This study aimed to explore potential applications of autopoiesis in clinical practice. To achieve this, we summarized the main characteristics of autopoiesis into three aspects: productive operation, closure, and uncontrollability. First, we described Maturana and Valera’s theory of autopoiesis, focusing on these three characteristics. Next, we examined how Luhmann’s application of autopoiesis to sociology also emphasizes these three points. Subsequently, we reviewed previous research in Japan on clinical psychology that has explored the application of autopoiesis in various contexts.