A pivotal moment in my career came when I was introduced to professional supervision while interpreting on a Diploma in Counselling. It was then that I realized a framework existed to support my work as an interpreter, and I immediately sought my own supervision.
I anticipated that I would talk about decisions I had made and what I might do differently in the future, and that my supervisor would be there to support this exploration of my practice. What I didn’t expect was the depth of feeling that I brought to supervision.
My supervisors have gently encouraged me to explore my practice, including my personal responses to the work I do and the people I work with. I credit the process of supervision for enabling me to become a better interpreter as well as a better person.
Supervision made such a difference to me both personally and professionally that I decided to train as a professional supervisor. I qualified in 2009 after completing a PGCert at Manchester University, and I offer supervision to sign and spoken language interpreters and allied professionals such as lip speakers, teaching assistants, support workers, and CSWs.
I have monthly group supervision for my interpreting practice facilitated by a psychotherapist, which provides the time and space for me to reflect on my work and gain insights and feedback from my colleagues and supervisor. I find this experience invaluable and continue to learn and develop my practice through this process.