Identity and the ADRESSING Model

Our identities and the identification of them are both a unifying and differentiating
human experience. Identity can connect us to communities deep and rich with support,
knowledge, unique cultural experiences, and help to inform our understanding of the world.
Identities also show us how the human experience is a varied one, one with seemingly limitless
possibilities for expression, history, belief systems, specific familial values and configurations,
and cuisine that are all equally as valid and important for all members of the human race.

Historically speaking the Therapy field as done a disservice to those with identities considered
“minority” cultures due to excessive focus being placed on those identifying as White,
Heterosexual, and Cisgender within the Western World. The “ADRESSING” Model notes that it
comes from “The transcultural-specific perspective [which] places a high value on culture-
specific expertise regarding minority groups, but it also considers a range of issues that crosses
many cultures (although with an emphasis on minority cultures because they have been so
neglected in research and education).” (Hays, 1996, p.334) The ADRESSING Model aims to
address the cultural diversity of humanity and create space for “ethnic minority cultures” in
therapeutic settings as well as challenge inherent biases and promote the education of cultural
diversity and cultural humility. (Hays, 1996) In this blog post we will be reviewing the different
components of the ADRESSING model and the importance of identity on understanding the
experience of all that we wish to serve.

The ADRESSING Model

A-Age/Generational Influences
D-Disability (Developmental or Acquired later in life)
R- Religion/Spiritual Expression
E-Ethnicity/Race Identity
S- Sexual Orientation
S- Socioeconomic Status
I- Indigenous or Native Heritage
N- National Origin
G- Gender

As one can see these are topics that we can all see aspects of ourselves in, when utilized
the ADRESSING model is a useful for tool for collecting a quick snapshot of the identities salient
to another human being. However the ADRESSING model also exists as a tool for highlighting
the intersectionality of these different components of identity and how in combination with
society have large impacts on communities that often face prejudice. Hays asserts that the
ADRESSING Model can be used to highlight “understanding of racism, ethnocentrism, and other
forms of oppression that affect people of color […] When these biases are held by a dominant
group and thus reinforced by political, social, and economic power, the results are the “-isms.”

That is, Racial Bias + Power = Racism; Gender Bias + Power = Sexism; Age Bias + Power =
Ageism.” (Hays, 1996, p. 335) This interweaving of societal factors, power, and identity have
very real implications for large swaths of the population and when we as a people are
uninformed of these dynamics we can unknowingly perpetuate the harmful dynamics that
contribute to people feeling “othered.” The ADRESSING MODEL helps to provide a structure for
us to understand our own identities, the identities of others, and how power and bias have and
can continue to shape our worldview and treatment of our fellow human beings. Through the
use of tools such as the ADRESSING MODEL we can help to work towards cultural humility and
develop an understanding of how to disrupt systemic oppression from an individual perspective
and action.