Imposter phenomenon among BIPOC MT-BCs: Understanding how BIPOC music therapists experience imposter phenomenon

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand how Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) music therapists experience imposter phenomenon (IP) in the United States. The intent was to provide insight into under-represented groups within the field of music therapy and to increase conversations around imposter phenomenon to improve the field of music therapy for BIPOC music therapists. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with four individuals who self-identified as having experienced feelings of IP due to being a BIPOC music therapist. Based on the results, three global themes were identified. The global themes included 1) Intersecting Identities Impact the Experience of IP, 2) A lack of discussion exists regarding music therapists of color who experience IP vs. music therapists who experience IP, and 3) Greater levels of IP are experienced by BIPOC music therapists when their ideas, thoughts, and culture are not valued and validated within the field.