ABSTRACT

Interpreters should be offered a pre-briefing when starting to interpret for a new client or when working with a therapist for the first time, allowing the therapist to share his or her approach. They should always be debriefed after a session and offered further support or supervision sessions if the interpreter is overwhelmed by a client or the material. In addition to debriefing after every session, interpreters practising regularly in a therapy setting should have access to supervision by a therapist. A supervision group can be a powerful and helpful space as it allows the facilitation of mutual support and learning between interpreters and creates a team that can support each other within their day-to-day work. Supervision offers an opportunity for therapist and interpreter to fully explore the expectations that might be placed on the interpreter by the client and how the therapist might assist in making roles clearer.