The Experience of Being a Qualified Female BME Clinical Psychologist in a National Health Service: An Interpretative Phenomenological and Repertory Grid Analysis

Abstract

This study explores the lived experience of Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) clinical psychologists employed in the UK National Health Service (NHS). A mixed method qualitative approach was employed utilizing repertory grids and interpretative phenomenological analysis. Six female BME clinical psychologists took part. Four master themes emerged from the analysis including standing out as different, negotiating cultural and professional values, sitting with uncertainty, and feeling proud to be a clinical psychologist. The repertory grid analysis supported these findings and enriched the study.Implications of the study are discussed, namely the importance of the profession increasing the cultural competency and sensitivity of its members as well as becoming more diverse.

On addressing ‘Whiteness’ during clinical psychology training

“…There is a lacuna in the UK training literature and professional discourse which gives space to trainees' experiences of racism during training. A few recent trainee projects have attempted to address or remedy this (Paulraj, 2016;Shah, Wood, Nolte & Goodbody, 2012;Odusanya, Winter, Nolte & Shah, 2017). Accordingly, the issue of how equality and racism is managed by trainers within UK training programmes is of paramount concern.…”

Exploring the experiences of non‐statutory homeless individuals who engaged in an adventure therapy intervention

“…Use of repertory grids appeared to be beneficial for at least six participants, as development of the elements at the start of the interviews encouraged verbal expression and ensured interviews were anchored within their internal world. The repertory grid also appeared to be useful for participants who were less verbally expressive, as it increased the focus of the empathic lens and facilitated exploration of their AT experience, fitting with PCP and IPA, as well as recommendations for working with marginalised populations (Ashworth, 2015;Burr et al, 2014;Fransella et al, 2003;Jankowicz, 2004;Larkin et al, 2006;Odusanya, 2018;Smith et al, 2009). Furthermore, initial use of the repertory grid may have reduced the intensity of the research interview.…”

“…Due to potential reduced verbal expression of marginalised populations (Odusanya, 2018;Samuel, 2004), including IEH (Gelberg & Siecke, 1997;Padgett et al, 2013), a repertory grid was used as an aid to the semi-structured interview. Repertory grids are used to explore participants' internal world by accessing lower levels of cognitive awareness (Burr et al, 2014;Fransella et al, 2003;Jankowicz, 2004) and in this case aimed to increase verbal expression and minimise researcher bias.…”

'Mixed white and Black Caribbean' millennials in Britain: An exploration of identity

“…On this subject matter, Prochaska and Norcross (2018) note ‘ there is little appreciation of culture‐sensitive and gender aware issues in the integration movement ’. This sentiment is echoed by professionals who have long critiqued the inadequacy of training providers to educate trainee counsellors and psychotherapists on the issues of ethnicity, culture and identity in Britain (Ciclitira & Foster, 2012; McKenzie‐Mavinga, 2019; Odusanya et al., 2016; Powell & Dada, 2015; Shah, 2010; Ponterotto, 1998; Watson, 2004). In order to explore these topics for themselves, students and professionals are forced to seek alternative courses and workshops outside of their core training institution, at added time and financial costs (Goodbody & Burns, 2011).…”