Location of self: opening the door to dialogue on intersectionality in the therapy process

This article describes the evolution and current practice of a model of location of self, a process in which the therapist self-discloses her or his social locations and invites a conversation about how the intersection of the identities held by the therapist and family may be beneficial and/or limiting. It invites thoughtfulness and dialogue in recognizing and addressing explicit and implicit ways that experience, with its associated privilege or subjugation in the world, can operate in the therapy room. It signifies that the therapist is open to exploring how these issues influence clients' lives outside of therapy as well. The conceptual foundations for location of self, along with its clinical development, are discussed, including the social justice perspective in which it is firmly embedded. Clinical benefits and challenges in its use are also noted.