Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the important and unique challenges that arise when using interpreters while conducting psychotherapy with forced migrants who have experienced a range of human rights abuse. Design/methodology/approach: The paper employs a practice-based evidence methodology that offers guidance to both clinicians and researchers. Findings: Working with interpreters in the clinical setting is often a challenging and complex process for which mental health professionals are rarely prepared. This paper outlines key strategies to address these challenges and limitations. Research limitations/implications: Empirically-based research is lacking and is certainly warranted. Practical implications: It is the responsibility of programs, training sites, supervisors, and institutions to help teach how to work with interpreters. Originality/value: This paper addresses how to navigate the key issues that arise through the use of interpreters in a mental health setting with forced migrants, including: initiating a therapeutic relationship with an interpreter; common issues that arise around language; setting the therapeutic frame; and addressing boundaries; acknowledging the role of culture, transference, counter transference, and vicarious trauma; screening to assess competence; training to orient interpreters to clinical work with forced migrants; in vivo feedback; assessments; and an appropriate place to process their experience. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Therapy immigrants Interpreters language Refugees

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