The Influence and Utilization of an Interpreter for Deaf Persons in Family Therapy

This paper discusses methods of utilizing an interpreter for the deaf to render more effective psychological treatment to families with hearing parents and at least one deaf child. There are several advantages to utilizing an interpreter with families who are denying the implications of deafness, even though a therapist may be skilled in sign language. In addition to facilitating communication between family members, the presence of an interpreter helps the therapist to modify family rules which may prohibit the use of sign language, to modify the balance of power in the family, and to encourage participants to exhibit the ego defense mechanisms of projection and transference. The family therapist can utilize these subtle yet profound influences to therapeutic advantage.