Prevalence and Navigation of Discrimination and Microaggression Experiences in Psychotherapy and Supervision Processes Among Therapists in Training

Authors

Li Shen Chong, San Jose State UniversityFollow
Adela Scharff, Rush University Medical Center
Bethany A.H. Crawford, State University of New York Albany
Syed Aajmain, State University of New York Albany
James F. Boswell, State University of New York Albany

Publication Date

1-1-2024

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Training and Education in Professional Psychology

DOI

10.1037/tep0000494

Abstract

The mental health care field is committed to increasing diversity within its training programs, yet research shows that therapist trainees, especially those of marginalized backgrounds, have experienced discrimination and microaggressions from their clients and supervisors. This study aimed to quantitatively explore the prevalence of discrimination and microaggression experiences in both psychotherapy and supervision processes among therapists in training and how these experiences are navigated. A total of 101 therapist trainees (82% female, 10.9% male, 6.9% nonbinary/other; 56% White, 14% Asian, 5% Black, 8% Hispanic/Latinx, 3% Middle East or North African, 15% multiracial/other; 57% heterosexual, 6% gay/lesbian, 36% bisexual/pansexual/other) reported their experiences and ways to navigate discrimination and microaggression experiences during the psychotherapy and supervision processes. Therapist trainees experienced more discrimination and microaggression events from their clients than supervisors. Trainees who identified as White or heterosexual had significantly less frequent discrimination and microaggression experiences from supervisors compared with trainees who identified as Black, Indigenous, people of color or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. When navigating discrimination and microaggression experiences, many trainees frequently chose to identify key issues in deciding how to respond to discrimination, practice self-care, and talk to a supervisor. Most trainees find reflecting on key issues and talking to their supervisor to be very helpful. We highlight implications and provide recommendations to help trainees navigate professional settings and to help mentors, supervisors, and program administrators provide adequate support to their trainees.

Keywords

discrimination, microaggressions, psychotherapy, supervision, therapists in training

Department

Psychology

Recommended Citation

Li Shen Chong, Adela Scharff, Bethany A.H. Crawford, Syed Aajmain, and James F. Boswell. "Prevalence and Navigation of Discrimination and Microaggression Experiences in Psychotherapy and Supervision Processes Among Therapists in Training" Training and Education in Professional Psychology (2024). https://doi.org/10.1037/tep0000494