Meet Shannon Daneshrad

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shannon Daneshrad a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, 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.

Imposter syndrome, to me, is a universal experience that everyone holds within them, regardless of where they are in their career journey. Rather than something to be overcome, I believe it’s something to be embraced and utilized. When I was graduating from my doctorate program, our speaker delivered a speech that humorously and insightfully declared, “No one really knows what they’re doing.” It was a blend of comedy and honesty that was both comforting and a little… daunting.
For me, the turning point was adopting the mindset of a perpetual student. Understanding that learning is a lifelong journey allowed me to be more at ease with not having all the answers. This perspective shifted my view of challenges from being threats to opportunities for growth.

Additionally, I learned to extend the same kindness and understanding to myself that I would offer a friend. In moments of self-doubt, I reminded myself that everyone experiences these feelings, and they are a sign of being conscientious, not inadequate. Celebrating small victories and milestones, no matter how minor, became a habit. This practice gradually built my confidence and helped me appreciate my own progress, reducing the grip of imposter syndrome over time.

One phrase I came up with that has been a guiding mantra for me since childhood is, “Confidence is convincing.” This statement has been a cornerstone in my journey, helping me navigate through moments of doubt with grace and self-assurance.

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?

At Century Psychology Group, we are dedicated to providing exceptional psychological services with a psychodynamic approach. We specialize in individual, couple, and family psychotherapy, addressing a wide range of issues including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship challenges. Our expertise extends to high-conflict divorces, family law disputes, and media production therapy.

What sets us apart is our holistic, culturally competent approach, with services offered in multiple languages. We believe in the power of personalized care, ensuring each client feels understood and supported. Our commitment to continuous learning and growth enables us to offer cutting-edge therapeutic techniques and solutions.

We are most proud of our ability to make a meaningful impact in our clients’ lives, working with them through their most challenging transitions with compassion and expertise. At Century Psychology Group, we strive to create a safe, nurturing environment where individuals and families can heal and thrive.

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?

Three qualities that profoundly impacted my journey in psychology are patience, humility, and having an incredible mentor.

In the field of psychology, patience is more than just a virtue; it is a fundamental necessity, especially during the long journey of education and professional development. My academic and professional journey has taught me that mastering the complexities of psychology is a gradual process. There were moments during my years of study and training when the sheer volume of information and the depth of understanding required seemed overwhelming. Embracing patience allowed me to persevere through these challenges, understanding that expertise is built over time, one step at a time. This patience was crucial not only in absorbing and integrating knowledge but also in developing the resilience to continue learning and growing throughout my career. It reminded me to be kind to myself, appreciating the progress made and the insights gained along the way.

Humility has been a cornerstone of my professional development. The more I learned, the more I realized how vast and intricate the field of psychology truly is. Being humble has kept me open to new perspectives and continual learning. It reminded me that no matter how much I know, there is always more to understand. This mindset not only enriched my knowledge but also enhanced my relationships with colleagues and clients. It allowed me to listen more intently, seek feedback, and collaborate effectively, ultimately making me a better psychologist.

I had the honor of working with an incredible mentor who ultimately shaped my career. Paula, my supervisor and mentor, provided not only knowledge and expertise but also unwavering support and encouragement. She helped me navigate the complexities of the field, offered valuable insights during challenging times, and inspired me to pursue excellence. Paula always made me feel capable of taking on any challenge and succeeding in any area I wanted to explore. This relationship gave me a model of professional integrity and dedication to emulate. Her belief in my potential bolstered my confidence and motivated me to push beyond my perceived limitations. The impact of her mentorship continues to resonate in my practice and personal growth.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

As a psychologist, I can confidently say that one of the most effective strategies for managing feelings of overwhelm is engaging in therapy. I know I am definitely biased, but therapy is an amazing and necessary process for everyone. It provides a safe and structured environment to explore your thoughts and emotions, offering professional guidance and support.

Therapy allows you to gain insights into the root causes of your stress and develop coping mechanisms tailored to your unique needs. It’s a space where you can process difficult emotions, learn mindfulness techniques, and build resilience. Moreover, a therapist can help you identify negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to your sense of overwhelm and work with you to create healthier, more constructive habits.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.centurypsychologygroup.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centurypsychologygroup/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Century-Psychology-Group/61559581211595/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/century-psychology-group

Image Credits

Dmitry Shumanev