2025 Summit for Mental Health Interpreting: Agenda
A1 | Matching Thought Worlds: Introspection, Influence, and the Myth of Neutrality
In the field of interpreting, we often speak of being trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and neutral—but what does that really mean when our own internal landscapes remain unexamined? This immersive and challenging workshop invites interpreters and allied professionals to explore the often-ignored intersection between personal introspection, mental health awareness, and the complex human dynamics that shape our work.
We’ll disrupt the false hierarchy of “having mental health expertise” by reframing the conversation: general knowledge of mental health is not the key—deep, honest understanding of your own mental health is. Through guided introspection, discussion of common factors research, and an acknowledgment that if we like someone, we tend to perceive their work product more favorably, we will examine how our experiences shape how we show up in the work.
Participants will confront how interpreter influence and Deaf influence are reciprocal and unavoidable. If being an ally and matching thought worlds are truly our goals, then we must do the hard work of clearing out our internal “junk”—our biases, our distress-avoidance strategies, our assumptions. Neutrality is a myth, working toward social justice while denying our part as oppressors is a mistake, and acknowledging that opens the door to more authentic, ethical practice.
Drawing from frameworks like Trauma Stewardship, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, and Somatic Experiencing, we will explore what it means to sit with discomfort instead of dissociating from it. Together, we’ll explore questions like:
- What am I bringing into the room that I haven’t named?
- How does my dislike of my team, the setting, or even the Deaf person influence the process?
- What narratives have I shaped to make my experience more tolerable?
This is not a “fix-it” session. This is a journey into ourselves—into the layered, sometimes painful, always human aspects of being in service to others while also being in service to our own growth.
Come prepared to feel, reflect, and maybe even unlearn. This is a journey, not an arrival point.
Participants will be able to:
- Identify and articulate at least two ways their own unexamined internal experiences (biases, assumptions, distress-avoidance strategies) can influence their interpreting practice and interactions within the interpreted event.
- Describe the interconnectedness of interpreter influence and Deaf influence, and recognize the limitations of striving for absolute neutrality without engaging in personal introspection and addressing internal biases.
- Identify at least two strategies, drawing from the frameworks discussed, for engaging with discomfort and fostering greater self-awareness in their interpreting work.
A2 | Mental Health Interpreting Fish Bowl: Discussing Teaming and Trust
In the complex world of mental health interpreting, effective communication and trust are paramount. The “Fish Bowl” approach serves as a dynamic platform for interpreters, mental health professionals, and patients to engage in open dialogue about the challenges and successes of interpreting in this unique field. This discussion emphasizes the critical role of teamwork and trust within the interpreting process, ultimately enhancing patient care and outcomes.
During this session, Trenton and Jeremy will lead mock scenarios that allow us to explore various decisions and processes influenced by teamwork dynamics within different situational contexts. Participants will have the opportunity to analyze and discuss the implications of these scenarios, including how their respective biases may exacerbate situations that can be oppressive toward some individuals. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a deeper understanding of how effective collaboration can improve interpreting practices and patient experiences.
Join us in this engaging conversation as we work together to identify strategies for building trust and enhancing teamwork in mental health interpreting.
Participants will be able to:
- List a minimum of three ways teamwork dynamics can impact mental health interpreting scenarios.
- Identify a minimum of three strategies to build trust and enhance collaboration in mental health interpreting.
- Describe a minimum of two ways that facilitated dialogue can be used to elicit diverse perspectives and address power, privilege and oppression.
B1 | Untangling the Three D’s: Understanding Depression, Dementia, & Delirium
This session will equip interpreters with essential tools to navigate the often-confused terminology surrounding depression, dementia, and delirium. We will explore the distinct clinical presentations, diagnostic criteria, and communication nuances for each condition, emphasizing how these differences impact interpretation in mental health settings.
Participants will be able to:
- Differentiate between the clinical features of depression, dementia, and delirium.
- Identify key vocabulary and concepts specific to each condition.
- Develop strategies for accurate and sensitive interpretation in scenarios involving these diagnoses.
B2 | From Conflict to Clarity: Moving Beyond the “Battlefield” During Mental Health Interpreting
This conversation is designed to equip you with the tools necessary to navigate challenging mental health interpreting encounters with grace and understanding, rather than engaging in destructive battles with others or within yourself.
Discover how to identify the root causes of conflict, develop effective communication strategies, and cultivate self-awareness through insightful discussions and diverse perspectives. This exploration will empower you to build stronger relationships, cultivate understanding, and transform potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and connection.
Examining different perspectives on interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts can lead to better decision-making and minimize the negative impact on your well-being, both during and after mental health interpreting assignments.
