A systematic review of effective cross cultural supervision for REM therapists, and an empirical study on predictors of wellbeing, engagement, and academic outcomes in trainee CBT therapists: Assessing the impact of service support

Rama, Trene 2025. A systematic review of effective cross cultural supervision for REM therapists, and an empirical study on predictors of wellbeing, engagement, and academic outcomes in trainee CBT therapists: Assessing the impact of service support. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

	PDF (DClinPsy Thesis) - Accepted Post-Print Version Restricted to Repository staff only until 27 November 2026 due to copyright restrictions. Download (5MB)
	PDF (Cardiff University Electronic Publication Form) - Supplemental Material Restricted to Repository staff only Download (138kB)

Abstract

Racially and Ethnically Minoritised (REM) therapists face systemic challenges in clinical supervision. Established supervision models often ignore racial dynamics, limiting their effectiveness. This review aimed to identify and critically appraise empirical evidence on what are helpful and harmful features of cross-cultural supervision for REM supervisees. It sought to understand how supervision can effectively address race, cultural diversity, and power dynamics to enhance supervisee development and the supervisory relationship. The study followed the PRISMA systematic review guidelines and applied the narrative synthesis framework proposed by Popay et al.(2006). Searches across five databases identified 22 studies meeting strict inclusion criteria. Quality and bias were assessed using QualSyst and ROBINS-I V2 tools. Reflexive journaling and partial double screening were used to enhance rigour and critical interpretation. Narrative synthesis of 22 medium to high-quality studies identified key features of effective cross-cultural supervision for REM supervisees, including: Supervisor-initiated Cultural Dialogue, Cultural Humility and Responsiveness, and Relational Safety and Emotional Support. Harmful features included Microaggressions, C/R-Blindness, Supervisor Defensiveness, Dismissiveness and Minimisation and Lack of Attunement to Power dynamics. Supervision quality significantly shaped supervisee development, psychological safety, and engagement in culturally diverse therapeutic settings. This review illuminated how supervision functions as a culturally and politically situated process, challenging traditional, rapport-focused models. Despite limitations such as U.S.-centric data and conceptual ambiguity, the findings support a shift toward intersectional, anti-oppressive frameworks. Future research should explore supervisor perspectives and behavioural enactments of culturally responsive theory.

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Schools > Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Key Learning Aims : • To synthesise and critically appraise evidence on helpful and harmful features of cross-cultural supervision. • To evaluate quantitative studies for associations between supervisory features and outcomes such as satisfaction, competence, and effectiveness. • To analyse qualitative studies to explain how supervisory practices were experienced as supportive or harmful, with attention to trust, bias, and power.
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	27 November 2025
Last Modified:	27 Nov 2025 09:24
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/182690

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item