It is possible to talk about emotions in a second language, but not always with the same naturalness and depth. For Arabic and Hebrew speakers alike, therapy in the language that is central and natural to them can remove a hidden barrier, allow more precise emotional expression and create a space where you can be closer to the experience itself.
Why language matters
Language is a significant part of emotional experience. Words like shame, longing or fear carry memories, contexts and nuances built up over the years, and they are sometimes hard to convey fully in translation. For me, Hebrew and Arabic are both central languages of thought, therapy and communication, so I can conduct a therapeutic process in the language in which the client feels natural, precise and more accessible to themselves. When there’s no need to put effort into searching for words, more room opens up for the experience itself, its meaning and the therapeutic work.
The result is sometimes an accurate but flatter description: things are said, but the emotion stays behind.
What this makes possible in practice
- More precise expression of emotions and early experiences
- Less cognitive effort, and more attention to what is really troubling you
- Access to childhood memories, which are usually stored in the mother tongue
- A sense of safety and ease that speeds up building trust
- An understanding of the cultural and family context without needing to explain it
The cultural context
Beyond language, familiarity with the cultural and social context in which a person lives also matters a great deal: the structure of the extended family, the place of the community, expectations around marriage, studies and parenthood, and how seeking psychological help is perceived. Familiarity with these contexts makes it possible to better understand the meaning of the difficulty within the client’s life, without them having to explain their starting point each time. This way you can get to the heart of the matter faster and build a more precise, sensitive and relevant therapeutic process.
In assessment too
In assessment processes, language is even more critical. Some assessment tools rely heavily on verbal understanding and expression, so an assessment in a language that isn’t the person’s main language may affect performance and make it harder to distinguish a language gap from a cognitive, learning or developmental difficulty. Wherever possible, I make sure to carry out the assessment in the language in which the person functions most naturally and accurately, taking into account their linguistic and cultural background. This reduces bias, gives a more accurate understanding of the profile of abilities and difficulties, and leads to more accurate and relevant conclusions and recommendations.
How it works at the clinic
Sessions are held in Hebrew or Arabic, as you choose, and you can also switch between the languages within the same session — something that happens naturally for bilingual speakers. Assessment reports are written in Hebrew, as required by the education system and official bodies, and feedback is given in the language the family is comfortable with.
Therapy and assessment are available in Hebrew and Arabic, at the clinic and online.