Between sessions: How challenging and satisfying moments shape therapists' inner worlds-A comparative interpretative phenomenological analysis study of novice and experienced therapists.

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to provide an in-depth understanding of psychotherapists' experiences between sessions, following both challenging and satisfying sessions. A qualitative research design, interpretative phenomenological analysis, was employed. The study included seven novice and seven experienced psychotherapists. Semistructured interviews were conducted with all participants, and the data were analyzed according to interpretative phenomenological analysis guidelines. The findings are organized around two overarching domains: challenging and satisfying moments as experienced by novice and experienced therapists alike. Two superordinate themes emerged from the challenging moments: challenging moments are also part of being a therapist, and the sessions ended, but the challenging moments did not let me go. Similarly, two themes were identified for satisfying moments. being satisfied is also a part of being a therapist, and sessions ended, but the satisfying moments stayed with me. In both cases, challenging and satisfying moments were meaningful; however, they differed in affective tone, being experienced as either emotionally heavy or emotionally sustaining. These findings offer therapists a framework to better understand their intersession processes and provide actionable insights for supervision and self-care. These insights may help professional resilience and prevent burning out among practitioners. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).