The role of uncertainty in psychotherapy: A qualitative study with early-career therapists

Uncertainty has increasingly been recognized as an essential and transformative aspect of therapeutic practice in contemporary psychoanalytic literature. Yet, the emotional and experiential dimensions of engaging with uncertainty—particularly for early-career psychotherapists—remain underexplored. This study aimed to address this gap by examining how novice therapists make sense of, experience, and respond to clinical uncertainty. Eight early-career therapists who had between one to five years of experience in Türkiye participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed a dynamic process in which participants initially encountered uncertainty as a source of anxiety accompanied by a need for clarity and control. At times, this discomfort led them to mentally withdraw or distract themselves. In some cases, their responses appeared to be shaped by past relational experiences and developmental challenges. Moreover, many participants described a feeling of self-doubt and questioned their adequacy. The specific socio-cultural and professional landscape in Türkiye also appeared to shape how participants related to uncertainty. Over time, however, with the support of supervision, peer relationships, and personal therapy, participants shared that they began to develop a greater tolerance for ambiguity. They described a shift toward more realistic self-placement, increased reflective capacity, and a growing openness to complexity. These findings emphasize the value of understanding uncertainty as a formative and relational element woven into the journey of becoming a therapist. Clinical implications of the findings, as well as the study’s limitations and suggestions for future research, are discussed.