Following the positive response to our Understanding Imposter Syndrome: An Introductory Webinar, we are excited to extend this learning with a new four-part online course on Overcoming Imposter Syndrome.
This is a practical and supportive four-week course designed to help screen professionals better understand imposter syndrome, recognise how it can show up in their working lives, and develop practical tools to respond to it. Through guided discussion, reflection and exercises, participants will explore self-doubt, the inner critic, perfectionism, people pleasing, comparison and other common patterns, while building greater confidence, resilience and self-awareness.
Imposter syndrome can affect how we view our abilities, achievements and place within the screen industry. It may influence our confidence, willingness to contribute, job satisfaction, professional relationships, and overall health and well-being.
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome is an in-depth, four-week online course designed to help participants better understand and respond to their own experiences of imposter syndrome. Through guided discussion, reflection and practical exercises, participants will develop greater self-awareness, resilience and confidence, alongside strategies they can apply throughout their creative and professional lives.
Delivered by Clare Dowsett and Sarah Durrant, the programme will provide a supportive, compassionate and confidential environment in which participants can explore the barriers they are experiencing. As this is an interactive course, participants should be prepared to engage fully in the sessions, while recognising that all personal sharing remains invitational.
Session One: Understanding Imposter Syndrome
This week we’ll be defining imposter syndrome; exploring common imposter ‘symptoms’ – cognitive, psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual/existential - and identifying systemic and situational dynamics driving imposter syndrome. We’ll explore common imposter beliefs and behaviours and help you identify situations which activate your imposter ‘symptoms.’ We’ll also be sharing simple cognitive and breath-based practices you can work with straight away to ground yourself when Imposter Syndrome strikes.
Session Two: Understanding Us
This week includes a brief introduction to ‘parts’ work and Internal Family Systems. You’ll gain understanding around how and why Imposter Syndrome commonly shows up as self-judgement, self-doubt and self-criticism. We’ll be exploring our Inner Critic including their origin, common manifestations, motivation and intention. There will be a journalling exercise followed by paired and group sharing. We’ll also share practices for working constructively and compassionately with our Inner Critic
Session Three: Empowering Us
Week 3 focuses on exploring common ‘imposter’ behaviours which we call “The Draining Ps”: Perfectionism, People Pleasing, Procrastination and Proving/Powering Through. We will consider the subconscious beliefs and patterns that can drive these inauthentic and exhausting behaviours and consider their impact on us, our well-being, relationships and more. Week 3 practices help us harness the power of (i) permission and (ii) self-compassion, empowering us to dial down the Draining Ps and relax into a fuller sense of our authentic, grounded and sufficient Self.
Session Four: Transforming Us
In week 4 we’ll be exploring comparison as a prominent - and debilitating - feature of Imposter Syndrome; considering ways we can let go of comparing ourselves to others. We’ll also work on identifying our Core Values and explore how when we embody these, we can navigate the choppy waters of Imposter Syndrome with greater courage, clarity, confidence and choice. Finally, we’ll review our learning journey together, revisiting your goals and mapping your key learning.
There will be the opportunity to explore an inquiry or practice and take part in a ‘buddy’ call between sessions.
Applicants should only apply if they are available to attend all four sessions.
Please do not apply if you are not available for every session.
All sessions will take place online. Participants will be expected to engage fully, keep their cameras on and attend from a quiet environment with minimal distractions.
This course is open to live-action writers, directors, producers, script editors and those working in development who are currently experiencing challenges associated with imposter syndrome and would benefit from exploring these within a practical, supportive group setting.
No previous participation in the introductory Understanding Imposter Syndrome webinar is required.
Applicants must complete the online application form linked HERE.
As part of the application, you will be asked to upload one document containing:
A media CV outlining your relevant experience, to a maximum of two pages
A personal statement explaining how this course would support your career progression. In this statement please identify the particular challenges or barriers you are experiencing and describe what you hope to gain from participating.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Extended Deadline to Apply: Monday October 19th at 12 Noon
Between six and ten participants will be selected for the course. Applications will be assessed based on the information provided, the relevance of the course to the applicant’s current needs and career development, and their ability to participate fully in all four sessions. All applicants will be notified by October 27th.
Clare Dowsett is an experienced coach specialising in inner leadership development. She has a particular interest in Imposter Syndrome, self-worth, anxiety, and confidence issues. Alongside a successful career spanning almost 25 years in higher education, Clare now runs a successful coaching practice working with groups and individuals to facilitate personal and professional growth and transformation.
After careers in publishing, international development and consultancy, Sarah Durrant has spent almost 15 years as a professional coach and facilitator of group learning journeys focussing primarily on the skills of ‘inner leadership’. Sarah is also co-host of the popular podcast The Elder Well, a gathering place for those seeking inspiration, insight, wisdom and encouragement as we discover what it means to move into conscious, engaged and generative elderhood. She has engaged with spiritual teachers from a wide range of disciplines and traditions for over 15 years, and is a committed practitioner of meditation, mindful self-compassion and qi gong.
For any questions, please email filmandtv@nationaltalentacademies.ie
Costs associated with access requirements will be covered in full by the NTA Film & TV.
This is an interactive and participatory course. While participants will be encouraged to engage with the exercises and discussions, there will be no pressure to disclose personal information beyond what feels comfortable.
The National Talent Academy for Film & TV Drama is an initiative of Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and is managed by Ardán.
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