Gestalt therapy sees a person as a whole, where all thoughts, feelings and actions are part of a larger «I».

And this is where impostor syndrome appears — like an uninvited guest at the party of your self-awareness.

FIRST,

it is an interruption in the interaction between the «I-here-and-now» and the «I-as-I-want-to-be».

You succeed, your achievements are recognised, but an inner voice whispers:

you feel that your «present I» does not match the image of the «ideal I», and this creates an inner conflict.

SECOND,

impostor syndrome can be seen as an interruption in contact with reality.

Gestalt therapy emphasises the importance of awareness here and now, but impostor syndrome makes you live in a world of your assumptions and fears. You do not fully experience your achievements, because your attention is focused on thoughts that you are «not worthy» or «out of place».

HOW DO GESTALT THERAPISTS SEE THE WAY OUT?

The key is restoring contact with your own experience.

This means acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts and actions as part of yourself, without rejecting them.

Acknowledging that «yes, I feel like an impostor, but this too is part of my experience» can be the first step towards freeing yourself from this burden.

It is also important to work on integrating different aspects of the personality.

Instead of striving to be perfect, it is important to acknowledge and accept your shortcomings and vulnerability.

This will let you feel greater wholeness and authenticity in your achievements.

So impostor syndrome in gestalt therapy is not merely self-doubt, but also an opportunity for deeper self-knowledge and growth through restoring contact with yourself and the world.