We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Raven Gibbs. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Raven below.

Raven, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.

The first quarter of 2021 had been amazing for me (on paper). I received a grant that I had been hopeful for, my work was really starting to stick in my community, I was becoming increasingly popular for speaking engagements, and I received an unexpected promotion. Before I had the chance to enjoy any of these things, imposter syndrome came knocking on my door and sent me in a downward spiral of overwhelming emotions, sadness, and anxiety.

None of it made sense. I spent weeks waking up with tears in my eyes and a lack of motivation to even act in my new roles. With every task, I would ask myself “am I even qualified to do this?” and that impostor kept answering “absolutely not!”, and I believed her. I listened to her. Despite me knowing the truth of who I am and what I bring to the table, I believed her.

Never mind the work that I had done prior to the promotion that provided evidence to contradict the impostor, her voice was loud and consistent. As I took on tasks within my newly defined roles, I began to question myself daily and honestly, I became anxious for a call that there had been confusion with whom these responsibilities should be given to. But that call didn’t come. Instead, I was praised for the work that I had done since the promotion and was asked to join various committees and esteemed groups that would further aid in my growth and support my goals. Regardless of my successes, that imposter was still so incredibly talkative. I broke down. Completely.

I recognized the importance of sitting with my feelings and decided to take these moments of silence to reflect on my feelings associated with all of the change that was taking place and all of the other good things that were happening in my life. I noticed what had happened. I was, in fact, qualified for all that I was experiencing. I did actually possess the skills necessary for success. And no, it wasn’t luck or coincidence that great things were happening in my life. I was deserving of these things. The thought patterns that I had been experiencing weren’t my own. They belonged to that aggravating, persistent impostor!

Imposter syndrome occurs when an individual doubts their abilities and begins to feel like a fraud. It tends to occur more frequently in high-achieving individuals. They tend to find it extremely challenging accepting their accomplishments and begin to question how deserving they are of certain experiences and accolades. It’s that annoying voice that tries to hold us back when we try to advance or when we approach something big. It’s like the more significant the change, the nastier that voice gets.

This phenomenon was explored in the 1970s by psychologists Pauline Clance and Suzanne Imes. They defined this phenomenon as a “phoniness in people who believe they are not intelligent, capable or creative despite evidence of high achievement.” It’s almost a fear of success that is accompanied by stress, anxiety, and reduced confidence that may result in complacency and loss of motivation. Those with an “impostor” may ruminate over the smallest mistakes or feel as if they shouldn’t take credit for their successes. All in all, it’s disruptive and destructive.

Getting rid of this imposter is not easy, but it is necessary to move forward towards the life that you desire. First we must name the impostor. Similar to the way we name our emotions to take back control of them, we have the means to name the impostor and strengthen our skills when confronting them. The impostor is there. You might as well get to know them so that you can defeat them when they approach you with a narrative that isn’t true. Realize that EVERYONE experiences imposter syndrome at some point in their lives. You are not alone. If people got honest with themselves, it is likely that they’d admit that they have been approached by an impostor as well. Find safety here. Speak to your support system about what you’re experiencing because they may have lived experiences that can guide you in overcoming this feeling of inadequacy.

Next, begin to state the facts! Utilize affirmative statements to thought stop and shift the narrative of your life. You have full control of your life. What that impostor says is not true. Actually, it’s the furthest thing from it. You know who you are. Look at all that you are and all that you’ve accomplished. You’re really going to believe the voice of someone who only shows up when things are going in your favor? You’re worthy of more than that. Be vocal. Brag on yourself. Challenge every negative thought with the truth of who you are. Let that impostor know who they’re dealing with!

Give that impostor a real slap in the face by doing it (whatever it is) anyway! You want to know something that an impostor absolutely can’t stand? ACTION! Get in front of that impostor and their nagging voice by doing whatever it is you feel called to do. Prove the impostor wrong. Walk with boldness and confidence that you have overcome ingrained thoughts and behaviors, and instead have chose that despite any challenges that reveal themselves during the process, you are present and ready to be an active participant in your life!

Let go of past mistakes. You need mistakes to grow and learn. Remember that they do not define you. Instead, the refine you. Give yourself permission to let go. Give yourself permission to grow daily and to truly walk in your calling. That impostor holds no weight here. Remember that name you gave them? Call them out by name and tell them to “shut up!” because their input is loud and wrong, and frankly, you don’t desire or require it!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hi, I am Raven. a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BA in Psychology and Sociology and a concentration in Law and Cognitive Science. I also hold a degree in MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling and work as a licensed psychotherapist in the beautiful state of North Carolina.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 19.1% of adults in the United States have experienced some form of mental illness (NAMI, 2018). This number in a simpler form is representative of one in five adults. Like the 47.6 million people in the United States that have experienced mental illness, living with mental illness has been a part of my reality since the age of 14.

