Imposter Syndrome and Class — Reframing the Narrative

Imposter Syndrome is often framed as a personal confidence issue — but what if its roots run deeper?

This one-hour workshop explores how working-class backgrounds can shape our sense of belonging in academic, creative, and professional spaces that were not always designed with us in mind. Together we will examine how structural inequality, class-coded norms, and unspoken expectations can intensify feelings of self-doubt or fraudulence.

Through discussion and shared reflection, the session invites participants to begin reframing the narrative — not as individuals who “lack confidence”, but as people navigating systems that can make belonging feel conditional.

You may recognise this if…

• You sometimes feel like you have “accidentally ended up” in spaces where everyone else seems more confident or qualified
• You worry that others will eventually realise you don’t really belong
• You feel pressure to hide parts of your background in professional or creative environments
• You work hard to prove yourself, but still find yourself questioning whether you deserve to be there
• You carry a sense of being between two worlds — not fully belonging in either

This workshop is open to anyone interested in exploring the relationship between class, identity, and self-perception.

About the facilitator

The session will be led by Lindsay Dobson, a trauma-informed therapist and trainer who specialises in supporting creatives and arts professionals to navigate imposter syndrome, burnout, and class-based barriers.

Raised on a council estate and now a single parent, Lindsay brings more than 20 years of experience working in mental health, alongside powerful lived insight. Her work combines professional expertise with deep empathy, helping people from working-class backgrounds feel seen, heard, and supported within industries that can still struggle with issues of access and inclusion.

Whether working in therapy rooms or training environments, Lindsay creates compassionate and grounded spaces where people can explore identity, self-worth, and the confidence to take up space.

Booking information

This session is free for members of the Creative Industries Community, who can reserve their place using their unique membership password.

Tickets for non-members are £10.

The presentation element of the session will be recorded for those who are unable to attend the live event. However, you must reserve a place in order to receive access to the recording.