Working with Interpreters in Therapy Groups for Forced Migrants: Challenges and Opportunities

ABSTRACT

Despite the inherent value and effectiveness of group therapy, group therapists often face language and cultural barriers in facilitating groups for immigrants and, in particular, forced migrants. Without adequately addressing these barriers, group therapists are unlikely to deliver culturally responsive and clinically effective treatments. In this article, modes of interpretation and roles of interpreters in mental health care are first discussed. Next, we highlight clinical, cultural, and ethical challenges of incorporating interpreters in group therapy, with special attention to issues in therapy groups for forced migrants. Opportunities and suggestions for maximizing the value of interpreters in group therapy are offered.