Meet Jacquie Pershing

We recently connected with Jacquie Pershing and have shared our conversation below.

Jacquie, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Imposter syndrome is like this sneaky shadow that creeps in, making you question your worth, your abilities, and even your place in the world. It whispers, “Who do you think you are? You don’t know enough. You haven’t done enough. You’re just faking it.” And every time that shadow rears its head, it’s as if everything you’ve worked for, every bit of progress, is erased, leaving you standing in the dark, uncertain of your next step.

I know that feeling all too well, especially in a world that seems to demand constant innovation, constant improvement, and endless learning. Every time I open my phone, I see someone else sharing their newest breakthrough or a perfect wellness tip. As a therapist, there’s always a new modality, a new way to do things, a new must-know technique, and it feels like if I don’t keep up, I’m somehow less. I mean, how do you even keep up with all the things? The overwhelming swirl of new strategies and the constant push to be better, do better—it can leave you dizzy, questioning, “Do I belong in this space?”

But here’s the thing. Through all of it, I learned one thing: There is only one me. And that is my superpower. It took a long time for me to realize that my uniqueness—the blend of my experiences, my lived moments—gives me something irreplaceable. I’ve lived through loss. I’ve navigated grief. And from the ashes of those moments, I rose with a deeper understanding of the human experience, one that’s informed by the wisdom of what I’ve walked through. That gives me something I could never learn from a textbook or a trending post. That is my street cred.

There came a moment when I had to accept that it’s okay not to know everything. The constant urge to be “up-to-date” on every new thing started to feel like a race I could never win. But that’s when I shifted my mindset. I embraced the idea of being a lifelong learner, not someone who needs to know it all, but someone who is open to what works and leaves behind what doesn’t. I started to think of my career not as a destination, but as a journey—a path where I gather tools, not because I have to, but because I’m genuinely curious about what helps both me and my clients move forward.

I stopped seeing myself as an imposter and began to see myself as someone who is human. Imperfect. And that is where the magic lies. It’s in the authenticity. It’s in the messy moments and the realness of showing up, even when I don’t have it all figured out. Because the truth is, none of us do. And that’s okay.

Every time those old feelings of doubt creep in, I pause. I acknowledge them. I don’t push them away. But I anchor myself in what I know to be true: I belong here. I make a difference. I am committed to showing up authentically, with compassion and care for those I serve. I don’t have to know everything, but I know enough to walk alongside others in their storms. And that, in itself, is enough.

I am learning to accept the beauty in my imperfections, in my constant evolution. I am not an imposter; I am me—uniquely equipped to do the work I do. And maybe, just maybe, the world needs more of that. More of us embracing who we are, flaws and all, instead of trying to be someone we’re not.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a licensed clinical social worker specializing in grief and loss, with a deep commitment to normalizing grief in a society that often pushes it into silence. Grief is not something to be fixed or avoided—it’s a natural and inevitable part of being human, just as much as birth is.

In my work, I sit with clients in their sorrow, offering a space where they can grieve openly and without judgment. I walk alongside them, helping them navigate the complex emotions that come with loss. While grief can feel unbearably heavy, it also holds moments of profound beauty—moments of love, remembrance, and transformation.

My goal is to shift the conversation around grief, making space for people to experience it fully rather than feeling pressured to move on too quickly. Healing isn’t about letting go—it’s about learning to carry grief in a way that honors both the loss and the love that remains.

If you’re on your own grief journey, you don’t have to walk it alone.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey: patience, remembering my roots, and collaboration.

Patience was something I had to learn the hard way. Becoming a caregiver for my mother, who had early-onset Alzheimer’s, at just 18 was emotionally and physically exhausting. I often say that Alzheimer’s raised me. In the beginning, I struggled with impatience, which only made an already difficult situation even more challenging. But over time, I made a conscious decision to show up differently—to breathe, to be present, to meet every moment with love and compassion. When I embraced patience, everything changed. Life became gentler, and so did I. For those early in their journey, I’d say this: patience is a practice. Experiment with it, lean into it, and give yourself grace as you grow.

Another lesson that has stayed with me is the importance of never forgetting where I came from. A manager once told me that, and it has shaped the way I approach my work and my life. Our experiences—especially the difficult ones—shape who we are, and there’s wisdom in revisiting them. When in doubt, go back to what you know. Ground yourself in your story, your values, and the lessons life has already taught you. They will guide you.

Finally, collaboration is everything. While I know I create great work, I’ve also seen the magic that happens when a group of people come together, bringing different perspectives, ideas, and lived experiences. Some of the most meaningful work I’ve done has been alongside others, co-creating and learning from one another. If you’re early in your journey, seek out those opportunities—invite other voices, ask for feedback, and be open to new ways of thinking. The best ideas don’t happen in isolation.

These three lessons—patience, honoring where I came from, and the power of collaboration—have shaped my path in profound ways. I hope they can offer guidance to those just beginning theirs.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I do is pause. I take a moment to ask myself, What do I need right now? Sometimes, the answer is as simple as a nap—and I honor that.

I also try to ground myself in the present moment. Stepping outside helps me shift my focus away from the chaos in my mind and onto the world around me. I feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, run my hands over the texture of the grass, or trace the bark of a tree with my fingertips. I stop to admire flowers, and yes—I even chat with the trees. It might sound silly, but a high school history teacher once talked about speaking to her plants, and it stuck with me. Connecting with nature in these small ways brings me back to “right now.”

Once I feel more anchored, I map out the overwhelm. I sit down and write everything out, breaking it into smaller, more manageable pieces. I remind myself, One step at a time, one minute at a time, and sometimes just one second at a time.

And because I love lists, I always start by writing make a list at the top—just so I can cross it off immediately. It’s a small win, but in moments of overwhelm, small wins matter.

For anyone struggling with overwhelm, my advice is this: Pause. Ground yourself. Break things down. And remember, you don’t have to tackle everything at once—just take the next step.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jacquie-pershing-santa-clarita-ca/1299611
• Instagram: @jacquie_pershing_lcsw
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquie-pershing-5b6122328