A podcast episode from Cafecito y Calidad, hosted by Elizabeth Sanchez, LMFT with special guest, founder of Therapy of the Sun, Lupita Martínez, LMFT. In this episode, our two healers will explore the challenges of living with impostor syndrome as members of the BIPOC community.

Living with imposter syndrome as a member of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community can be especially challenging, as individuals may face both racial bias and discrimination in addition to the feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy that come with imposter syndrome.

BIPOC individuals may feel a sense of pressure to succeed in a predominantly white-dominated society, and may feel like they have to work harder and prove themselves more than their white peers in order to be seen as competent and successful. This can lead to feelings of imposter syndrome, as individuals may doubt their own abilities and feel like they don't belong in their chosen field.

Because of the racial bias and discrimination that BIPOC individuals may experience, they may also doubt their own experiences and feelings, internalizing the message that they are less worthy or less capable than others. This can make it difficult to recognize and acknowledge imposter syndrome and can make it harder to overcome.

It's important for BIPOC individuals experiencing imposter syndrome to seek out therapy, counseling or support groups, to talk about these experiences with others who understand and validate their feelings. They can also seek out mentors or role models who can provide guidance and support in navigating the challenges of imposter syndrome and racial bias.

BIPOC individuals should also remind themselves of their accomplishments, to focus on their strengths and to practice self-compassion. They should also remind themselves that imposter syndrome is a common experience and that they are not alone in feeling this way. And also, it's important to recognize the role of the systemic biases and discrimination and the impact it has on their self-esteem and self-perception and work on challenging and dismantling those systems. 

Cafecito y Calidad is a mental health podcast created with the intention to explore and integrate holistic healing applications in combination with traditional mental health practices. CYC is brought to you by our host, Elizabeth Sanchez, LMFT, and produced by Kai Vibar, MSW, of Play Theory Co. Productions.