Non-professional interpreters in counselling for asylum seeking and refugee women Filiz Celik, Tom Cheesman

Abstract

Introduction: Non-professional interpreting warrants further study, particularly in environments where professional interpreters are scarce.
 Method: The lead researcher (a qualified interpreter and counsellor) joined 32 group sessions as a participant observer, and 12 individual sessions as an observer. Additional data sources were 30 semi-structured interviews with counsellors, clients and interpreters, and two halfday forums organised for community interpreters to discuss their concerns.
 Results: The positive value of engaging non-professional interpreters is highlighted within the specific context of non-medical, community-based, holistic counselling. In this context, formal accuracy of translation is less important than empathy and trust. Non-professional interpreters may be more likely than professionals to share clients’ life experiences, and working with them in counselling has positive psychosocial value for all participants. This is because it entails inclusive, non-hierarchical practices in the client-counsellor-interpreter triad: mutual sharing of linguistic resources and translingual communication, and a more relaxing dynamic with fluid roles. In group sessions, a strong sense of a crosslinguistic community is created as women interpret for one another, an expression of mutual support. In the context of this study, counsellors, clients and interpreters alike all regard non-professionals as being more appropriate than professionals in most counselling situations.

Mental Health and Work Experiences of Interpreters in the Mental Health Care of Refugees: A Systematic Review

“…In one study, 44% of the interpreters were paid whereas the rest worked voluntarily ( 29 ). Three studies did not indicate how many interpreters were paid ( 39 , 52 , 55 ). In one study, 3% of the sample were sign language interpreters ( 37 ).…”

“…Interpreters reported several reasons for feeling sad, e.g., because of the client's story ( 38 , 50 ) or when stories were perceived to be similar to their own experiences ( 41 , 51 ). For some interpreters, the traumatic content was associated with feelings such as shock ( 39 , 41 , 50 ) or disbelief ( 39 , 50 ). Regarding psychological stress over time, some interpreters reported that they experienced an initial peak when they first began their job as interpreters ( 45 ).…”

“…Sometimes, the stress decreased after a time ( 45 , 50 , 51 ), or interpreters became accustomed to it ( 50 ) and showed no long-term mental health effects ( 45 ). Particularly when coping strategies were acquired ( 50 ), feelings of stress seemed to change into a sense of fulfilment and work pleasure ( 39 , 50 ).…”

“…The second-order theme "relationship to client" highlights the interpreters' conflicts, which were often associated with keeping a distance from the client and uncertainties about how to shape their relationship with the client. The Feeling restricted (20,43,48) Valuing a neutral role (20,42,43,45) Impartiality important but challenging (20,42,43,49,50,52) Dilemma between showing and containing emotions (36,40,41,43,48,50) Handling various expectations (42,43,(50)(51)(52) Interpreting demands (12, 20, 36, 38, 41-43, 47-49, 51) Being an active part in therapy (20,39,42,43,47,48) Triad as positive workplace (41,42,46,48,49) Experience and therapy as resources (12,48,52) What is an ideal interpreter (20,36,38,45,47,48,50) second-order theme "relatio...…”

“…Working conditions Mental health setting is special (12,20,41,43,47,48,50) Clients require special attention (2,20,41,51,52) Having to get to know Western therapy (42,48,51) More trust in community interpreter than agency interpreter (39,42,52) Working in own community challenging (2,49,51,52) Confidentiality important but difficult (20,41,42,44,48) Organisational difficulties (12,20,38,40,41,45,49,51) Noticing racism towards client (51,52) Often lack of recognition of staff and agency (12,20,43,44,48,51,52) Poor remuneration (12,41) No preparation (12,40,…”