Is Imposter Syndrome Holding You Back from Launching Your Private Practice?
You’ve earned the degree.
You passed the boards.
You’ve put in the clinical hours, survived the long shifts, and made it to the other side of a grueling NP program.
And yet… when it comes to launching your own private practice?
You freeze.
Your mind starts spinning:
“What if I’m not ready?”
“Who would even want to work with me?”
“What if I mess something up?”
“I know how to treat patients… but this feels like too much.”
Sound familiar?
That’s not a lack of skill.
That’s imposter syndrome.
And if it’s holding you back from launching your private practice, you’re not alone.
What Imposter Syndrome Actually Is (and Isn’t)
Imposter syndrome isn’t just self-doubt. It’s the deeply ingrained belief that you’re not enough, despite evidence to the contrary.
It makes you downplay your experience.
It convinces you that everyone else is more prepared.
It tells you that if you step out on your own, you’ll be “found out” as a fraud.
Here’s the truth:
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re unqualified. It means you’re stepping into something brave.
It shows up strongest when you're growing—when you're doing something that pushes you outside of what’s familiar and safe.
And starting a private practice? That’s exactly that kind of leap.
Why Waiting to “Feel Ready” Is a Trap
One of the biggest lies impostor syndrome tells you is this:
“Once I feel confident, then I’ll launch.”
But confidence isn’t something you get before you start.
Confidence is what you build by starting.
Clarity comes through doing, not overthinking.
Support comes through connection, not isolation.
Growth comes through action, not perfection.
If you wait for imposter syndrome to go away before you take the first step…
you may never take it.
3 Ways to Move Forward (Even If You Still Feel Like an Imposter)
1. Name It Out Loud
Acknowledge the imposter thoughts when they show up. Write them down. Say them to a trusted colleague or mentor. They lose their power when they’re no longer echoing in your own head.
2. Ask Better Questions
Instead of: “Am I ready?”
Ask: “Am I willing to show up scared and supported?”
One of the most powerful things you can do is make space for fear and action to coexist.
3. Seek Mentorship, Not More Information
If you're stuck in research loops, it's not more facts you're missing—it's feedback and guidance.
Mentorship gives you a container to grow safely. Someone to say, “That’s normal,” or “Here’s what worked for me,” or “You’re not behind.”
You Deserve to Build the Practice You Dream Of
You don’t need to be fearless to start your own practice.
You just need to stop letting fear drive the car.
There are clients out there right now who need your care.
They’re not looking for a perfect provider.
They’re looking for you.
And if you’re craving mentorship that meets you where you are—not where you think you should be—I’d be honored to walk with you.
You don’t have to do this alone. You just have to take the next step.
P.S. The first step is often the hardest, but I’ve got you covered. If you want to accelerate your journey, join my mentorship program where we break down every step for you. Let’s make this year your year to launch!