A qualitative exploration of black psychotherapists’ personal experience of racism and the challenges that exist for black therapists who work with clients in therapy who have also experienced racism. A pilot study using interpretive phenomenological analysis

Abstract

Abstract The impact of racism to the individual is arguably immeasurable; however, the impact on psychotherapists who themselves have personally had either one or multiple experiences of racism and work with clients in therapy who have also experienced racism is an area with very little research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with black cognitive behavioural therapists who have personally experienced racism and have also worked with clients who have experienced racism; data were analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis. As this was a pilot study, only two participants were recruited to the study. Superordinate and subordinate themes were identified from the data and explored. The study highlighted that the impact of racism, racist experiences and microaggressions can lead to mental health problems, and there is need for further support for therapists, especially within the contexts of clinical supervision and from their organisation leadership. In addition, the need for further research was also identified, as well as improved training in working with disclosures of racism, and racial trauma within a therapeutic context was considered as important to the therapists of this pilot study. Key learning aims (1) To explore and understand the personal experiences of black therapists who have personally experienced racism. (2) To identify some of the challenges that exist for black therapists who work with clients who have experienced racism and to explore possible solutions to overcome such challenges.