Applying a Cultural Competency Framework to Twelve Step Programs

Abstract

It is important for clinicians to develop cultural competency skills in any cross-cultural setting where a working knowledge of the client's culture is important to the delivery of services. Twelve Step recovery programs represent a distinct culture, where members have developed their own set of norms, behaviors and even language. An understanding of this culture is important to any clinician working with clients who may be referred to and/or are members of a Twelve Step group. This article defines cultural competency, applies this to the culture that has developed around Twelve Step groups, and provides information to familiarize clinicians to these cultural norms.

Key Words:

• Cultural competency
• Twelve Step programs
• culture