Reflective Practice for Interpreters
Sponsors: The Austin Bailey Foundation
Reflective Practice for Interpreters
The Reflective Practice for Interpreters project, sponsored by The Austin Bailey Foundation, focuses on supporting the mental health and wellbeing of translators and interpreters (T&I), many of whom are asylum-seekers and refugees (ASR). Around 60% of T&I assignments in the UK involve ASR cases, often exposing them to vicarious trauma and emotional stress. These monthly sessions offer a vital space for self-care and emotional support, helping interpreters cope with the challenges of their work.
Why Reflective Practice for Interpreters is Essential
Interpreters frequently encounter harrowing stories of conflict, violence and trauma. Unlike other professionals, they rarely receive debriefings or counselling after such experiences. By participating in Reflective Practice for Interpreters, they can share their experiences, listen to one another and develop tools to protect their mental health. As stated in The Linguist (Spring 2023), Reflective Practice “completes the circle of care: the supporter is supported.”
Impact of the Reflective Practice Project
The project ran online via Zoom throughout 2024, concluding in January 2025, and benefitted 56 interpreters through 10 sessions. Four of these sessions featured expert input, including:
- – Psychologist Pamela Verdugo on “Tips to overcome insomnia”.
- – Acupuncturist Ruth Davies on “Acupressure points to overcome stress”.
- – Counsellor Jill Duarte on “Interpreters in the Counselling Room”.
- – Charmaine Pollard on “Writing for Wellbeing”.
These sessions helped interpreters find their own voice while continuing to provide a voice for those in emotional distress.
Learn More About Vicarious Trauma
Watch the video ‘Vicarious Trauma and Language Professionals’ to better understand the challenges faced by interpreters: it explores real-life examples, emotional impact, coping strategies, peer support, and trauma-awareness training in language services.
(from minute 8 onwards)
