Interpreting in Mental Health Settings: Understanding the Contexts, Challenges and Rewards
Interpreting in Mental Health Settings: Understanding the Contexts, Challenges and Rewards
Interpreting in mental health settings can present unique professional and emotional challenges. Interpreters may be asked to work in a wide range of environments, including hospital and community settings. These encounters can involve complex communication, sensitive topics, and emotionally charged conversations.
This presentation will provide an overview of the types of mental health environments interpreters may encounter and explore the particular challenges that can arise in these contexts. It will also discuss practical strategies to support interpreters in managing these situations while maintaining professionalism and wellbeing, and highlight the important and rewarding role interpreters play in supporting mental health care.
After completing this webinar, participants will gain:
Knowledge of:
- Different mental health settings and environments in which interpreters may work (e.g. hospital and community contexts)
- Common communication dynamics and challenges in mental health interpreting
- The ethical and professional considerations specific to mental health settings
- The role of interpreters in supporting effective mental health care
Skills to:
- Identify and navigate complex and sensitive interactions in mental health settings
- Apply practical strategies to manage emotionally charged or challenging situations
- Maintain professional boundaries while responding to client needs
- Support their own wellbeing when working in demanding interpreting contexts
Presenter
Sarah Funnell is a Senior Clinical Psychologist and the Founder and Director of Elevate Psychology Centre. She has extensive experience working across the public and tertiary sectors. Sarah is committed to promoting positive and meaningful change in the lives of individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. Through her clinical, leadership, and supervisory roles, Sarah works closely with individuals and organisations to strengthen service delivery and support workforce wellbeing. She is passionate about improving systems of care and providing supervision, training, and professional development to clinicians across the sector.