Male clinical psychologists: role of the male gender in therapy and on the route to qualification

Men are numerically underrepresented within the profession of clinical psychology but little is known about the experiences of the minority of men who do enter the profession. The present study aimed to explore the accounts of male clinical psychology trainees of their journey into training, in particular focus on their encounter and negotiation of issues around gender stereotypes, minority and power.

Ten male clinical psychology trainees from course centres around the United Kingdom were recruited took part in individual interviews which were then analysed using Critical Narrative Analysis. Results yielded five narratives: psychology as a meaningful career, psychology as a deeply personal matter, gender in a side role, minority and power, minority as a discomfort. Narratives were then critically examined in the context of wider societal discourses, particularly in regards to careerist, feminist and gender discourse.

Similarities were identified between the narratives of men within clinical psychology and men working in other female-dominated environments. Implications of the findings for clinical psychology training programmes and the clinical psychology workforce were discussed. Future research recommendations were made.