You Belong Here
Exploring practical ways to navigate self-doubt at each stage of an academic career without relying solely on positive thinking.
Many researchers experience moments of self-doubt, regardless of their career stage, experience or achievements.
This practical and supportive workshop helps researchers understand and navigate imposter moments, build self-trust and engage more confidently with opportunities, challenges and career development.
Importantly, this session does not assume participants identify with having imposter syndrome. Instead, it explores the self-doubt, uncertainty and questions of belonging that many researchers experience at different points in their careers.
What participants will gain
- A better understanding of imposter moments and why they occur
- Greater confidence navigating self-doubt without relying on positive thinking alone
- Practical strategies for managing comparison, perfectionism and self-criticism
- Increased self-awareness and self-compassion/self-management
- Tools for taking action and making progress, even when confidence feels low
What we cover
- How self-doubt can show up at different career stages
- The impact of comparison, perfectionism and internal expectations
- Practical approaches for responding to imposter moments more effectively
- Building confidence through action, learning and experience
- Developing greater self-trust and a more realistic perspective on success
How it works
This session is designed to be:
- Practical and reflective, not theory-heavy
- Interactive, but low-pressure, making real progress in the session
- Supportive and realistic about research life
- Focused on small, usable actions that can be immediately applied
Format
- Single workshop, 90 minutes to 2 hours
- Delivered online via Zoom, or in person on request
- Suitable for PhD researchers, doctoral training programmes, postdoctoral researchers and early career researchers (can be adapted for each career stage)
This session works well alongside
What you'll leave with
- A better understanding of imposter moments and why they occur
- Confidence to navigate self-doubt without relying on positive thinking alone
- Practical strategies for managing comparison, perfectionism and self-criticism
- More self-awareness, self-compassion and self-management
- Tools for taking action and making progress even when confidence feels low
Frequently asked
- Who is this workshop for?
- PhD researchers and early career researchers who experience self-doubt, uncertainty or questions of belonging at any stage of their career. It can be adapted for different career stages.
- How long is the session?
- 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on what works for your group.
- Is it delivered online or in person?
- Online via Zoom, with in-person delivery available on request.
- How many people can take part?
- I usually run it for groups of 6 or more, and it works well with larger cohorts and doctoral training programmes.
- Do I need to identify with having imposter syndrome to attend?
- Not at all. The session does not assume you do. It simply explores the self-doubt and questions of belonging that many researchers experience at different points in their careers.
Not sure which course fits?
Tell me about your researchers and I’ll point you to the right one.