ABSTRACT
Intersectionality, a concept popularized by legal scholar and critical race theorist Kimberle Crenshaw, underscores the “multidimensionality” of marginalized subjects’ lived experiences. The value of intersectionality in clinical practice is that it implores us to go beyond thinking of the social constructs that shape us as a society and individually as separate. It allows us to view our clients from the perspective of their multidimensional lived experience and see that individual aspects of social identity are not developed or expressed in isolation. Looking beyond mere awareness of the self, intersectionality urges us to become aware of historical oppression and marginalization and how those experiences set the stage and foundation for the privileges that some groups hold over others. Intersectionality influences clinical work at each stage of therapy. It is significant in the beginning of the therapeutic relationship as rapport is being developed. It also emerges in the middle of treatment as the process becomes more about unfolding, uncovering, and interpreting.
