Abstract
There is evidence that the British Psychological Society (BPS) guidelines on working with interpreters are not being applied sufficiently for psychologists to be meeting requirements for anti-discriminatory practice. The present study aimed to explore British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreters’ subjective experiences, to identify whether psychologists are adhering to guidelines designed to safeguard anti-discriminatory practice and equal access for non-English speakers. An IPA approach to data was adopted, which resulted in three superordinate themes emerging: 1. knowledge and understanding, 2. interpreters’ experiencing and 3. development, with eleven supporting subordinate themes. The overall findings of the study suggest that the professional guidelines are not being sufficiently applied and as such interpreters are frequently not being adequately supported in order to provide the most effective interpretation for d/Deaf clients. The current findings are consistent with previous research thus, establishing training and communication between both the interpreting and psychology professions has been advised.
Highlights
Background and Literature ReviewCounselling psychology prides itself on its value base of prizing the subjective experience, empowering the individual and acting against discrimination (British Psychological Society [BPS], 2008a)
The purpose of this study was to explore the subjective experiences of British Sign Language (BSL)/English interpreters, and to investigate whether or not psychologists were adhering to the professional guidelines set out to ensure interpreters are supported whilst providing an effective interpretation, and, safeguarding equal access to psychological therapies for non-English speakers (BPS, 2008b)
The overall findings support previous findings highlighted by Darroch and Dempsey (2016) that suggest that the professional guidelines for working with interpreters in mental health settings are not being sufficiently, or regularly, followed (BPS, 2008b)
Summary
Counselling psychology prides itself on its value base of prizing the subjective experience, empowering the individual and acting against discrimination (British Psychological Society [BPS], 2008a). Central to this endeavour is ensuring that all individuals have equal access to psychological therapy (BPS, 2008b). Psychologists must ensure that all clients receive equal quality of interaction and care, and that this is not impeded by their standard of English (BPS, 2008b). Interpreters are, vital to counselling psychologists, as without interpreters’ specialist skills and cultural expertise, we would not be able to offer equal access and care to nonEnglish speakers, or claim to be upholding our values (BPS, 2008a, 2008b; Darroch & Dempsey, 2016).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
