You belong here, you deserve to be here, and your presence is powerful.

That was the message shared with students at a recent workshop on combatting imposter syndrome facilitated by Brock University’s Office of Human Rights and Equity (HRE), Black Student Success Centre (BSSC), Student Wellness and Accessibility Services (SWAC) and off-campus partner Grey Couch Counselling.

Common in higher education settings, imposter syndrome is a psychological experience that causes individuals to doubt their qualifications and accomplishments and fear being exposed as a “fraud.” It can contribute to a range of mental health consequences, including increased anxiety and burnout.

“Students benefited from being able to identify the thinking traps and schemas that we explained during the session because it allowed them to understand the different facets of imposter syndrome and how to actually combat it,” said Brock Wellness Navigator Dawn Kakiroko.

Registered psychotherapist and Grey Couch Counselling CEO Julianna Harry said the group utilized cognitive behavioural therapy techniques as well as the use of a thought-record to help students evaluate triggers against individual thoughts, feelings, physical reactions and behaviour.

“We also shared the ‘Catch, Check and Change’ process to help students recognize thought patterns that are unhelpful or maladaptive and then redirect them into something more positive and productive,” she said.

HRE’s Intake and Support Counsellor Tassia Gabbidon said there are additional layers of complexity when combatting imposter syndrome among racialized students.

“Many are navigating spaces that weren’t necessarily built with them in mind, so it’s also a reaction to real systemic barriers and experiences that reinforce those feelings of not belonging,” said Gabbidon, who is also a registered therapist and counsellor. “The strategies we shared in the workshop were meant to help recognize how racism, bias and inclusion can make you feel like you don’t belong — even when you absolutely do — and shifting that mindset to affirm that even if a space wasn’t made for me, I deserve to be there.”

Organizers also highlighted the importance of building a community of like-minded individuals on campus who can support and validate the nuanced lived experiences of those with different cultural, social and intersectional identities.

“It’s really important for students to see people like themselves, from similar backgrounds, especially when it comes to mental health support, because they can really resonate with that,” said Kakiroko.

Harry said she is passionate about supporting post-secondary students — especially those from marginalized groups — through this “critical and transitional” phase of life.

“Working on this initiative, especially with Black students, was important to me as the percentage of Black students that complete their education is lower than white or even other racialized counterparts,” she said. “Supporting each other in a group setting where you can see that others are also feeling similarly, as well as providing positive examples of those who have overcome this phase in life, shows that all hope is not lost despite the challenges that exist.”

Harry is also a registered practitioner within Brock’s Counsellor of Choice program, a free initiative that allows students to select a counsellor who best aligns with their needs, identity, values and lived experiences.

“At Brock, we recognize that representation and cultural understanding matters,” said Gabbidon. “We work to bridge gaps between students and services and ensure that racialized students feel seen, heard and validated.”

As a signatory of the Scarborough Charter, Brock acknowledges the impact of systemic racism on the mental health of Black, racialized and Students of Colour. The University is committed to reducing barriers to mental health support for students and staff by investing in culturally competent counsellors, wellness initiatives and accessible mental health resources.

The Wellness Navigator, a new position within SWAC and in collaboration with the BSSC, also assists students with accessing applicable resources on campus. It is funded by the McCall MacBain Foundation.

For more information about available supports, visit HRE’s Counselling for Racialized and Diverse Identities web page or email [email protected] to arrange an appointment.