How to Survive White Supervisors: Practical Implications for Cross-Cultural Supervision

Date of Award

Summer 8-23-2025

Document Type

Doctoral Research Paper

Degree Name

Psy.D.

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Brian Beaumund

Second Advisor

Lou Felipe

Third Advisor

Jennifer Erickson-Cornish

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Cross-cultural, Supervision, Diversity, Psychology, Integrated developmental model, Multicultural orientation perspective

Abstract

As access to psychotherapy or assessment becomes more equitable for diverse clientele, the need for diversity in mental health programs becomes more prevalent. Cross-cultural supervision in psychology continues to present significant challenges for supervisees of color, who often face more systemic and relational barriers in educational and academic settings than their white peers. This paper examines whether, and how, white supervisors can provide meaningful, culturally responsive support to supervisees of color as they navigate the world of psychotherapy. To address this question, I introduce CURED: Cultural Unity & Relational Engagement through Development. CURED is a new supervision framework that integrates the Multicultural Orientation to Supervision (MCO-S) (Watkins et al., 2019) with the Integrated Developmental Model of Supervision (IDM) (Stoltenberg, 1981). CURED maps developmental stages (Levels 1–3) from the IDM alongside key multicultural processes. It combines cultural humility, cultural comfort, and cultural opportunities drawn from Watkins et al. (2019). It also draws from Heron’s (1989) facilitative and authoritative modes and Loganbill’s (1982) conceptual stance. This model offers structured guidance to help supervisors acknowledge and address power, privilege, and cultural dynamics that frequently disadvantage BIPOC supervisees in academic contexts. Detailed tables and a case conceptualization illustrate practical applications of CURED as an initial training tool for cross-cultural supervision. By providing a concrete framework, this paper calls on supervisors, particularly white supervisors, to engage intentionally and ethically with their supervisees of color. By engaging in complex work of cultural attunement, relational engagement in supervision and training, supervisees of color can not only survive but thrive with their white supervisors.

Copyright Date

7-14-2025

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Rights Holder

Emena C. Belt

Provenance

Received from author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

42 pgs

File Size

411 KB

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