Early Career Therapists' First Encounters With Asynchronous Internet‐Based Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy

ABSTRACT Background Internet‐delivered psychotherapy has become increasingly common, yet little is known about how working in psychodynamic therapies is experienced in asynchronous, text‐based formats, from the perspective of therapists. Aims This study explored therapists' experiences delivering asynchronous Internet‐based Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy for patients with persistent physical symptoms. Materials & Methods Ten early career therapists from a randomised controlled trial were interviewed, and the data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Communication challenges and opportunities in asynchronous text‐based therapy, (2) Emotional presence and therapist vulnerability in digital settings and (3) Working conditions, including supervision needs and workload management. Therapists described difficulties interpreting emotions without non‐verbal cues, uncertainty in building therapeutic alliance and emotional strain from delayed interactions. At the same time, they valued the increased time for reflection and the flexibility of asynchronous communication. Discussion Findings highlight the need for training and supervision tailored to online psychodynamic therapy as well as the development of strategies to strengthen telepresence and therapeutic alliance in digital contexts. Conclusion Further research should examine how traditional therapeutic techniques can be adapted for asynchronous modalities to improve both therapist experiences and patient outcomes.