The ADDRESSING framework

A = age and generational influences.

What are the age related issues and generational influences on the client?

D = developmental disability
What is the client's experience with developmental disability?

D= disability later in life

Any experiences that have occurred where there was a temporary loss of ability in any form. This includes short or long-term
injuries, complications as a result of those injuries, health conditions that have arisen as one ages, etc.

R = religion or spiritual orientation.

What is the client's religious upbringing and what are the current beliefs and practices?

E = ethnicity.
What is the meaning of the client ‘s ethnic identity?

S = socioeconomic status
What is the client current socioeconomic status as defined by occupation, income, education, marital status, gender, and
ethnicity, community, and family name? How might this status be different from that of their parents or other family
members?

S = sexual orientation
What is the client sexual orientation, not assuming heterosexuality simply because the client may be married?

I = indigenous heritage
Does the client hold any indigenous heritage?

N = national origin
What is the client's national identity of primary language?

G = gender
What gender related information, such as role expectations, relationships, etc., are significant given the client's cultural
heritage and identity as a whole?

Adapted From:
Hayes, P (2002) Addressing Cultural Complexities in Practice: A framework for clinicians and counselors.
Washington, D.C. American Psychological Association.