We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr Nancy Irwin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr Nancy below.
Hi Dr Nancy, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
I never overcame it…I learned to use it.
Through my studies in psychology, and in all my myriad hours in clinical practice, I have learned that true imposters know they are liars and deceivers, and do not care. They have one agenda: to pretend to be someone that they are not in order to gain money, approval, and/or prestige. The rest of us feel like imposters, and have even named that syndrome to gain some relief from experiencing a set-back, or weak moment in our craft. We ALL suffer insecurities at varying moments in our careers and lives. The most talented and experienced artisans have moments of self-doubt, comparing the self to others, and feeling inferior.
I really learned this when I got to work with a world renowned, Oscar-winning film director, who has given me permission to share this story but not his/her name. This person, at every single film premiere, inevitably has the same terrifying feeling and thought: “Here’s the one where they’re gonna find me out…..that I don’t know what I’m doing…”
Knowing that the best among us have this fear, can we not accept it and allow it to work FOR us? This insecurity can be seen as a necessary feeling to stay hungry, keeping working hard, never resting on one’s laurels, staying humble. That has certainly worked FOR this film director. Why can’t that work for us? I say, keep the imposter syndrome! It allows us to be human.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was honored to treat multiple survivors of the recent class action suit against Dr. James Heaps, a former OB/GYN at UCLA, who is now in prison for sexually assaulting well over 200 victims. My mission has always been to treat the sexually abused.
The “Me Too” movement has drawn such great awareness to the overwhelming statistics of abuse cases, and helping those who suffered turn their victimization into empowerment is thrilling.
Further, I also treat victims of sexual abuse in the Boy Scouts, Harvey Weinstein, and the Catholic Church
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Take your time to get in touch with the “why” and you will find that that “how” unfolds naturally. Purpose tends to be something bigger than the Self. It serves others, makes a difference in the world or in the lives of others, yet also includes the Self.
1. Purpose. Having a clear mission calls you to action. Take your time to get in touch with the “why” and you will find that that “how” unfolds naturally. Purpose tends to be something bigger than the Self. It serves others, makes a difference in the world or in the lives of others, yet also includes the Self.
2. Education. I chose a field that requires a great deal of “schooling,” and fortunately I love school. I became fascinated with the field of trauma recovery, and the survivability of the human spirit. I continue to thirst for more knowledge, research, and continuing education in this field so that I can better serve clients.
3. Health. I practice and encourage clients to make health/fitness the top priority. It is the foundation upon which all else balances. Keeping your foundation as strong (and enjoyable!) as possible is key to building your career and life balance. Physical health is mental health, and mental health is physical health. They are inexorably linked. If you ignore or take for granted your physical health, one day it may ignore you.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Self-care is crucial for mental health clinicians to prevent compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma. I do make health/fitness (exercise, proper nutrition, down time) the foundation of my life. Self-care for me includes exercise (swim, run, lift weights, ballet), cooking, watching baseball and basketball, movies, massages, nature, time with my husband and friends/family, and of course comedy and opera!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drnancyirwin.com
- Instagram: @DrNancyIrwin
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Image Credits
CNN (Anderson Cooper Show shot)
