Why Intersectionality Matters to Mental Health (Part 8)

In the fall of 2024, the Benediction Counseling team read the book Difference Matters: Communicating Social Identity by Brenda Allen and participated in formal trainings by experts in each content area. Throughout Difference Matters, Allen encourages readers to recognize the power of understanding and respecting diversity. Each chapter invites reflection on how we can challenge dominant narratives, broaden our perspectives, and cultivate empathy. The book’s hopeful message is that, through awareness and active engagement, we can create inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and supported. This 9-part blog series is part book review and part integration to understand the implications of each social identity on the field of mental health. Please join us on this journey to become culturally informed providers!

Book Summary: Difference Matters: Communicating Social Identity by Brenda Allen.
Allen introduces intersectionality, explaining that people hold multiple, overlapping identities that together influence their experiences. Intersectionality matters marginalization is compounded in someone with multiple marginalized identities, such as women of color or LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities. The dominant narrative often simplifies identities, failing to account for the complexities created by these intersections. The corrective experience involves adopting an intersectional perspective, understanding that individuals’ experiences cannot be fully understood by examining each identity in isolation. This perspective promotes a more nuanced understanding of identity and social justice.

Why Intersectionality Matters to Mental Health
Intersectionality highlights the compounded impact of holding multiple marginalized identities on mental health. For individuals with intersecting identities—such as race, gender, and disability—the combined pressures of discrimination and societal expectation can lead to heightened stress, burnout, and a higher risk of mental health issues. The dominant narrative often overlooks these complexities, leading to feelings of invisibility or misrepresentation. Adopting an intersectional perspective as a corrective experience encourages inclusive mental health support that considers all facets of an individual’s identity. When mental health care is intersectionally aware, it can offer a more comprehensive and effective approach, helping individuals feel fully understood and valued.