Meet Allison Wolters

We were lucky to catch up with Allison Wolters recently and have shared our conversation below.

Allison , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Our inner critic can be the loudest and harshest voice that we not only hear, but believe. Maybe not for everyone, but this concept rings true for me. That little voice that whispers doubt and disbelief is rooted in fear, rejection, and the looming doom of potential failure. No matter the evidence that proves these negative thoughts wrong, they can become our inner truth and core of our existence in the world… if we let them. I truly believe that our thoughts impact the way that we feel which impact the ways in which we act, behave, perform, and make decisions. This is where imposter syndrome can become the cloak that we wear and the foundation from which we exist. I’ve been in many different environments where whispers of doubt and the voice of “who in the heck do I think I am doing this,” have absolutely paralyzed me which not only impacted my performance but it halted me from putting myself out there and took the “dreamer” right out of me. Putting it simply, inspired by the words of my father, imposter syndrome is like getting in your own way.

Imposter syndrome creeps in and unpacks their bags usually when I am experiencing what Brene Brown refers to as a FFT, “F’ing First Time.” This is a universal human experience. We are all in various seasons of first timing it, but knowing that doesn’t make it any easier to endure.
When I was a new teacher, my imposter syndrome voice (let’s call her Irene) would say things like,
“Who do you think you are, providing guidance to parents when you aren’t a mother yet.”
Imposter Syndrome Irene was there when I became a school counselor and would taunt me by saying, “There’s no way I can positively impact school culture, I am just one human (who is totally drowning with their caseload of over 650 students).”
When I started my private practice in Landrum, SC, Imposter Irene would say, “No one is going to drive all that way for counseling.”
Oh Irene has been trying to invite herself back into my life since I am in another FFT with becoming a Certified Yoga Teacher. You may be catching onto the pattern here, she has been serving up some commentary that isn’t helpful.

The imposter syndrome that I have experienced time and time again is fueled by limiting beliefs. These limiting beliefs could be present in every decision I make, if I let them. Good thing I am on the journey of becoming aware of these beliefs and how they sneak into the narrative along with taking steps to shift the script in my mind and refocus.

There’s no exact recipe of actions I have taken to combat imposter syndrome, but there are some action steps that I have to include into my daily life in order to keep Imposter Irene away.

Awareness has been key. Honing in on my inner voice and truly evaluating the function of the narrative and then fact checking it (if there are limiting beliefs intertwined in my thoughts).
Celebrating the wins. This is anything from booking new clients, putting myself out there and teaching a yoga class, taking time to marvel at nature with my toddler, to having a vulnerable conversation with my husband or a friend.
Reworking my inner dialogue. I have many go to phrases that keep me in check when I am in an FFT or when Imposter Irene chimes in.
“I am worthy.”
“I don’t need to take on the world at this moment, but I do need to take action.”
“I might not be as experienced as ___, but I have so much to bring to the table.”
“Breathe.”
“I can do hard things.”
“I am capable and knowledgeable.”
Connecting with mentors and other professionals. I can easily bottle these feelings up and present as a very confident person. Having a space to be vulnerable and consult with others is golden! Admitting that I don’t know it all and asking questions is a refreshing break from the weight of just pushing through.
Planning then following through. I am a big dreamer that is plagued with decision fatigue/ hesitation. I thrive on dreaming up unique experiences and I am in a season of working hard to see these dreams make their way off of the drawing board and exist in the world. It is easy for me to fall into the trap of just shrugging something off because of limiting beliefs.

I often tell my husband that if we can speak a parking spot, downtown Greenville into existence, then we can speak greatness about ourselves, businesses, and dreams into existence as well! This isn’t a one sized fits all approach, it is an evolving approach that helps me show up for myself, dreams, family, and businesses. (Can you believe Irene almost convinced me not to submit this excerpt, “because who would even want to read this.”
Buzz off Irene. If no one read this, it has still been a beautifully healing way to put some of my experience and feelings into words.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am Allison Wolters and I have a Nature Based Therapy Practice located on the breathtaking grounds of The Red Horse Inn in Landrum, SC. I work with children, teens, and young adults who may need support for stress and anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, and even… the uninvited imposter syndrome. My journey started early in my career as an early childhood teacher. I enjoyed teaching students the foundations of reading and writing but I loved the interpersonal and social emotional aspects of teaching. This experience led me to pursue a Masters in School Counseling which led me to pursue going into private practice. I am truly living out my dreams of merging the healing powers of nature with therapy. It has been amazing to witness how my clients have been impacted by being immersed in nature throughout their therapeutic experience. Imagine staring into the ridgeline of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you practice mindfulness and breathwork. Or walking through trails as you process a challenge that has been weighing you down. Or my favorite, imagine standing in the river as you play with natural clay while you work through unprocessed grief. The experiences are limitless and impactful. It’s beautiful work that I get to do with my clients in the most stunning therapy office that exists!
Keep an eye out for future nature based retreats, workshops, and groups that will be held on the grounds.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Surround yourself with people who are doing the things that you dream of doing. Not only have they been there and done that, these individuals radiate a special something that you might just pick up on and benefit from. Early in my career, I was plagued with burnout and did not have the capacity to even think about plugging into community. Now I know that I’m built for being in community with others who are doing the things that I dream of doing. (this is true as a business owner, mother, wife, friend)

Embrace the FFT’s (F’ng First Times). The pit stomach feeling you get when you show up on your first day on the job. Notice that feeling, lean into it, normalize it and feel it. The feeling wont last long and neither will the FFT.

Show up for yourself. This is a concept that I am still working on. I come from a long line of movers and shakers and workaholics. So taking a moment to rest (truly rest) is often met with resistance, from myself, and anxiety. I am learning to breathe through these moments and prioritize fueling myself in ways that leave me feeling rejuvenated, restored, rested, and inspired.

If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?

I would savor the little things more than I do now. I would stop rushing and make time to feed into myself, family, friends, and community. Oh would I travel! Mostly I would find peace in knowing that my life, although challenging at times, is pretty dang good.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.allisonwolterscounseling.com
• Instagram: theoutdoorsycounselor
• Other: https://www.theredhorseinn.com

Image Credits

Storied Artisan