An interpreter’s typical story

‘It is good that we directly reach out to the parents. Parents trust their children’s teachers – that is a leap of faith. If we didn’t reach out to the parents, they wouldn’t get any support – the fears and ignorance surrounding mental illness are simply too great.

After the initial consultation, the diagnostic appointments start with the therapist, during which there are always several terms that are difficult or impossible to translate. I always have to paraphrase and explain terms such as ‘non-disclosure agreement’ or ‘privacy policy’. But I sometimes also have to take a few minutes to explain the various therapy methods. When the findings are discussed at the end, I have to make sure that I explain what has been said in a calm manner. Then I get the feeling that the parents will also react calmly. If the therapist recommends therapy after the diagnosis, I translate what this means. I explain that it is completely voluntary and that the children can come to the therapist weekly during school hours for a one-to-one session. The parents join us once a month. I accompany the therapy from the very beginning, which is very important.

During the regular meetings with the parents, the therapists support us interpreters by giving us enough time to build trust with the parents. Some parents have enough prior knowledge and in these cases I can interpret terms verbatim without the need for explanation and without having to worry about any lack of understanding.

In the beginning, I found it quite hard to draw a line between myself and the sometimes heavy subjects being dealt with. Over time and thanks to the accompanying training and supervision of the therapists, I learnt to distance myself well. Due to the close relationship established with the therapeutic team, I feel more confident in my role as an interpreter. I understand what the therapist is doing with certain methods and, by the same token, I can also explain the methods to the parents and place them in the cultural context. As such, I interpret in both directions. I really like that.’