Culture is the backdrop music to our conversations. It’s always there, influencing the mood, pace and even the nuances of our dialogue. Understanding my clients’ cultural contexts is crucial. Knowing when to be direct or when to approach topics delicately makes all the difference.

Take, for example, the concept of mental health. In some cultures, discussing emotions is as taboo as wearing socks with sandals. In others, it’s a family affair where everyone gets involved. Understanding these cultural nuances helps me avoid missteps and ensures I approach sensitive topics with the grace and sensitivity they require. For women, especially, creating a safe space to share and be understood is paramount.

When my linguistic skills hit a wall, I call in the professionals—interpreters. But this isn’t just a simple handoff of messages. It’s about building a connection where coordination and trust are key. In the context of therapy, a good interpreter knows psychological terminology and respects confidentiality, moving seamlessly in sync with the flow of our session.

Pro tip: Avoid using family members or friends as interpreters as they might misconstrue statements or hinder honesty. Professional interpreters provide the neutrality and accuracy that open communication requires.

While I can’t claim fluency in every language under the sun, I do make an effort to learn basic phrases in my clients’ native tongues. It’s amazing how a simple “Hello” or “How are you?” in their language can light up their face. It shows respect and makes them feel at home.

Additionally, I use universal gestures in my body language to make my clients feel comfortable and ensure the communication flow. Where possible, I share resources in a language they are most comfortable with. For example, I recently explained ‘box breathing’ (a meditation technique) in Hindi to a client. The calmness of her smile showed how much she connected with the material.

You may have heard the phrase “listening to understand instead of listening to reply.” Listening is fundamental to a constructive conversation. As a bilingual psychologist, I’ve honed the art of active listening, not just to words but to non-verbal cues—body language, facial expressions and tone of voice. These cues provide depth to our conversations.

Building trust is essential. It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to express themselves without interruption. I take the time to pause, allowing my clients to gather their thoughts and speak at their own pace. Empathy is also key, allowing you to tune in to the other person’s emotional state, understand their feelings and reflect their sentiments in a way that makes them feel heard. Women, in particular, value being understood on a deep level, making empathy crucial.

Sometimes, people struggle to find the right words. In these moments, gentle encouragement can make all the difference. Asking open-ended questions and providing reassurance helps people feel more comfortable expressing themselves, even when language barriers are present.

Creating a space where people feel comfortable voicing their concerns about language and cultural issues fosters a collaborative relationship. It’s about having a conversation where mutual understanding and respect are paramount.