Bringing Intersectionality into Our Practice

Picture this: You’re sitting with a client who’s just shared that they’re struggling with anxiety at work. As you lean in to listen more deeply, they mention they’re a first-generation immigrant, queer, and living with an invisible disability. Suddenly, their experience of anxiety isn’t just about workplace stress – it’s about navigating multiple worlds while carrying multiple identities.

This is intersectionality in action, and making it part of our daily practice doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Let’s break it down into real, everyday moments where we can make a difference.

Think about those first few minutes with a new client. Instead of running through a standard checklist, try opening with something like: “I’d love to understand the different parts of your identity that feel important to you.” You might be surprised by what comes up – maybe they mention being a working mother, an artist, and someone managing chronic pain, all of which shape their mental health journey in unique ways.

We had a clinician who shared in group supervision how she caught herself making assumptions about a client’s family structure based on their cultural background. Instead of letting that assumption slide, she paused and asked, “Could you tell me more about what family means in your life?” This simple question led to a rich discussion about chosen family and cultural expectations.

Let’s be honest – we all have blind spots. Maybe you notice yourself feeling more comfortable with clients who share your cultural background, or perhaps you realize you’ve been using outdated language around gender identity. These moments aren’t failures; they’re opportunities for growth.

Try this: Next time you’re commuting to work or making your morning coffee, reflect on a recent session. Were there moments where you could have explored the intersection of a client’s identities more deeply? What held you back? Sometimes just naming these moments helps us do better next time.

In our breakout room conversations, we can start normalizing discussions about intersectionality. When discussing cases, instead of just focusing on symptoms, we might ask, “How do you think this client’s experience as a Black trans person impacts their relationship with healthcare systems?”

Let’s say you’re working with a client who’s dealing with depression. Rather than jumping straight to CBT techniques, you might explore how their experience as a disabled person of color influences their access to support systems. This isn’t just about acknowledging different identities – it’s about understanding how they interact and create unique challenges and strengths.

Remember the client who seemed resistant to homework assignments? Consider whether traditional therapy frameworks align with their cultural values and life circumstances. Maybe they’re a single parent working two jobs, and our typical approach needs adaptation.

We’re all learning here. Last week, one of our colleagues shared how they fumbled pronouns with a non-binary client but used it as an opportunity to model accountability and repair. These moments, though uncomfortable, build trust and show our commitment to growth.

Start small. Maybe it’s: Reading an article about disability justice while eating lunch or asking yourself, “What assumptions am I making about this client’s experience?”

Remember: this work isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating spaces where all parts of our clients’ identities can exist together, where healing can happen in the fullness of who they are.

Let’s make this a conversation. What intersections of identity have you noticed influencing your client work lately? How has your own identity journey shaped your therapeutic approach? These questions keep us growing, learning, and better serving our wonderfully diverse community.

By grounding our understanding of intersectionality in real, everyday moments, we make this vital framework more accessible and actionable in our practice. After all, therapy is about human connection, and understanding intersectionality helps us connect more deeply with the full humanity of each person who appears on our screens.