Mothertongue or other tongue? The bilingual psychotherapist’s use of language in the consulting room

Little has been written about the role of language for the bilingual psychotherapist, particularly about the impact on internal processes. Recent analytic interest and research into linguistic dilemmas in the consulting room are currently opening up new fields of thought.

This workshop will identify areas of interest and encourage self-reflection for therapists whose primary language is different from the one they have trained and are currently working in.

It will address specific therapeutic dilemmas arising when therapist and patient share a linguistic background and identify clinical considerations relating to the therapist’s choice of language.

Course aims:

• To provide overview of key psychoanalytic papers and current research on the role of bilingualism and the mothertongue.
• To identify areas of future interest for those participants contemplating adding their mothertongue as a professional language.
• To identify clinical gains and clinical dilemmas.
• To encourage participants’ exchange of ideas and self reflection.

Course content:

• Lecture.
• Sharing of case vignettes.
• Questions and discussion.
• An experiential exercise.

Book here: bit.ly/1U1e5LP