User:Cheri Morgan/sandbox

According to psychologist Camilla Williams, "Deaf people enter therapy with the same problems as hearing people." As members of a linguistic minority, the ability to receive psychotherapy in their preferred language, independent of a translator can be difficult. Within the Deaf community, sign language fluency is considered very important when choosing a therapist. While it is preferred to have a therapist familiar with Deaf culture and fluent in American Sign Language(ASL) the reality is that there are very few therapists having the specific skills necessary. This impacts the ability of both the client and the therapist to communicate effectively allowing for a therapeutic alliance to be formed. The addition of a translator shifts the dynamic between client and therapist. Research shows that while a well-qualified translator is appreciated it often creates additional challenges. It can be frustrating when the therapist believes that the translator is only for the client’s comfort and not benefiting both parties.