ABSTRACT
There are significant limitations in working with an interpreter on the phone for therapy, and if possible it should be avoided unless this is the only option available to the therapist. Telephone interpretation 'suits simple tasks, but complex or sensitive communications are best left to in-person interpretation services, where non-verbal cues are an important part of the communication process'. In phone interpreting, the same key principles and guidelines apply in that the phone interpreter should have access to briefing and debriefing. Skype is preferable to telephone interpreting and, although challenging, offers the possibility of eye contact and, for rare languages, facilitates access to interpreters all over the country. Communication on Skype can feel strange to interpreters and they may feel more exposed. They may be tempted to edit some of the narrative, as they can regard Skype as a more business-like vehicle, and so may endeavour to prioritize clarity over capturing the expression of a client.