Participants will be able to:
- List a minimum of three root causes of interpersonal and intrapersonal conflicts
- Describe a minimum of three effective communication strategies for conflict resolution
- Identify a minimum of two approaches to cultivate self-awareness for managing conflict
C1 | Bridging Understanding: Social Work Insights for Interpreting in Mental Health Contexts
Mental health professionals play a vital role in supporting clients through emotional, psychological, and social challenges. This interactive workshop equips interpreters with practical insights into how social workers operate within mental health systems, through resource navigation, crisis intervention, advocacy, case coordination, and assessment, and how these responsibilities shape communication with Deaf and hard of hearing clients across therapeutic settings. Emphasizing trauma-informed and client-centered approaches, this session highlights the bridge between interpreters and mental health professionals in fostering communication that is clear, empathetic, and ethically grounded, protecting clients’ emotional well-being and strengthening the flow of information throughout the therapeutic process.
Participants will be able to:
- List a minimum of three core concepts of trauma-informed care and explain their relevance to interpreting in mental health settings.
- Identify at least three communication or ethical challenges interpreters may encounter when working with clients experiencing mental health conditions.
- Discuss a minimum of three collaborative strategies for ensuring accurate, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed interpretation that supports a client’s emotional and psychological well-being.
- Describe at least two ways mental health professionals’ insights into a client’s history, emotional state, or treatment plan can inform an interpreter’s approach to communication and role boundaries.
C2 | Sign What You Mean: Mental Health Semantics in Practice
This interactive session is designed to help participants explore the role of semantics in mental health interpreting, with an emphasis on how meaning is shaped and conveyed through ASL. Participants will examine how word choice, phrasing, and context influence interpretation accuracy and clarity in mental health settings. The goal is to support interpreters in making more deliberate and effective language decisions when working in complex mental health discourse.
Participants will be able to:
- Identify and explain the impact of semantics on mental health interpretation in ASL.
- Apply strategies for analyzing and rendering clinically nuanced language more accurately.
D1 | Beyond the Scan: Interpreting the Brain's Story in Mental Health Imaging
This 2-hour workshop provides interpreters with a practical, narrative-based framework for understanding neuroimaging in mental health contexts. We will contextualize common imaging modalities (MRI, CT, PET) and the language clinicians and technicians use, then translate that context into interpretation strategies that preserve clinical intent, patient dignity, and ethical boundaries. Through brief case vignettes and interactive exercises, participants will learn to recognize when imaging findings matter to clinical decisions, how to render technical terminology accurately and accessibly, and how to manage communication challenges that arise during imaging appointments related to psychiatric care.
Participants will be able to:
- Identify and differentiate three common neuroimaging modalities used in mental health (MRI, CT, PET) and state one clinical purpose for each by the end of the session.
- Accurately define and translate five commonly used neuroimaging terms (for example: lesion, atrophy, edema, contrast enhancement, hypometabolism) into plain language suitable for patients within a simulated vignette.
- Recognize two ethical or cultural considerations that can influence imaging-related communication and describe one appropriate interpreter response for each.
D2 | The Mental Health Interpreter's Toolkit: Beyond Words
This interactive session will explore the unique and complementary roles of Deaf and hearing interpreters in mental health settings. Participants will examine how the specialized skills of each professional contribute to effective communication and rapport-building between deaf individuals and mental health providers. We’ll discuss the benefits of a team approach, including enhanced cultural attunement, semantic accuracy, and the creation of a safe, trusting environment for clients. The session will cover best practices for collaboration, ethical considerations, and strategies for navigating complex, emotionally charged conversations.
Participants will be able to:
- Explain the distinct and synergistic roles of Deaf and hearing interpreters in mental health interpretation.
- Identify and apply strategies for effective team interpreting, emphasizing collaboration and ethical decision-making.
- Discuss the importance of cultural and linguistic attunement in creating a safe and therapeutic environment for deaf clients.
E1 | Bridge of Time: Deaf Caregivers and Care Receivers and the Dementia Team
This presentation will delve into the unique challenges and communication strategies involved when Deaf caregivers and care receivers interact with dementia care teams. We will explore real-world scenarios and best practices for interpreters to facilitate effective communication, ensuring person-centered care and support for all involved.
Participants will be able to:
- Recognize the specific communication barriers faced by Deaf individuals in dementia care.
- Examine ethical considerations for interpreters working with Deaf caregivers and care receivers.
- Apply effective interpreting strategies to enhance communication between Deaf individuals and dementia care teams.
E2 | Effective Communication: Mastering Native-Like Production & Role Shifting
This workshop will explore rarely discussed principles of ASL syntax that interpreters should be aware of and work to master, supported by specific, practical examples. The presenters will place a specific focus on linguistic features critical for mental and behavioral health encounters, such as accurately conveying language dysfluency, disorganized thought patterns, and the subtle use of Non-Manual Signals (NMS). They will also discuss best practices for role shifting that will help with effective interpretations.
Participants will be able to:
- Identify at least 3 ways to separate or group signs within a sentence.
- Explain the "label then acting" rule.
- Describe how eye gaze works for role shifting.
Conference Registration
Registration for the 2025 Summit for Mental Health Interpreting is now open.