Examining White Counselor Trainees’ Reactions to Racial Issues in Counseling and Supervision Dyads

Abstract

This study examined the reactions of White counselor trainees to hypothetical, provocative, cross-racial counseling and supervision dyads. It employed a qualitative methodology of inquiry to explore the underlying dynamics associated with cross-racial counseling and supervision dyads. Working with a sample of 8 White male and female counselor trainees, a focus group interview was conducted using vignettes that depicted racial issues in counseling and supervision situations. The focus group interview was transcribed, and themes and categories that captured the complexity of the trainees’ reactions to racially charged situations in counseling and supervision were identified. The implications of the study’s findings are discussed and direction is offered for future research in this area.