You're Not a Fraud: BCBAs and Imposter Syndrome
You're Not a Fraud: BCBAs and Imposter Syndrome
Ever get that nagging feeling you’re going to screw up when you’re starting an assessment with a new family? Or even when you're simply heading in to work at the clinic or with a client at their home—even though you’ve been doing this job for awhile now? In most cases it's that undeniable sense of doubt, where you question your abilities and fear being exposed as a fraud by a caregiver or fellow staff member? Maybe your boss?
Welcome to the wide and wonderful world of imposter syndrome.
What is Imposter Syndrome?
Imposter syndrome manifests itself in a variety of ways and situations. Usually there are thought themes like, "Maybe I'm not good enough for this," or "Everyone around me thinks I'm good at this, but what if they find out how terrible I am?" It's the fear of being unmasked as a fraud despite your accomplishments and capabilities. It’s almost as if you feel that you somehow managed to fool everyone into thinking you’re capable of being a BCBA—your supervisor, your certification board, your professors—but deep down, you don't feel comfortable, and this discomfort convinces you that you're not cut out for your role.
The reason this happens is pretty simple. Our brain is hardwired to protect us. It’s hardwired to assess threats and ensure our safety, which can sometimes lead to an over-sensitivity toward ANYTHING that we might not be 100% comfortable doing. That includes things at work. Despite the utmost advancements in medicine and technology, our brains still operate on prehistoric instincts, emphasizing potential dangers and shortcomings all the time. And this defensiveness can turn on toward tasks and responsibilities that we are actually pretty decent at—like being a regular ol’ BCBA.
Common Scenarios for BCBAs
For BCBAs, imposter syndrome can strike at various stages of your career:
Newly Certified BCBAs: The transition from supervisee to certified professional can be daunting. Everything is so new and coming at me all at once…maybe I’m not cut out for this.
Experienced BCBAs: Even with years of experience, new challenges and complex cases can trigger self-doubt. Wow, I’ve never seen *that* behavior before…maybe this will be the kiddo that cracks me.
BCBA Leaders: Stepping into managerial or director roles introduces new responsibilities and pressures, often amplifying feelings of inadequacy. Everybody seems to hate me right now! They know that I don’t know what I’m doing!
You might find yourself in a situation where a client presents behaviors you can't immediately address, or when you compare yourself to seasoned colleagues who seem to have everything figured out. Your brain might urge you to retreat to a safer, more familiar role. Maybe I can just go back to being an RBT!
Understanding the Nature of Anxiety
It's crucial to recognize that anxiety in new or challenging situations is normal. This anxiety is your brain's way of cautioning you about the unknown. However, it doesn't mean you're incapable. Instead, it's a signal that you're stepping out of your comfort zone, which is essential for growth.
Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
Accept Anxiety as Normal: Understand that anxiety and imposter syndrome are natural responses to new challenges. Accept these feelings as part of the process.
Seek Support: Consult with your supervisor or mentor. They have likely experienced similar feelings and can offer guidance and reassurance.
Professional Development: Continuously develop your skills. Over time, you'll gain confidence in areas where you currently feel uncertain. Keep pushing.
Change Your Relationship with Anxiety: Learn to view anxiety as a sign of growth rather than a limitation. Embrace new challenges and give yourself time to adapt. For me, anxiety means I’m entering the other, enchanted side of the wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia anyone?). This is the exciting side. Anxiety means I’m about to learn something cool!
Self-Reflection: Regularly reflect on your achievements and the progress you've made. This can help counteract feelings of inadequacy.
Personal Experience
I can speak from personal experience. When I started as an RBT, I was filled with anxiety and self-doubt. In fact, on my first day as an RBT, I remember the incredible urge to turn my car around on my first day of work. To go back home and send a message to my supervisor that I would be resigning. It took everything for me to proceed forward that day. And, because I persevered and didn’t back down that day, the rest of my life changed for the better. I still look at that very day as one of the most pivotal moments of my earthly existence. The same feelings resurfaced when I became a BCBA. However, over time and with support, I learned to manage these feelings and grow in my role.
Final Thoughts
Imposter syndrome is a common experience, especially in the demanding field of ABA. Recognize it, talk about it, and seek support when needed. Remember, feeling like an imposter doesn't mean you are one. Lean into your discomfort, trust in your abilities, and change your relationship with that lizard brain of yours.
If you ever need advice or encouragement, don't hesitate to reach out. Share this message with your colleagues, and remember that you're not alone in feeling this way.
Happy Friday, and keep pushing forward!
For more insights and resources, check out BxMastery. With thousands of targets and guidance on where to start and proceed, it's a valuable tool for any BCBA. At less than $3 a month, it's an investment in your professional growth. Like, subscribe, and share this newsletter to help others in our community.
Martin Myers is a BCBA with a passion for helping improve the field of ABA. He is the creator of BxMastery, with over 4,000 goal ideas, sequenced, to inspire your programming. With 10+ years of experience in the field, he’s dedicated to empowering others and fostering positive change through effective leadership and communication. Connect with Martin on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more insights and updates.