In response to this diagnosis, I have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that the young women that I encountered were supported, loved and encouraged. I had a vision and executed a plan to address mental health challenges via dance to young ladies that were not open to traditional therapeutic techniques and interventions.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Mental health practitioners work in spaces in which they are required to demonstrate empathy and compassion without the expectation of reciprocity. Clinicians must be fully present and show up in spaces demonstrating appropriate boundaries and often high levels of emotional and psychological support. This requires a great deal of patience and energy, which, in turn, can place practitioners at increased risk of the negative outcomes associated with vicarious trauma, burnout, professional impairment and stress. If you’ve recently suffered burnout, you’ll likely be looking for ways to restore your peace, health, and happiness. It’s important to treat yourself lovingly after such a trauma to your system so you don’t develop chronic health conditions. Consider the following tips to help you to better succeed in the helping profession.

Find a new direction. The best, most permanent, way of dealing with burnout is to focus on making sustainable life changes. Ask yourself whether or not you’re happy in your current situation. Perhaps it’s time to make a major life shift. Maybe that shift looks like reducing your caseload or changing your work environment. It may be helpful for you to examine your current relationships as well. Are you aligned with the people and things that serve your growth? If not, it may be time to make some changes in those areas.

Take a break. It’s best to get away from the situation that has caused you to burn out. This may mean going out for a walk and getting away for a few hours, or it may mean giving yourself a full blown vacation. You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money for a vacation. Your goal is to relax and clear your mind. You can certainly do this at home or in your local community. Take some “me time” and do the things that you find enjoyable.

Solve the problem. If you’re currently in the middle of a stressful situation, take action to solve the problem right away as best as you can. Consider the possible solutions to the problem and ask for help from others if necessary. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak or less than capable. When you ask for help, you demonstrate vulnerability and a willingness to grow.

Gain control. Take control of the situation where possible. Realize that you can solve your problems and you’re not doomed to remain in this state forever. Also, have the wisdom to accept that there are situations that are beyond your control. Do what you can to improve your situation, but avoid worrying about the things out of your control.

Be open and honest. Sometimes it’s best to set your pride aside and ask for help when you need it. Open up about the issues you’re facing with a close friend or relative. If that’s not an option for you, seek the help of a counselor.

Nourish yourself. Take some time out to prioritize yourself on a daily basis. This doesn’t have to be a grand amount of time. Instead, be intentional with the ways that you can nourish yourself and honor your body during the time that you have set aside for self-care. Love on yourself without judgment or apology.

Lastly, know your warning signs. Once you’ve suffered burnout, you’ll certainly want to know how you can avoid a similar situation in the future. Study the factors that led to burnout, and identify your mistakes so you can avoid making them again in the future.

Compassion fatigue, stress, and burnout are far too common in any of the helping professions. Unfortunately, caring for our own mental health as mental health professionals is not talked about enough despite the negative impact that these things can have on clinical work and overall well-being. Instead of taking a proactive approach to self-care to increase awareness, balance, physical health, etc., helpers are often faced with feelings of guilt and shame for doing exactly what they are asking of their clients. Remember, it is impossible to pour from an empty cup. Refill yourself regularly.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Being authentic is not always an easy task. Being authentic requires the ability and willingness to be vulnerable and expressive. Authenticity entails that you reveal your true thoughts, your innermost dreams, and your sincerest ideas. In this new space of which you’ve arrived, people-pleasing is a thing of the past. Here, you are encouraged to live out loud, speak up for yourself, pursue the things that you have always desired, and interact with new people with authenticity and kindness.

Living a life of authenticity means that you’re in tune with yourself and practicing a high level of self-awareness. Being your authentic self means that you are showing the world who you truly are and that you are being conscious of your actions by taking chances to demonstrate your values, interests, and loves.

Building my reputation within my market became much easier when I stopped trying to walk the pathways of others and began to live and walk in my own truth. Realizing who I am and what I have to offer is enough helped me to grow my confidence. As a result, I began to attract my target audience and individuals that were aligned with my goals and journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ravennicole.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/raven_nicole_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theravennicole
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raven-gibbs-lcmhca-ncc-64a334a4/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/raven_nicole_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ravennicole

Image Credits
Lamont Johnson Zeus Digital Photography Unifyed Visuals