Date of Conferral

3-21-2025

Date of Award

March 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Counselor Education and Supervision

Advisor

Katherine Kimsey

Abstract

Black women supervisees are underrepresented in research. Given the importance of relational connections in women’s lives and how the supervision process occurs in relational interactions of intersecting contextual variables, an investigation into the supervision experiences of Black female professional counselor supervisees was warranted. This narrative inquiry aimed to explore and understand how Black female professional counselor supervisees narrate their supervision experience. The research question focused on how Black female professional counselor supervisees narrated their supervision experience. Eight participants were recruited from social media. They self-identified as Black and female, lived in the United States, and were licensed professional counselors. Narrative thematic analysis revealed themes and codes from the participants’ storied supervision experiences. The data was analyzed using critical race theory and relational cultural theory. The results of the audio-recorded Zoom interviews uncovered four themes: (a) navigating gender and racial stereotypes, (b) relying on perseverance strategies, (c) wanting support of self-concept and mentoring, and (d) taking ownership of personal and professional growth. Their stories indicated a need for mentors and allies who are culturally competent and culturally humble and prioritize establishing reciprocal relationships as social action to help them “show up” fully and authentically. The social change implication of the results of this study includes offering a greater understanding of how to provide effective supervision and support cultural responsiveness and alliance with Black female professional counselor supervisees.

Download

Share

 
COinS