Client Thinks You're the Counselor
You get an emergency call to interpret for a Deaf person who has just admitted himself to a crisis unit. You arrive at the hospital and interpret for the Deaf man and the crisis worker. The crisis worker asks the man several questions, but the client refuses to answer her. Eventually the woman excuses herself to go and get another colleague. As soon as the door closes behind her, the Deaf client begins to "unload" on you.
An Interpreter's Perspective:
It's best to be pre-emptive in this case; that is, when the crisis worker leaves the room, I would also leave. Otherwise, I would tell the Deaf consumer that it's better to wait until someone who is experienced at helping people in crisis returns. If the Deaf consumer continues to unload and it's impossible or inappropriate for me to stop it, I would listen, but I would keep reminding the person that the crisis worker is there to help, and I would be happy to interpret between the teo of them so he can get some relief.
A Deaf Consumer's Perspective:
In this situation, I would want the interpreter to say something like, "Great! That's exactly the kind of information that the social worker wanted. Hang on a second and I'll call her back into the room."