Explorations in Uncertainty: A Developmental Perspective of How Psychotherapists Navigate the Unknown

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Friday 9:45am
  In Poster Session: Counseling Poster Session A

Abstract

Uncertainty, a mental state of knowing one does not know, is an everyday part of life and has shown to deeply impact mental health. This became clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, when uncertainty skyrocketed, suicide and substance use escalated and demand for psychotherapy was higher than ever before. My qualitative interview study explores how eight psychotherapists describe, understand, and respond to their clients’ uncertainty. As well as, if psychotherapists development, or way of knowing (assessed by a developmental assessment known as Subject-Object Interview), plays a role in how they understand and respond to client uncertainty. These psychotherapists offer insight into how mental health professionals understand and navigate uncertainty depending on their development, and supports needed in the presence of uncertainty.

Author

• Chaparrelle Mogavero-Cline