A Study Exploring the Supervisory Relationship in the Context of Culturally Responsive Supervision: A Supervisee’s Perspective

Abstract

Clinical supervision is a form of relationship-based education facilitating the
development of clinical competence and ethical therapeutic practice. Evidence suggests that clinical supervision is not immune to the social inequalities inherent in contemporary society. However, there appears to be a scarcity of empirical literature exploring the impact of these variables in supervision and the development of cultural competence in supervision.

Paper 1 presents a systematic review and thematic synthesis exploring the impact of racism experienced within cross-racial clinical supervision. Findings from 14 included studies highlighted the harmful effects of racism on practitioners from racially minoritised backgrounds. Themes were related to emotional distress, ruptures within the supervisory relationship, power imbalances, a lack of cultural competence development and coping strategies. Further implications for clinical and research practice are discussed.

Paper 2 presents a quantitative study that aimed to investigate supervisee perceptions of cultural responsivity in supervision and the quality of the supervisory relationship. The study explored how perceptions may vary when supervisors and supervisees are racially/ethnically similar or different. Trainee and qualified supervisees (N = 222) completed an online survey exploring their perceptions of cultural discussions, supervisory relationships, and acculturation. Supervisees from Racial/Ethnic Minoritised groups in dyads with White supervisors perceived their supervision as the least culturally responsive, with lower quality supervisory relationships. Greater perceived cultural responsivity in supervision was found to significantly predict better supervisory relationships. However, this was not moderated by acculturation to mainstream British culture. Findings and essential recommendations for future research and current practice are discussed.

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