Abstract
This portfolio uses reflexive thematic analysis to explore diversity and inclusion in clinical psychology through two projects. The first empirical paper seeks to understand the under-researched and often-overlooked experience of working class clinical psychologists. Their experiences from entry into the profession, their journey in training and practice, and their hopes for the future are explored through semi-structured interviews. Six themes were identified from the analysis and the five most novel are discussed. The findings encourage a strengths-based approach, acknowledging the participants’ resilience and unique experiences. They spotlight resource disparities and the need for collaboration in creating targeted interventions, while aiming to uphold activists’ motivation by recognising progress made so far. The second empirical paper focusses on the collection of Equal Opportunities Monitoring data in clinical psychology and seeks to explore the factors which influence a person’s willingness to disclose protected characteristics. Five themes were identified following a survey of 83 participants. The findings highlight the existence of “vicious cycles of inaction” and encourage a consideration of the benefits of improving disclosure rates, such as an improved ability to use EOM data to evaluate and inform practices which aim to support marginalised individuals. Together, these projects contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding equality, diversity, and inclusion in clinical psychology. In both empirical papers, participant accounts are multi-faceted with similarities and contradictions present. The researcher hopes that these papers offer interesting and useful preliminary insights to the readers, while eagerly encouraging a continued focus on these topic areas.