Imposter Syndrome: When the Doubt Hits Hard

Hey y’all, it’s Char’dae Bell. Lemme rap wit’ y’all real quick about somethin’ we all done felt at one point or another: imposter syndrome. That feelin’ like you ain’t good enough, like you just playin’ pretend while everybody else got it all together. Trust me, I done been there.

As a Black mama, therapist, and PhD student, I’ve juggled plenty hats—and still caught myself second-guessin’ whether I belong in the spaces I worked hard to get to. It don’t matter how many degrees on my wall (BA in Psychology, two master’s, and now grindin’ toward this PhD in Couple and Family Therapy), that lil’ voice still likes to creep in sometimes, whisperin’ “You sure you smart enough? Qualified enough? Black enough?”

That’s the thing about imposter syndrome—it don’t care how far you’ve come. For us Black folks, it can hit even harder ‘cause society done told us over and over that we gotta work twice as hard to get half as much. And even when we make it, they act like we don’t deserve the seat we earned at the table.

So how do we fight it? Let me share what’s helped me, both as a professional and just as me:

1. Name It and Claim It

First thing’s first: call it out. Imposter syndrome ain’t nothin’ but self-doubt wrapped up in a fancy name. Recognizin’ it for what it is takes the power outta it. When that voice pops up, I remind myself: “Nah, sis, you good. You earned your spot.”

2. Check the Receipts

Sometimes, you gotta pull out the receipts and remind yourself of your wins. I ain’t just talkin’ degrees or accolades—though those count, too. Think about the lives you’ve touched, the barriers you’ve broken, the impact you’ve made. For me, it’s knowin’ I’m helpin’ my people heal, whether it’s through therapy, research, or just speakin’ truth to power.

3. Speak Your Own Language

One way I push back against doubt is by bein’ 100% authentic. In my research, I use African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to simplify mental health diagnosis and treatment for Black folks. Why? ‘Cause our language is powerful, and it deserves to be respected in these spaces. When I speak my truth in my voice, I remind myself I’m exactly where I’m s’posed to be.

4. Lean on Your People

We ain’t meant to do this alone. Build your circle of folks who remind you who you are when you forget. Whether it’s family, friends, or mentors, surround yourself with people who lift you up.

5. Celebrate Every Win

Big or small, celebrate what you’ve accomplished. Too often, we focus on what’s next without takin’ a moment to say, “Damn, I did that.” Graduatin’ with my PhD in December 2025? Best believe I’ma be poppin’ bottles and dancin’ like nobody’s watchin’.

Imposter Syndrome Ain’t Bigger Than You

At the end of the day, imposter syndrome ain’t nothin’ but a speed bump—it slows you down, but it don’t stop you. You got the power to push through it, and every step you take forward is a reminder that you belong.

So next time that doubt creeps in, hit it with a lil’ “Not today, Satan.” You here for a reason, and don’t let nobody—not even yourself—convince you otherwise.

Keep grindin’, keep risin’, and always stay true to you.