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Your brain can call you a fraud in seconds, even when you’ve done the work, earned the credential, or lived the experience. We get honest about what imposter syndrome actually feels like, starting with a surprisingly relatable moment: going back to the gym after time away and feeling sure everyone is watching, judging, and waiting for you to mess up. That same inner narrative can show up anywhere, from motherhood to friendships to big career steps.

We also dig into why clinicians like therapists and dietitians are especially prone to imposter syndrome. Helping other people with emotional regulation, eating disorder recovery, and anxiety management doesn’t mean we never struggle ourselves, and that disconnect can create shame. We talk about how expectations and perfectionism fuel self-doubt, why “I don’t know, I’ll research it” can be a sign of professionalism, and how to challenge the “I’m not qualified” story with tangible evidence, real feedback, and a more grounded view of your skills.

Then we tackle the accelerant most of us can’t avoid: social media comparison. When engagement, followers, and curated highlight reels become the measuring stick, it’s easy to feel behind or “not good enough,” even when you’re living a full, real life offline. We close with practical ways to build internal validation without over-relying on reassurance, plus a reminder that feelings aren’t facts.

If you want more conversations like this, subscribe, share the show with someone who needs it, and leave a rating or review so more people can find Nourish and Empower.

Show notes:

Trigger warning: this show is not medical, nutrition, or mental health treatment and is not a replacement for meeting with a Registered Dietitian, Licensed Mental Health Provider, or any other medical provider. You can find resources for how to find a provider, as well as crisis resources, in the show notes. Listener discretion is advised.

Resource links:

Hilltop Behavioral Health: https://hilltopbehavioralhealth.com/

Alliance for Eating Disorders: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/

ANAD: https://anad.org/

NEDA: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

NAMI: https://nami.org/home

Action Alliance: https://theactionalliance.org/

NIH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

How to find a provider:

https://map.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us

https://www.healthprofs.com/us/nutritionists-dietitians?tr=Hdr_Brand

Suicide & crisis awareness hotline: call 988 (available 24/7)

Eating Disorder hotline: call or text 800-931-2237 (Phone line is available Monday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm ET and Friday 11 am-5 pm ET; text line is available Monday-Thursday 3-6 pm ET and Friday 1-5 pm ET)

If you are experiencing a psychiatric or medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

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