Should My Therapist Speak My Language?
/Bilingual Therapy or Therapy in Your Native Language
Having therapy in your native language can feel essential. A language barrier can create obstacles to the vulnerability that is needed to make therapeutic change. Nelson Mendala once said “when you speak to someone in their native language, you speak not only to their mind but also to their heart”, creating a deeper connection .When searching for a therapist, consider whether language is something important to inform the match.
Talking About Your Past In Your Native Language
Therapy offers an invitation to reflect on some of your childhood experiences and early attachments, possibly exploring your family culture or the ways your own cultural identity is a part of who you are. As you revisit these early themes, you may find more ease of exploration or comfort with communication in the language of your upbringing. When discussing intergenerational experiences or cultural identity, not having to translate your experiences can be powerful.
The Option of Dual Language Therapy
If your preference is to have therapy in English, you may still find there are moments when English does not quite capture your experience. You may find yourself trying to describe a certain feeling in words that don’t exist in English. You may find yourself thinking of a saying or expression, wishing to not have to translate for your therapist. This might be a moment to integrate your native language into your therapy. Dual-language therapy allows for flexibility, letting you switch between English and your native language as needed. This could mean incorporating certain words from your mother tongue, alternating between languages depending on the session’s focus, or simply following what feels natural. For example, you might find it easier to discuss present-day experiences in English while preferring your native language when revisiting childhood memories. Similarly, you may find certain emotions or experiences are easier to to discuss in one language or another.
Bilingual therapy offers flexibility with language and aims to enhance ease of communication. When you’re working with a bilingual therapist, there do not need to be set rules about when to use your native language; you can follow what feels right for you and make linguistic choices from there. Your bilingual therapist can help with meaning-making around choices to communicate in one language or the other and may be able to hold a deeper understanding of the significance of making language choices.
The Benefits of Therapy in your Native Language
Research indicates that native language therapy is associated with several benefits, including:
Stronger trust and rapport between therapist and client
Greater cultural sensitivity and understanding
More accurate emotional expression
Reduced stigma barriers for seeking mental health support
Some studies also indicate that self-narratives can be expressed more completely in a second language, offering distance from distressing emotions. However, when your therapist speaks your native language, it can enhance your sense of safety, security, and comfort while reducing fears of being misunderstood.
Options at TNY
Ultimately, choosing a therapist who speaks your language-or one who supports bilingual therapy-can create a space where you feel fully seen and heard. Our team offers therapy in several languages beyond English, including Hebrew, Korean, Mandarin, Polish, Spanish, and Turkish. Each of these therapists is also fluent in English so dual language or bilingual therapy is an option. If you’d like to learn more, book a free consultation here.