Exploring Supervisor Responses to Issues of Race, Culture and Ethnicity in Clinical Psychology Supervision, and the Systemic Factors Influencing This

Racial inequality is an ongoing challenge for clinical psychology, with its effects being felt within and without the profession. The supervisory relationship is an important space in which racism-related distress in supervisees and people accessing services can be impacted for better or for worse.
This study interviewed twelve clinical psychologist supervisors from a range of backgrounds about their experiences of discussing issues of race, culture and ethnicity with supervisees. Among other topic areas, interviews particularly probed supervisors on their comfort and confidence during these discussions, and on wider systemic influences on these conversations. Thirty-six clinical psychologists were additionally recruited to anonymously complete an online questionnaire to enrich qualitative findings.
Qualitative interview data were subjected to a thematic analysis from a pragmatist epistemology, yielding three main themes: The blue whale in the room: Racism and oppression (in clinical psychology), It’s not like talking about the weather, and Professional structures, discourses and practices as sites of power.
These themes are discussed alongside quantitative data from the online questionnaires, and recommendations for the profession are made. It is hoped that the study’s findings may influence guidance and training for supervisors in responding to issues of race, culture and ethnicity.