Black Clinical Psychologists' Lived Experiences of Career Progression in the United Kingdom
McRae, Melissa Gordon, Caroline Stocks, Greg Babb, Roberta
McRae, Melissa
Gordon, Caroline
Stocks, Greg
Babb, Roberta
Affiliation
University of Warwick; Coventry University; Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust; Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust; Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust; Eastgate Business Centre, Third Eye Psychology Ltd, Burton on Trent
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Publication date
2025-09-12
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Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to gain a better understanding of Black clinical psychologists' experiences of career progression in the United Kingdom (UK).
Design
A qualitative design was employed. This study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) research design.
Methods
One-to-one semi-structured interviews were conducted online to explore 11 Black clinical psychologists' experiences of career progression.
Results
Using the IPA process, three themes emerged: (1) ‘Working five times as hard to get half as far’, describing participants' experiences of having to work above and beyond to access the same opportunities as their White colleagues; (2) ‘A Psychologist who happens to be Black or a Black Psychologist’, reflecting participants' experiences of being othered and confronting the pressure and responsibility of being Black in a White-dominated profession; and (3) a catalyst to moving forward, highlighting interpersonal and intrapersonal sources of support that contribute to workforce well-being and positively influence career progression.
Conclusion
The findings provide vital insight into participants' experiences of both barriers and facilitators to career progression throughout their professional careers. In addition, the research highlighted the need for training courses, organisations and NHS Trusts to demonstrate commitment to providing equitable career development opportunities.
Citation
McCallum, M., & Clarke, V. (2025). Exploring Black women's experiences in psychotherapeutic training and practice in the UK. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 25(1), Article e70009. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.70009
Type
Article