Living in the Margins: Intersecting Identities and Clinical Work with Black Women

Abstract

Black women underutilize mental health services. Challenges to help-seeking and sustaining treatment relationships have been well-documented to include stigma, cultural disconnect, and mismanagement of race and racism in the therapy room. Certain marginalized identities are stigmatized both within the dominant culture and Black community. Case material from a Black transgender client and a Black woman who presents a complex mix of religious identification is presented. Giving visibility and voice to populations typically neglected in the clinical literature will contribute to the goal of culturally competent practice. Implications for training and clinical supervision are discussed.

Keywords:

• Black women
• clinical work
• intersectionality
• marginalized identities