Exploring Black Women's Experiences in Psychotherapeutic Training and Practice in the UK

Background: Discussions around racial disparities and injustice have gained increasing prominence in psychotherapy and counselling research. However, research in this area has been criticised for its omission of Black women's experiences, including as counsellors and psychotherapeutic practitioners. Aims: This study explored and centred the experiences of Black women within therapeutic training and practice and particularly their navigation of gendered racism within training and clinical roles. Materials & Methods: Informed by the frameworks of critical race theory and Black feminist thought, this qualitative study used interviews, focus groups, and qualitative surveys to capture the experiences of 15 Black women (11 trainee and 4 qualified therapeutic practitioners). Results: We found that there is subtle racism in psychotherapeutic training and practice that hinders Black women's sense of belonging and professional development. The women's accounts highlighted how marginalised perspectives can be used to critique psychotherapeutic training and services, but participants faced silencing through victimisation after self-advocating. The participants felt a sense of hypervisibility for their differences while also being excluded and overlooked for the same differences. Discussion: The study provides insights for educational institutions and professional bodies to foster inclusive practice for Black women in the counselling and psychotherapy profession. Conclusion: The data suggest that further research is needed that centres the experiences of Black women as therapeutic trainees and practitioners. Further research on white privilege in psychotherapeutic training and leadership, and examining resistance to changing current oppressive structures, is also needed.