In a sensitive situation, a counselor asks you not to interpret the content but asks if the client understands what the counselor is saying. What should you do?

In a sensitive situation, a counselor asks you not to interpret the content but asks if the client understands what the counselor is saying. What should you do?

• A. Explain the interpreter's role and interpret the comment
• B. Ignore the request
• C. Tell the client
• D. End the session

Answer: (A)

In a sensitive counseling context, the most important aim is clear understanding for the client. The interpreter’s role is to facilitate accurate communication while remaining faithful to what is being said, not to alter or omit content. Here, you would first explain to the client what your role is—that you’re there to convey messages accurately, protect confidentiality, and maintain appropriate boundaries. Then you would interpret the counselor’s question to the client to check comprehension, without repeating or adding the counselor’s exact content. For example, you could convey the counselor’s intent by saying in the client’s language something like: the counselor is asking whether you understand what they are saying right now. This confirms understanding and invites the client to respond or ask for clarification. This approach honors the counselor’s request not to interpret content directly while still ensuring the client understands the communication, which supports informed participation. Ending the session or simply telling the client what to do would prevent proper understanding and is not appropriate.

In a sensitive counseling context, the most important aim is clear understanding for the client. The interpreter’s role is to facilitate accurate communication while remaining faithful to what is being said, not to alter or omit content.

Here, you would first explain to the client what your role is—that you’re there to convey messages accurately, protect confidentiality, and maintain appropriate boundaries. Then you would interpret the counselor’s question to the client to check comprehension, without repeating or adding the counselor’s exact content. For example, you could convey the counselor’s intent by saying in the client’s language something like: the counselor is asking whether you understand what they are saying right now. This confirms understanding and invites the client to respond or ask for clarification.

This approach honors the counselor’s request not to interpret content directly while still ensuring the client understands the communication, which supports informed participation. Ending the session or simply telling the client what to do would prevent proper understanding and is not appropriate.