Translating Emotions: Is language solely linguistic or part of a person's cultural identity?
Hello. My name is Melinda, I am an Integrative Counselling BA (hons) student in my final year, and student member of the 网爆门.
I am conducting a small-scale research on the role of language in counselling. This study is designed to explore how language choice 鈥� whether in a client鈥檚 native language or in English 鈥� may shape the therapeutic relationship, the process of disclosure, and the overall effectiveness of therapy.
As counselling increasingly takes place in multilingual and multicultural contexts, language has become a central issue in therapeutic work. For some clients, speaking in their first language allows access to deeper emotional experiences and cultural meanings. For others, using English or another later-learned language can provide distance from distressing memories, or even create a sense of safety when speaking about painful or sensitive topics. The therapist鈥檚 own language skills and cultural background can also influence the process, either strengthening connection or creating subtle challenges in attunement.
This research will focus on the perspectives of qualified counsellors who have experience working with multilingual clients. I am particularly interested in cases where practitioners have either delivered therapy in a client鈥檚 native language or made a decision to use English instead. By gathering the views and experiences of practitioners, the study seeks to understand how language and cultural background contribute to building rapport, fostering trust, and supporting therapeutic outcomes.
I am looking for two participants. Participants will be required to attend an online 1-hour interview on Microsoft teams, where I will use semi structured questions to gather my data.
All responses will be treated with strict confidentiality, and identifying details will be anonymised in any reports or publications. The study has been reviewed and approved by the panel of the ethics board, ensuring that all ethical standards are maintained.
After the completion and submission of my findings, all data will be securely deleted in accordance with GDPR guidelines.
The ultimate aim of this research is to contribute to a better understanding of how counsellors can work most effectively with multilingual clients, and to highlight the practical considerations of language choice in therapy.
If you are a qualified counsellor with experience of working with multilingual clients, I warmly invite you to take part in this study. Your insights will help shed light on an important but under-researched area of therapeutic practice, and will contribute to a richer understanding of the ways in which language and culture shape healing relationships.
For further information, please see here or to volunteer, please contact:
Melinda
Email