Imposter Syndrome and the ‘AS-If’ Personality in Analytical Psychology

This online series explores the fragility of self in the ‘As-If’ Personality, the popularly termed imposter syndrome and the illusions about themselves and others. The ‘as-if’ person is both the mirror and the mask, presenting a self in artifice, often associated with narcissism. Known for a slickly contrived persona/ego image, behind it the ‘as-if’ person withdraws into fantasy and illusionary worlds. The self-isolation, loneliness, although hidden behind veils and facade, hurts. The issues affect intimacy with oneself and others due to the difficulty being present and the tendency to singularity. The topics encompass not belonging, sexual addiction, aging, the cultural influence of social media, the role of the father and mother, body image and the dissociation of split selves. All these are promoted by the culture of social media where reality and illusion are often blurred. These complex aspects are explored through composite clinical examples, dreams and a fairytale as we seek to ground this elusive personality type. The purpose of exploring the ‘as-if’ and imposter personality is to nurture awareness to find what can be replenishing and regenerative to the person and culture. The presentation welcomes clinical examples from participants for discussion.