Beyond the Steps: A Guide to 12-Step Culture for Helping Professionals

Cultural Curiosity Series is an OTFLCA learning initiative that immerses helping professionals in recovery subcultures and community traditions. Each session builds cultural humility, shared language, and practical skills so providers can partner more effectively with people navigating both peer-based recovery and professional services.

Beyond the Steps: A Guide to 12-Step Culture for Helping Professionals
Helping professionals often collaborate with people engaged in 12-step recovery, yet the traditions and norms of AA/NA can be unfamiliar. This workshop demystifies 12-step culture so providers can communicate respectfully, build trust, and align services with peer-based supports.

Facilitators
This session is facilitated by Allison Marchioni and Brad Tolle—members of 12-step fellowships and experienced professionals in the recovery field—bringing lived expertise and practice-based insights you can apply immediately.

What you’ll learn

• Identify the core principles and structure of 12-step programs like AA and NA.
• Understand common language and cultural norms used within 12-step communities.
• Recognize the difference between 12-step culture and clinical treatment models.
• Describe the role of sponsorship, home groups, and service within the 12-step framework.
• Gain tools for effective and respectful communication with individuals who actively participate in 12-step programs.
• Explore how to support individuals navigating both peer-based recovery and professional services.

Who should attend

Behavioral/public health professionals, peer recovery supporters/supervisors, case managers, social workers, counselors, justice and healthcare partners, and anyone collaborating with AA/NA-engaged individuals.

Host or Publisher Hannah Schilling, Hamilton County Public Health