“I Don’t Know What I’m Doing” — Imposter Syndrome in Psychology Students and Interns

Starting a placement as a psychology student is a big shift. You go from learning about theory and practice in class to working directly with real people. It can feel exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever thought, “I have no idea what I’m doing,” you’re not alone.

That feeling is really common, and it doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this. It just means you’re in a stage where practice and patience matter.

What is imposter syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is the ongoing feeling that you are not as capable as others think you are. Even when you have worked hard to earn your place in a program, internship, or placement, it can still feel like you do not really belong. You might worry that someone will find out you are less prepared than they believe, or that your achievements are due to luck or being in the right place at the right time.

In psychology, these feelings can feel very personal. Since our work focuses on understanding thoughts, feelings, and behaviour, self-doubt can feel like a failure on a deeper level. Being around classmates and colleagues who seem more confident or experienced can make those feelings stronger. However, imposter feelings do not reflect reality. They show the pressure we put on ourselves to know everything, do everything perfectly, and feel comfortable in roles that we are still learning.

Recognizing imposter syndrome as a common part of training is an important first step. This awareness allows us to talk about those feelings honestly and to remember that being new, making mistakes, and asking for help are all part of becoming a skilled and thoughtful professional.

Learning in a delicate, real-world setting

One of the most important things to remember is that when you’re on placement, you’re working in a real-world environment. That could mean a clinic, a school, a hospital, or a community program. Wherever you are, the people you’re working with deserve thoughtful and careful support.

That’s why it’s so important to ask questions when you’re not sure. Even if you feel awkward or worry that you’re showing your inexperience, it’s much better to check in with your supervisor than to guess your way through something. Supervision exists to help you. Supervisors would rather you ask for guidance than assume you’re getting it right. Every client deserves your honesty and care, and part of that is knowing when you need extra support.

Feeling awkward is part of the process

You will probably feel awkward at some point. Maybe it’s speaking up in a team meeting, jumping into a roleplay, or working directly with a client. You might worry that you’re not sounding as smooth or polished as someone who’s been practicing for years. That’s okay. No one expects you to have it all together right away.

You probably know more than you give yourself credit for. What takes time is learning to apply that knowledge confidently. Every clinician you look up to started in the same position as you. The only way they built their skills was by practicing, reflecting, and sticking with it, even when it felt strange or imperfect.

And sometimes someone more experienced will take over during a session or meeting. That’s normal too. It doesn’t mean you failed or that you shouldn’t be there. Observing someone experienced can help you see different approaches and grow your own style.

Some practical tips for your placement

Here are a few things that can help you feel more grounded as you move through your placement:

• Prepare before sessions. Review any notes, materials, or plans you have for your session. Even five or ten minutes to center yourself can help you feel more focused going in.

• Jot down questions as they come up. Keep a small notebook or note app handy so you can record questions or thoughts to bring up in supervision later.

• Reflect after sessions. Take a few minutes after a session or meeting to note what went well and what you’d do differently next time. It doesn’t have to be long — a few bullet points is enough.

• Speak up in small ways. Even if you don’t feel ready to lead a discussion or jump in with a big idea, making one small comment or asking one question can help you build your confidence.

• Practice self-compassion. Remind yourself that learning is a process. Every awkward moment is part of becoming better at this work, not proof that you’re failing.

• Lean on your peers. Other students and interns are going through the same thing. Talking to them can help normalize what you’re feeling and give you practical ideas for handling different situations

Progress looks different for everyone

Psychology is a competitive field. Some people seem to jump into every opportunity, sounding self-assured and experienced. But everyone’s path is diffe

rent. Some students need more time to feel comfortable. Some thrive in one setting and feel less sure in another. None of this says anything about your future potential.

Your placement isn’t about comparing yourself to others. It’s about growing, engaging, and using this time to practice. The progress you make will be your own.

Prestige doesn’t define your purpose

When you're in a competitive field like psychology, it's easy to compare your experiences to those of your peers. Maybe someone got a placement at a hospital you’ve always admired, or they’re working with a well-known supervisor, or their work just sounds more impressive when they describe it. That can make you second-guess your own path, but those surface-level comparisons rarely show the full picture.

Prestige is not what makes you effective in this field. What matters is how you show up for the people you are supporting. A smaller or less well-known placement where you build strong relationships and develop your skills can be just as meaningful as something that seems more impressive on paper.

It is natural to want your work to feel exciting or important, but in this field, our priority should always be the people we are helping. No client is focused on where you study or who your supervisor is. They are focused on whether they feel safe, understood, and supported when they are with you.

It is great to aim high and explore opportunities that inspire you. Just try not to lose sight of why you chose this work in the first place. Real growth does not need to be flashy to matter, and you do not need prestige to make a genuine impact.

Final thoughts

Feeling unsure or awkward during placement doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong field. It usually just means you care and you’re still learning. Supervision is there for a reason. Asking questions is part of the process. And working with real people is an important responsibility that nobody does perfectly, especially when they’re starting out.

You don’t need to know it all right now. You need to show up, reflect, ask for help when you need it, and give yourself permission to grow. That’s what being a student is all about.