In my coaching and consulting work with entrepreneurs, I witness the remarkable complexity and tenacity of human resilience every day. Completing my Master of Counselling Psychology program has deepened my understanding of how social, cultural, racial, and gendered identities shape the ways we heal.
I’m learning that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Each person brings a layered story, informed by intersecting identities. And even with the best of intentions, I must be mindful of the power I hold in my role. Microaggressions are subtle, everyday slights or assumptions that convey bias or dismissal. In therapy, failing to recognize these moments will inevitably compromise a client’s sense of trust and safety.
As someone from the dominant culture in Canada, I recognize that my presence, assumptions, or attempts to “help” can unintentionally silence or diminish a client’s autonomy. My responsibility is to stay open, curious, and humble, especially when I cannot personally relate. By trusting the client’s definition of their trauma and values, I ensure their voice remains central.
Learning about intersectionality has revealed that people rarely face a single, solitary challenge. Economic hardship, systemic barriers, and social expectations often intersect in ways that compound stress and limit access to support. Effective care, whether in a coaching or counselling context, means honouring those intersections, resisting the urge to fix, and supporting holistic growth that acknowledges the full human experience.
Healing begins with being seen.
Reflection + Journal Prompt:
Can you recall a time when you may have overlooked or misunderstood someone’s experience—perhaps even your own? What assumptions were present, and what might you see differently now if you paused to look more closely?
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Photo by Vladislav Nahorny on Unsplash
