Therapeutic Reflections: The Linguistic Oasis in Therapy

#multilingualism #psychotherapy #internationals #thirdlanguage

When two internationals meet and speak the same language in a foreign country, it's like encountering a linguistic oasis. Suddenly, the stranger becomes familiar. One is no longer the odd one out but has found a linguistic and cultural companion far from home.

But what happens when you conduct therapy in a language that is not your own? When therapist and client share a mutual language that connects them linguistically but is not either of their mother tongues, language and culture can function as filters. Misunderstandings can occur if there isn't the same cultural filter or mother tongue. Can a third language still function as a common linguistic oasis?

The Third Language in Therapy

If the native language isn't spoken* ideally, therapist and client share a third language, such as English, Spanish, or Chinese, rather than relying on an interpreter. Also acknowledging potential linguistic and cultural barriers is important. I am reminded of a recent encounter with a proud Turkish man. In his Muslim culture, loyalty, respect, honor, and hospitality to strangers are important values. I offered him some tea. And by me simply saying "welcome" in broken Turkish [Beer shey deh-yeel] it made him feel seen and honored, triggering him into a burst of laughter. While not inherently therapeutic, this encounter highlights the power of language in connecting with others. *sometimes the native language doesn't want to be spoken because the client has outgrown it or for other reasons. See a previous post on this here.

Building Deeper Connections Through Understanding

Understanding in therapy extends beyond language. It involves appreciating the client’s background, including their traditions, values, and social norms. This knowledge helps in several ways:

1. Enhances Empathy and Trust:

• Showing genuine interest in a client’s background demonstrates respect and empathy.

• Clients are more likely to open up when they feel understood and valued.
  

2. Improves Communication:

• Being aware of nuances can prevent misunderstandings.

• It enables therapists to tailor their communication style to suit the client’s context.
  

3. Facilitates Healing:

• Recognizing the importance of traditions and rituals can be integrated into the therapeutic process.

• It helps in creating a treatment plan that resonates more deeply with the client.
  

For example, understanding the significance of religious practices or festivals can provide insights into a client’s stressors or coping mechanisms. Similarly, being aware of social norms around family dynamics can help in addressing relational issues more effectively.

Practical Tips for Therapists

To effectively integrate understanding into your practice, consider the following tips: 1. Learn Key Phrases:

• Make an effort to learn 10 phrases in your client’s native language (or a couple if 10 is too much). This small gesture can significantly enhance rapport and teach you a lot about the person in front of you.
  

2. Background Research:

• Spend time researching your client’s background, including common customs, values, and social norms.
  

3. Use Visual Aids:

• If helpful you can incorporate tools like Google Maps and Street View when looking at the migration history to better understand your client's environment and migratory experiences. Especially in the intake phase I've found this particularly useful. Visual cues, projective techniques, drawing or making a collage are also some of the many non-verbal ways to foster connection.
  

4. Seek Feedback:

• Regularly check in with your clients for feedback and adjust your approach accordingly. This goes back to deliberate practice as mentioned a previous post.
  

5. Ongoing Learning:

• Engage in ongoing learning and professional development to enhance your ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds.
  

The Impact of Genuine Human Connection

By investing time in learning about a client’s background, therapists can create a more understanding and supportive environment. This approach not only enhances the therapeutic relationship but also enriches the overall experience for both the therapist and the client. When clients feel seen and respected, they are more likely to engage deeply in the therapeutic process, leading to more meaningful outcomes.

This genuine interest transforms the client from "the other" to a fellow human being and co-creator of the therapeutic alliance. The therapeutic dance is one where sometimes the client leads and sometimes the therapist follows. This dynamic fosters mutual learning and growth, making the therapeutic journey a collaborative and enriching experience.

Ultimately whether we share the same linguistic oasis or not, human connection goes deeper than language and culture. While these elements play a crucial role and can act as filters, the essence of therapy lies in the genuine connection between therapist and client. This profound human connection fosters mutual learning and growth, making the therapeutic journey a collaborative and more enriching experience. And going even deeper than the therapeutic relationship, ultimately, it is our common humanity that binds us all.