices, or finally launching that passion project sends you into a spiral of anxiety, brainspotting can help untangle the deep-seated fears keeping you stuck.

3. EMDR: Rewiring Limiting Beliefs

EMDR in San Diego is a powerful tool for healing imposter syndrome. By using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds), EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories and self-limiting beliefs. As Bessel van der Kolkfamously said, “The body keeps the score.” EMDR helps change that score by shifting how your brain stores past experiences.

4. Compassionate Inquiry: Naming the Wound

Developed by Gabor Maté, Compassionate Inquiry helps uncover the unconscious patterns driving imposter syndrome. By gently exploring the origins of your self-doubt, we can challenge and rewrite the narratives that no longer serve you.

5. Nervous System Regulation with Dr. Aimie Apigian’s Work

Dr. Aimie Apigian, a leader in trauma-informed health, teaches that unresolved stored trauma affects every aspect of your life—from your immune system to your ability to step into success. Her work emphasizes the importance of somatic practices to rewire these deep-seated patterns, allowing you to feel safe being seen.

Signs You Might Be Afraid of Success

You might not consciously believe you fear success, but your nervous system might have other ideas. Here are some sneaky signs:

• You downplay your accomplishments (“It was just luck.”)
• You procrastinate or self-sabotage right before a big opportunity
• You feel anxiety when praised or recognized
• You stay in toxic work environments because leaving would mean stepping into the unknown
• You’re constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop

Sound familiar? Let’s talk about what healing actually looks like.

Healing: The Somatic Path to Authentic Success

Healing from imposter syndrome and fear of success isn’t about forcing confidence—it’s about creating safety in success. Here’s what that process can look like:

1. Build Capacity for Feeling Seen

If visibility makes you uneasy, start small. Practice sitting with the discomfort instead of avoiding it. Notice what happens in your body when you receive a compliment. Do you tense up? Shrug it off? Acknowledge it and take a deep breath. This is how we start rewiring those old patterns.

2. Regulate Your Nervous System Daily

Healing isn’t a one-time event—it’s a practice. Somatic tools like grounding exercises, breathwork, and movement help your body learn that success doesn’t have to mean stress.

3. Challenge Your Trauma Narratives

Imposter syndrome is often rooted in early experiences of feeling “not enough.” Working with a somatic therapist in San Diego, you can begin to separate past wounds from present reality.

Ready to Stop Feeling Like a Fraud?

Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means your nervous system learned to equate success with risk. The good news? You can unlearn it. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’re ready to move past self-doubt and into self-trust, I invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation. Let’s see if working together feels like a good fit.

📩 Email Shay@overcomeanxietytrauma.com to get started.

Success doesn’t have to feel like a threat. With the right support, it can feel like exactly what it is: yours to claim.