Clinical Psychology

The stressful surroundings of clinical psychology preparation is well conventional. The intellectual and emotional demands it places on most trainees cannot be overstated. Nonetheless, there is mounting evidence suggesting that training may be even more challenging for those who are ethnically and/or racially different from the dominant group.

Experiences of exclusion for such trainees are not uncommon, as a result, it has been posited that many courses may still be failing to meet the needs of BME trainees be it in terms of systematic course inclusion of issues of diversity, the management of overt and concealed experiences of racism and the provision of appropriate support to help BME trainees cope with the supplementary emotional demands which may be placed upon them.

This is the first in a series of posts within which needs to be aimed to connect in a process of reflection upon my experience of difference within training. Hoping to provide some illustrations of some of the ways difference may affect personal behaviors, trainees’ experiences and the training environment.

Although some differences are bound to be reflected within training cohorts, those born and raised outside the UK, those who are not British citizens, those who do not speak English as a first language or are otherwise ethnically, culturally and/or racially different; are likely to find themselves in teams of one within their year group.

Individuals are, to a large extent, products of their life-experiences. It is well recorded that as human beings we tend to have a natural affinity towards other individuals with similar backgrounds. The cultural factors together with the potential non-traditional professional and/or educational pathways into training may have an impact relationally, mean standing out as dissimilar, having to contend with hyper visibility and/or holding different worldviews which may be at odd with many in training.

The normative influences and expectations in relation to white middle class norms and values abound. If one is neither, conforming, ‘fitting in’ and being open about one’s views can be extremely challenging. As an example, as any person, who has stood out for all of the above reasons, my personal perspective into discussions has often been defined as critical, labeled as radical and at times as ‘irrelevant’, an isolating and invalidating experience particularly when there has been no intention to challenge. Often, simply speaking about my experience or that other BME groups would be deemed challenging or create palpable discomfort.