Interpreters: Essential Bridges in Every Sector
In trauma informed therapy with refugees and people seeking asylum, interpreters are not just translators - they actively foster trust, cultural understanding, and safety. As highlighted in Hannah Sansom’s recent brilliant research, mainstream mental health guidelines still lack cultural nuance, underscoring the importance of culturally sensitive approaches. At Trauma Foundation South West, we see language and cultural understanding as fundamental to meaningful, long-term support.
We prioritise interpreters as pivotal members of our therapeutic framework. They aren’t merely linguistic conduits but cultural facilitators who empower clients to be heard, respected, and understood. Our interpreters attend induction days, participate in internal training events, and receive ongoing support because their wellbeing and integration are essential to the care we provide.
But these competencies stretch far beyond therapy rooms. In the NHS, local authorities, law firms, schools, and any public-facing service, being able to work effectively with interpreters can make the difference between inclusion and isolation. Miscommunication in these settings can undermine trust, impact critical decisions, and leave marginalised individuals without the support they urgently need.
To meet this need, we deliver our Working Effectively with Interpreters training to professionals and volunteers across sectors. This course, led by our Director of Services, Dr. Katherine Cox, alongside an experienced interpreter, covers:
Building a strong working alliance with the interpreter
Navigating the three-way dynamic between service provider, client, and interpreter
Understanding cultural differences in communication
Managing technical and practical challenges
Upholding duty of care toward interpreters
Engaging in reflective practice, including small group work
Participants frequently say:
“This training was really engaging, relaxed and conversational.”
“Very useful to learn from both Katherine and Tavga’s experience. They worked very well together and created a welcoming and safe space for us to explore and ask questions.”
If you or your organisation works with diverse communities, make sure every voice is truly understood. Book your place on our training today and invest in skills that transform services and lives. To find out more about our wider training programme on offer please visit our website.
