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PD VIII. Professional and Ethical Responsibilities
Competency 118:
Recognize the importance of individual differences that influence client
behavior, and apply this understanding to clinical practice.
Knowledge
uX Differences found in diverse populations.
u How individual differences affect
assessment and response to treatment.
u Personality, culture, lifestyle, and other
factors influencing client behavior.
u Culturally sensitive counseling methods.
u Dynamics of family systems in diverse
cultures and lifestyles.
u Client advocacy needs specific to diverse
cultures and lifestyles.
u Signs, symptoms, and patterns of violence
against persons.
u Risk factors that relate to potential harm
to self or others.
u Hierarchy of needs and motivation.
Skills
XX Assessing and interpreting culturally
specific client behaviors and lifestyles.
uX Conveying respect for cultural and lifestyle
diversity in the therapeutic process.
uX Adapting therapeutic strategies to
client needs.
Attitudes
uX Willingness to appreciate the life
experiences of individuals.
u Appreciation for diverse populations
and lifestyles.
u Recognition of one’s biases toward other
cultures and lifestyles.
Uses of The Competencies
In 2000, the Northwest Frontier (NF) ATTC solicited a substance abuse treatment workforce survey
in its region. Evaluators surveyed substance abuse treatment professionals (both front line and
management) in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Of 469 respondents, 63 percent were
familiar with The Competencies. When asked how they used The Competencies, respondents
indicated they used it for the following:
u 49 percent to improve their job performance
u 46 percent to guide their professional development
u 35 percent to improve treatment outcomes
u 32 percent for self-assessment
u 27 percent to assess job performance
u 22 percent to guide supervisory decisions.
A 2002 update of this survey in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington showed that, of 609
respondents, the majority of agency directors (79%) and treatment staff (61%) were familiar with
The Competencies and, of those who reported familiarity, 80 percent actively used it in their work,
showing a pattern of increasing use over time. A 2005 survey update, currently underway, will
provide data on the most current uses of The Competencies. NFATTC has convened a regional
workgroup, with participants from Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, to develop
teaching strategies specific to The Competencies. An educators’ “toolkit” of student exercises to use
with The Competencies will be available on an educator’s Web page and in printed form and will
be presented at educators’ workshops.
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