Multicultural supervision: supervisees’ reflections on culturally competent supervision

Abstract

This study examined supervisees’ perceived experiences of supervisor multicultural competence in supervision and its impact on supervisees’ clinical work. Specific attention was given to the cultural content discussed and the supervisory multicultural interventions used in supervision. Data from 102 supervisees was analyzed through a discovery-oriented qualitative approach. With regard to content, the most common focus was on race followed by gender, ethnicity, and religion/spirituality. An examination of the multiculturally competent supervisor interventions revealed that supervisors’ frequently educated and facilitated exploration of specific cultural issues, discussed culturally appropriate therapeutic interventions and skills, facilitated supervisee self-awareness within the supervision session, and challenged and encouraged cultural openness of supervisee’s understanding of client and cultural issues. The most frequent manner by which the supervisory experience affected client work involved the supervisee modifying the treatment approach, recognizing personal limitations and experiencing improved self-awareness as a counselor in their work with clients, and developing an enhanced understanding of and empathy towards their clients. Implications for these findings are discussed.