Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Loveland, Emily

Abstract

This study explores the influence of implicit bias on the therapeutic dyad, focusing on how clients perceive its impact in their therapeutic process. Using a qualitative research approach, in-depth interviews will be conducted with Black clients of White clinicians to capture their perspectives on therapist bias, particularly its subtle, unconscious manifestations and their perceived impact on treatment. It is hypothesized that the findings will reveal that implicit biases related to race can subtly affect the therapeutic alliance, communication dynamics, and overall treatment outcomes. This study seeks to illuminate how clients perceive and navigate implicit bias within the therapeutic relationship, ultimately informing more effective interventions and fostering a more inclusive therapeutic environment. The study also seeks to center client perspectives in beginning to identify potential minimizing or mitigating interventions in lieu of racial pairing given the difficult nature of pairing as an intervention due to representational mismatches within the field of therapists.

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