We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Claudia Matos a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Claudia , 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.
Imposter syndrome can feel overwhelming and draining, a common experience among many professionals. When I started my career, imposter syndrome was a constant presence, causing me to doubt my decisions. Honestly, I’m not sure if imposter syndrome ever completely goes away. Instead, you learn to manage and live with it. One effective way I found to handle imposter syndrome was by connecting with other professionals in my field. It might sound surprising but knowing that others face similar challenges was reassuring and validating. We’re all navigating this unpredictable journey together. So, when imposter syndrome creeps in, I allow it to surface briefly but remind myself that I’m not alone and can overcome it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I love what I do!
As a former people pleaser, working with individuals who share similar traits excites me! I specialize in guiding my clients through the challenges of breaking harmful patterns and establishing healthy boundaries. I empathize with the struggle of feeling unable to handle the guilt that comes with taking a break. My goal is to empower my clients to recognize their value and lead the life they are worthy of!
On another note, love is my passion! I adore working with couples of all kinds and from all walks of life. While it may seem daunting at times, I truly believe that love is attainable for everyone, and everyone deserves the best love. I support my couples in having those tough conversations they’ve been avoiding and help them build the intimacy they crave.
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?
In terms of owning a business, here are some insights I wish I had known: 1. This journey won’t be easy. There’s no smooth path or checklist to avoid failure, so be prepared to trust yourself and take the leap.
2. Having a strong support network is crucial. Being an entrepreneur can feel isolating, but having a supportive circle makes all the difference. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, as a solid support system is incredibly valuable.
3. Confidence is key, albeit challenging to build. Embrace self-assurance and be willing to showcase your strengths to new contacts. Learning to promote yourself with ease is a valuable skill to acquire.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
This is something I’m always improving on. As a recovering people-pleaser, it is hard for me to just relax because I feel like I should be doing something for someone else but truth is, I need and deserve the time to rest too! I can tell I’m becoming overwhelmed when I blatantly try and avoid tasks that I know need to be done. One of my favorite activities is reading or a beach day if time permits. If not, I keep a notebook on my desk that helps me gather my thoughts when I’m feeling overwhelmed. I’ve also found that doing word searches helps me process what is causing me stress.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Renew-Therapy.com
- Instagram: @RenewTherapy_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renewtherapyandservices
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/renew-therapy-and-services-claudia-matos-lcsw-qs-aaab461a0
Image Credits
Captured By Elle Photos
