We were lucky to catch up with Lindsey Cooper recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lindsey, 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 thrives in the shadows. In overcoming imposter syndrome, I’ve realized that the wisest of all know what they don’t know. As a mental health clinician, I hear on an almost daily basis from patients who are struggling with imposter syndrome. We examine judgments, what is “good enough” and reflecting on the unique qualities each individual brings to a situation. We are our hardest critics and compare our insides, the way we feel, to others outsides. I’ve sat in the room before with clients and thought to myself “wow this person really is in a hard spot and needs help” only to realize, I’m the expert in the room. I reflect, show compassion, hold space, and provide skills and tools as necessary using the techniques I have learned throughout my education. Much of the information and expertise I hold, I can forget that it isn’t foundational knowledge for everyone and this applies in every field. We often don’t give ourselves credit for the things we do know and are over critical of others. I have always valued continuing education and consulting with colleagues, sometimes what we need is a fresh take to remind ourselves of the expertise we do have and to have the human experience that sometimes, we all feel like imposters. It’s okay to know your strengths, limits, and to strive to learn more while also recognizing the skills that we bring to the work we all do.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a licensed marriage and family therapist providing psychotherapy. In my practice, I utilize various evidence-based approaches to help my clients meet their treatment goals. Sometimes this is increasing insight, problem solving, or processing current or past challenges and limiting beliefs. My therapeutic approach includes a feminist, LGBTQ+ affirmative, and culturally responsive approach. What I am most passionate about is connecting with individuals on a human level and helping them to identify their therapy goals, overcome personal challenges, structural barriers, and embrace the fullness of their identities and lived experience.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The most impactful skills, qualities, and areas of knowledge on my journey include my personal experience with mental health, a willingness to ask rather than assume, and a desire to continue to learn. For those early in their journey, I would encourage you to speak to others in the field, believe what your clients tell you, and remember that the people sitting across from you have survived their worst days so far and are more capable than they give themselves credit for. When the person you are working with is struggling to believe in themselves, you believe in them for them.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge I am facing is helping individuals find mental health services in the first place. It can be so overwhelming to navigate especially in crisis. I am passionate about helping individuals find the right provider for them because the relationship and connection is everything in therapy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.therapywithlindsey.com
- Instagram: @therapywithlindsey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TherapywithLindsey/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-cooper-berman/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lindsey-cooper-lmft-westlake-village
