Intersectionality & IFS
A key concept that guides the work we do at First Brick Counseling is intersectionality. Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, intersectionality is the understanding that individuals hold multiple identities—such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, class, and more—that intersect in unique ways to shape their experiences. These overlapping identities contribute to a person’s distinct challenges and privileges, particularly in how they navigate the world and encounter both oppression and opportunity.
From a therapeutic perspective, intersectionality aligns seamlessly with Internal Family Systems (IFS). The IFS Institute describes this approach as “a transformative model that views every human being as a system of protective and wounded inner parts, all led by a core Self.” Both intersectionality and IFS emphasize the importance of recognizing the various parts that make up an individual’s identity. When combined, these two frameworks offer a personalized and holistic approach to therapy, honoring the complexity of each client's lived experience and supporting their journey toward healing.
How Intersectionality and IFS Apply to LGBTQ+ and Neurodivergent (ND) Individuals
For LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent (ND) people, their identities—while not defining them entirely—are significant parts of who they are. These identities influence how they interact with the world and the challenges they face. For example, a transgender person may spend considerable mental energy planning their day around finding safe restroom facilities, weighing every decision on whether they can access a space that aligns with their gender identity. Similarly, an ND person with sensory sensitivities might avoid certain public places or activities to prevent sensory overload, carefully considering their environment before stepping outside. These examples highlight just a few of the ways identity impacts daily life for LGBTQ+ and ND individuals.
The intersection of these identities can add layers of complexity to a person's experience, often leading to nuanced forms of discrimination, marginalization, and resilience. In therapy, it's essential to recognize and validate these identities in the context of the individual’s broader lived experience.
Navigating the Inner Landscape with IFS
In therapy, we often explore our inner “parts” and how they influence our relationships and decision-making. For example, you might hear someone say, “A part of me wants to keep the relationship, but a part of me is tired of my identity not being respected.” In IFS, we break down these inner conflicts by identifying three primary types of parts:
Exiles: These are the parts of us that hold pain, trauma, or unhealed wounds.
Managers: These protective parts try to control situations to prevent the Exiles from being triggered.
Firefighters: When Exiles are activated, Firefighters step in with reactive strategies to suppress or numb the pain.
As we explore these dynamics, our goal is not only to understand these parts but also to heal them. In the context of intersectionality, this means acknowledging how each part may be shaped by social, cultural, and systemic factors. For LGBTQ+ and ND individuals, certain parts of the self may be more deeply affected by external factors, such as discrimination, stigma, or the pressure to conform.
A Path Toward Healing and Empowerment
Every person’s journey toward healing looks different, but the process is always about building a strong foundation for a more authentic and empowered life. By combining the principles of intersectionality with IFS, we create a therapeutic space that allows you to explore and heal the various parts of yourself—whether they are shaped by societal identity or personal history.
At First Brick Counseling, we take this journey together, with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to honoring your unique experience. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. We’re here to help you integrate and heal the different parts of yourself, creating a sense of balance and empowerment along the way.
*Please note Jay incorporates a variety of therapeutic modalities based on the individual’s needs in session. IFS is only one of the many.