Imposter Syndrome

So… I'm about to launch my website.

My actual hypnotherapy website.

THIS WEBSITE!

And I'm now at the point where I'm asking people to pay me for something I've spent the last six months learning, practising and becoming increasingly passionate about.

And honestly?

The imposter syndrome is real.

There is a little voice in my head asking:

Who do you think you are?

Are you experienced enough?

What if someone thinks you're not good enough?

What if you're not good enough.

How can you charge people for this when you're still training?

And the slightly ridiculous thing is…

I know exactly what I would say to someone else feeling this way.

I'd tell them that being new doesn't mean being incapable.

I'd tell them that confidence doesn't magically arrive before you start.

I'd tell them that you don't need to know everything to be able to do something really well.

I'd tell them to look at the evidence rather than listening to the fear.

I'd tell them they are absolutely capable and you've already proven with volunteers that you are.

So that's what I'm trying to do.

Look at the evidence.

I've spent the last six months training in Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy.

I've studied the brain and the neuroscience behind the approach.

I've practised the techniques.

I've worked with clients.

I've watched people make real changes.

I've had conversations that have genuinely made a difference.

And I've had some lovely feedback from the people I've worked with.

So perhaps the question isn't “Am I good enough?”

Perhaps it's: “Am I ready to start?”

And I am.

Not because I suddenly feel completely confident. I don't.

Not because I know everything - I definitely don't.

And not because I think I have all the answers.

I don't — and that's actually the point.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy isn't about me telling you how to live your life.

It's about helping you understand your brain, recognise your strengths and find your own solutions.

I'm here, with you, to facilitate that process.

To guide you.

To listen.

To challenge when appropriate.

To help you notice the things you might not notice yourself.

And to give you tools that you can take away and use long after our sessions finish.

I'm still learning.

And actually, I think that's a good thing and I think I will be continuously learning.

Because I care about doing this properly.

I care about continuing to learn.

I care about working within my competence.

And I care enormously about the people who trust me enough to sit in my therapy room — whether that's physically or virtually.

So yes…

I'm going to charge for my work.

And yes…

that still feels slightly terrifying.

But I also know that my time, training, knowledge and the work I put into helping someone are worth something.

And perhaps part of finding your own calm and your own power is recognising your own worth too.

I need to remember that imposter syndrome really means that I am doing something meaningful, something I care about and I'm activley pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.

So, if you've ever felt like an imposter when stepping into something new…

I get it.

I'm right here doing it too.

I'm just choosing to do it anyway.

And maybe that's the bit that matters.

Find your calm. Find your power.

A Calm Space with Chelsea.