pd4me:

I've recently become qualified to do some medical interpreting and have been a little anxious about how 'professional' and 'detached' i should be with the Deaf client. I'm aware that medical situations are among those where the 'ally' model of interpreting can really strongly apply. With this in mind, i've been using the pre-consultation time to have a chat with the Deaf client - briefly asking some questions about what brings them there, then just a general chat to get used to their style - where are you off to on holiday, etc.

I find these chats work really well in getting the Deaf client comfortable with me if they've never met me before, but i'm wondering if they are working a little TOO well - as the first time i have used this approach the client gave me a big hug as we said goodbye after the consultation.

Is this a little too much for a professional interpreter-client relationship? Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Hi,
I am apprentice interpreter in North Wales, I have not had expeince in communicating in thoses situation, but my job before this was Occupational Therapy. (medical based profession.

I had to learn and judge with the client how much was chit chat was necessary to build a relationship. This was tough and I would say I was still learning how to that up to when i was finshing that job.

At the end of the day they are Human they are in what can be a scarey situation, and some times interpreters and people who know their language are a life line in what can seem a very confusing place.

I can see it can be uncomfortable to be hugged after a professional situation, but maybe they are clinging to the only thing that makes sense and to life out side of the medical setting?

Hope this gives a different way of thinking.

Fleur