by Cynthia M. Braden, LMFT
When psychotherapists are trained, we are exposed to many theoretical orientations that can be used to provide interventions for clients in English, Spanish or any other language we may speak. What we realize when we begin sitting in front of a client, and trying to choose and implement interventions, is that we need to 'say' many things. And we need to be prepared, know the model, and sound polished, so that trust is engendered, and good outcomes can be achieved. Years ago, as a new therapist, when I realized I was having a hard time even doing this in English, much less in Spanish, I knew some work had to be done.
For example, with basic counseling interventions, clinicians may start with a technique such as active- reflective listening to get a counseling process started. Also at first, the therapist may have to explain a few things such as office policy, parking, payments, process of therapy, insurance, confidentiality, etc. So we need to figure out a banter that we normally use, and prepare how to say it correctly and professionally in Spanish. And practice doing that. This is how our initial program, Introduction of the Therapist to a New Client in Spanish was created... by keeping track of the language being used, making sure it was intentional and theoretically based, and preparing it in Spanish.
In other situations, psychotherapists may start the process of treating clients by performing a psycho-social assessment. As there are many ways to conduct an assessment, we have chosen the 4 P's model, and a Multi-disciplinary Assessment model as bases for our Modules in the Assessment category. If you recall from Graduate School, the 4 P's are: Presenting Problems, Predisposing Factors, Precipitating Factors, Perpetuating Factors, and some add Protective Factors.
So what exactly do we say in English or Spanish to process these topics with a psychotherapy client? This is the rationale for our training programs.
The modules are very practical and useful for beginning to advanced therapists, as well as beginning to advanced Spanish speakers. We always want to help clinicians improve their Spanish because it is fun, it helps with employment security, and is enriching and enlightening. Feel free to reach out and ask a question about your goals. Thank you!
For example, with basic counseling interventions, clinicians may start with a technique such as active- reflective listening to get a counseling process started. Also at first, the therapist may have to explain a few things such as office policy, parking, payments, process of therapy, insurance, confidentiality, etc. So we need to figure out a banter that we normally use, and prepare how to say it correctly and professionally in Spanish. And practice doing that. This is how our initial program, Introduction of the Therapist to a New Client in Spanish was created... by keeping track of the language being used, making sure it was intentional and theoretically based, and preparing it in Spanish.
In other situations, psychotherapists may start the process of treating clients by performing a psycho-social assessment. As there are many ways to conduct an assessment, we have chosen the 4 P's model, and a Multi-disciplinary Assessment model as bases for our Modules in the Assessment category. If you recall from Graduate School, the 4 P's are: Presenting Problems, Predisposing Factors, Precipitating Factors, Perpetuating Factors, and some add Protective Factors.
So what exactly do we say in English or Spanish to process these topics with a psychotherapy client? This is the rationale for our training programs.
The modules are very practical and useful for beginning to advanced therapists, as well as beginning to advanced Spanish speakers. We always want to help clinicians improve their Spanish because it is fun, it helps with employment security, and is enriching and enlightening. Feel free to reach out and ask a question about your goals. Thank you!
