Understanding Imposter Syndrome: Insights from Neuroscience
Hi - My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I’m a Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire.
So, you’re reading my blog, which probably means something has resonated with you.
Like many people, I’ve experienced the uncomfortable dance between confidence and self-doubt that we often call Imposter Syndrome. Studies suggest that around 70% of people will experience this at some stage in their lives.
If you ever find yourself worrying you don’t deserve your achievements, or fearing you might be “found out” when taking on more responsibility, you’re not alone — and you’re in good company.
If these feelings strike a chord, then this blog is for you.
The Neuroscience Behind Imposter Syndrome
At the heart of Imposter Syndrome is the brain’s limbic system — often referred to as the “primitive brain.” You may recognise this idea from Dr Steve Peters’ Chimp Paradox, which describes how instinctive emotional responses can sometimes take the lead.
This part of the brain prioritises safety above everything else. Its job is to scan for risk and react quickly. The prefrontal cortex — the logical, planning part of the brain — operates more slowly and calmly.
In modern life, the “primitive brain” can misinterpret normal challenges (like work pressure or uncertainty) as threats, triggering alarm signals that can make situations feel bigger or more overwhelming than they are. This can make feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, or fear feel very real.
None of this means anything is “wrong” with you — it’s simply your brain doing its best to protect you.
What Imposter Syndrome Can Feel Like
If you recognise yourself in any of these experiences, you may be navigating Imposter Syndrome:
Persistent self-doubt about your skills, even when you’re doing well
Attributing your achievements to luck or external circumstances
Feeling pressure to over-prepare, overthink, or hold back from new opportunities
Hesitating to start projects due to fear of failure
Avoiding feedback because it feels threatening rather than helpful
These patterns are very human. Many people say they find them exhausting, which is why understanding them can feel empowering.
Top 5 Ways to Work With Imposter Feelings
Here are five supportive approaches people often find helpful:
1. Positive Reframing
Instead of viewing challenges as threats, try exploring them as opportunities to grow or learn. This invites a more balanced perspective.
2. Recognise Your Achievements
Keep a record of things you’ve done well — big or small. The primitive brain focuses on perceived “threats,” so consciously noticing positives can feel grounding.
3. Talk About It
Sharing your experience with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues can be surprisingly normalising. Many people quietly feel the same way.
4. Set Realistic Standards
Perfectionism fuels Imposter Syndrome. Allowing yourself to be human - learning, growing, and making mistakes can feel liberating.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Compassion
Mindfulness helps you observe thoughts rather than get tangled in them. Paired with self-compassion, it encourages a kinder internal dialogue.
How Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy Can Support People Experiencing Imposter Feelings
Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy offers a calm, reflective space where people can explore their strengths, focus on what’s going well, and imagine the future they want to move toward.
It doesn’t analyse the past or label you — instead, it focuses on:
building on your existing resources
reconnecting with your inner strengths
imagining preferred outcomes
identifying small steps that feel achievable
creating space for clearer thinking through relaxation
Many clients describe the combination of gentle trance work and solution-focused conversations as helping them feel more grounded, reflective, and connected to their abilities.
Understanding the Role of Relaxation and Imagery
In trance, a natural, relaxed state — people often say they find it easier to:
visualise how they want to feel
reconnect with confidence or calm
reflect without pressure
access a more balanced perspective
This isn’t about rewiring the brain or changing neural pathways - those are medical claims, which hypnotherapy is not permitted to make.
Instead, it creates a mental environment where possibilities can feel easier to explore.
Many clients describe this as a gentle way to build familiarity with more helpful thoughts and feelings.
Exploring Your Next Steps
If Imposter feelings have been holding you back- personally or professionally - you don’t have to navigate them alone.
I offer a free initial consultation (online or in-person), which is simply a relaxed conversation where you can:
ask questions
get a feel for the approach
explore what you’d like to change
see whether Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy feels right for you
There’s no pressure and no obligation — just a supportive space.
Peters, S. (2012). The Chimp Paradox: The Mind Management Programme to Help You Achieve Success, Confidence and Happiness. London: Vermilion.
https://so06.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/IJBS/article/view/521
Want to find out more about how hypnotherapy could help with Imposter Syndrome
The next step is booking a FREE 45 Minute Initial Consultation / Hypnotherapy Discovery Session (no half-measures here).
In-person at my Oxfordshire Therapy Room (Upper Heyford, near Bicester or Online via Zoom).
The first step to setting yourself free and living the life you want.
My name is Andy Selway-Woolley (he/him) and I am a fully qualified Clinical Solution Focused Hypnotherapist and Psychotherapist. I run HeadFirst Hypnotherapy®, based in Upper Heyford (near Bicester), Oxfordshire.
I assist people in regaining control of their lives by retraining their brains to overcome limiting thought patterns, master their emotions, and cultivate resilient behaviors for a brighter and more positive future.. I know… It’s awesome!
a nutshell, I ‘get you out of your own way’. Because, let’s face it, a lot of us are.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy taps into the power of your subconscious mind so you can move forward towards the life you’ve always wanted to live. It’s a quick, practical way to address thought patterns, emotions and behaviours that are holding you back in life.
I’m a registered and accredited member of the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), Association for Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (AfSFH) and National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH).
Hypnotherapy sessions can be done either in my garden therapy room in Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire (Near Bicester). Ideally situated, it also serves individuals in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Warwickshire and I also work online nationwide via Zoom.