The Model of Multiple Oppression provides a way of viewing the multiply oppressed person with AIDS. The model presents seven layers of oppression; four are "Individual Context" factors, and three are "Outcome" factors. The "Individual Context factors (the self, gender, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation) are related to the identity of the individual, are more stable over time, and are influenced by genetics and upbringing. The "Outcome" factors (poverty, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS) are results of social, behavioral, and institutional influences. Concentric circles are used to illustrate the layers' cumulative effect on the individual. Each circle or layer depicts three major domains of analysis relevant to an oppressed group member: environmental influences, intrapsychic processes, and behavioral/clinical manifestations. A visual display of the material is helpful to the clinician because it consolidates an abundance of relevant and overlapping clinical material into a rational order, and the clinician can observe at a glance the complex array of immediate problems that face the client simultaneously. The layers of oppression are conceived as dynamic, since the focus of the work will shift as various layers assume the forefront in the client's life and subsequently the treatment. It is critical to recognize the patients' internalization of the negative views about the various layers, since this will interfere with their ability to work through the treatment process. 26 references