GPC Insights: Tips For Tolerating Uncertainty
Uncertainty is an unavoidable part of being human. None of us are exempt to the feelings that can arise when we are sitting in the unknown. It can feel uncomfortable and challenging to feel like we don’t have control over a situation's outcome. Learning to tolerate uncertainty isn’t about becoming indifferent or carefree. It’s about building the capacity to stay grounded even when things feel unclear.
While our therapists and coaches can’t make your uncertainty disappear, we can help facilitate meaningful conversations and equip you with more tools to practice tolerating the distress of the unknown. We asked our GPC providers to weigh in on how they work with clients-and themselves- in navigating the unknown.
Eliza Hartley: “Uncertainty tends to activate our protective parts — the planner, the over-thinker, the fixer. Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety, I invite clients (and myself) to get curious about what those parts are afraid of and what they’re trying to protect. We then practice tolerating small doses of uncertainty — making a decision, sending the email, letting discomfort exist without immediately solving it — to build resilience and self-trust in the unknown.”
Shelly Lehner: “Practice resilience in small ways today so you can trust yourself with whatever comes tomorrow. Breathe, ground yourself, and take one steady action at a time. Focus on what you can control. The future is unknown, life is uncertain, but your courage is showing up anyway.”
Amanda Lamb: “I always ask myself: What's the worst that could happen and what's the best that could happen? I also try not to get my hopes up completely to prevent emotional dysregulation. I do my best to consider situations and circumstances from different perspectives, which helps keep me grounded when there is uncertainty. The main thing is to not give up and keep pushing forward even though uncertainty can be daunting and scary. Doing nothing won't change anything, so going through it is the only way forward. Things will work out, just maybe not in the way you think or hope, so keep an open mind.”
Anna Schulze: “The way I support my clients with tolerating uncertainty is practicing identifying when they're spiraling or catastrophizing, coming back to the present with some mindfulness tools, and identifying areas within our realm of control.”
Logan Moe: “Helping boys understand what they can and cannot control is central to my work as a coach and school counselor. I support boys in building consistent daily routines, staying active, and engaging in meaningful hobbies. I model healthy behaviors and encourage them to embrace discomfort through practical, actionable steps that strengthen their ability to tolerate uncertainty and stay grounded in the present.”
Uncertainty isn’t something we can eliminate, but it is something we can learn to relate to differently. With practice, support, and small intentional steps, it becomes possible to move through the unknown with more steadiness, flexibility, and trust in yourself. Please reach out to one of our therapists or coaches to find out more about our services and ways we can support you in the unknown.