Co-regulation — the calming of our nervous system through connection with a regulated other — is one of the most powerful and underappreciated imposter syndrome interventions.
What Co-Regulation Is and Why It Matters for Imposter Syndrome
Humans are social mammals whose nervous systems are literally designed to be regulated through connection. When someone calm and safe is with us, our nervous systems naturally mirror theirs.
This is why imposter syndrome tends to worsen in isolation and improve with genuine connection.
Co-Regulation in Imposter Syndrome Treatment
The therapeutic relationship provides co-regulation — a calm, regulated presence that directly helps the client's nervous system settle during imposter syndrome.
Safe relationships in daily life serve the same function. This is part of why social isolation is so damaging for imposter syndrome.
Building Co-Regulatory Relationships for Imposter Syndrome
- Identify people whose presence tends to calm rather than activate your imposter syndrome
- Intentionally spend time with these people during difficult imposter syndrome periods
- Pets provide co-regulation for many people with imposter syndrome
- Therapeutic relationships (therapist, psychiatrist) provide professional co-regulation