Mental health & Well-being Webinar: Imposter syndrome & Perfectionism
zoom
As part of our Mental health & Well-being Webinar Series, we offer the webinar
“Imposter syndrome & Perfectionism”
on April 13, 2026, 09:00 - 10:30
zoom link to be provided to all registered participants
Content & Organization:
Imposter syndrome distorts the way we see ourselves, our performance, and our capabilities. It drives us to great heights, to excel, to go above and beyond, and it confirms our belief that we need to be perfect or we will fail or not be good enough. Sometimes, it can be hard to see the costs that this carries - because you do great work. But it's all driven by our doubts and fears – our fear of being judged, our fear of failing, our fear of not being good enough, our fear of not belonging. Distorted thinking patterns that stop you from asking that question, raising your hand, saying you don't understand. Distorted thinking patterns that drive behaviours that slow you down and stop you from really showing up. Thinking patterns that we can change.
We explore:
- The true costs of these doubts and fears, and the extent to which they are impacting on your productivity, mental clarity, and your joy for what you do.
- Simple ways to notice when your perfectionism or imposter syndrome is tripping you up.
- Simple ways to reshape your inner critic to be more objective and more compassionate, so that you can thrive thanks to the voice in your head rather than in spite of it.
Speaker:
Desiree Dickerson PhD (https://desireedickerson.com/) is a clinical psychologist who specializes in academic mental health and wellbeing. A former researcher herself, Desiree is now based in Europe, working with leading academic institutions, lab groups, and academics themselves to promote a healthier approach to research.
She has also contributed to the dialogue on mental health and well-being in academia through recent pieces in Nature and Science on imposter syndrome, perfectionism, mental health in grad school and mental health strategies during the COVID pandemic.
Register now!
Cologne Graduate School of Ageing Research