Question
How does imposter syndrome influence the supervisory relationship, and what can supervisors do to address it?
Answer
Imposter syndrome significantly impacts both supervisors and their supervisees, often undermining confidence, trust, and the willingness to engage openly in the learning process. For supervisees—especially students, clinical fellows, and newer clinicians—this internalized sense of doubt can manifest as a fear of being exposed as incompetent, despite meeting all academic and professional benchmarks. These feelings are especially common in unfamiliar clinical settings, during major career transitions, or when under pressure to perform perfectly. The root causes are often tied to chronic stress, burnout, and perfectionism—factors that are prevalent in healthcare and educational environments.
Supervisors are not immune to these feelings either. Even seasoned professionals can experience imposter syndrome in moments where their expertise is called into question, such as leading trainings, navigating complex clinical cases, or mentoring newer staff. Recognizing this shared vulnerability can foster empathy and reduce the power dynamic often felt in supervision. When supervisors acknowledge their own experiences with imposter syndrome or recognize it in their supervisees, they can create a more supportive environment—one where mistakes are framed as opportunities to learn, and growth is prioritized over perfection.
Effective supervision requires proactive strategies to mitigate imposter syndrome. This includes building a foundation of psychological safety, offering consistent and constructive feedback, and normalizing the learning curve inherent in clinical practice. Supervisors should model openness to questions and uncertainty, thereby reinforcing that competence does not require flawlessness. By doing so, they not only help supervisees develop confidence but also reduce the isolation and self-doubt that fuel imposter syndrome.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Positive Communication to Help Reduce Future Imposter Syndrome, presented by Jessi Andricks, MS, CCC-SLP.
