THE VISION
Connect2Care is excited to offer a series of workshops for sign language interpreters relating to mental health topics, either interpreting in mental health settings or managing interpreters’ own mental health. Check back often for updates on release dates and new course offerings. We’re glad you’re here!
THE WORKSHOPS
Does Your Job Spark Joy? with Monique Champagne, LPC, RID Master, BEI-IV 0.2 CEUs (2 hours)
Interpreting can be a demanding job, and it’s important to take care of yourself to prevent burnout. In this workshop, you will learn self-care strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and developing a support network.
Monique (she/her) has been working in the Deaf community since 2002 in various roles (sign language interpreter, teacher, mentor, and mental health provider). She has earned her M.A. in Counseling Psychology and holds counseling licensure (LPC Associate, supervised by Beth Lewis, M.A., LPC-S) as well as state and national interpreting certifications (BEI-IV, NIC-Master). She has received training in EMDR techniques to address experiences of trauma in her clinical work. At The Gracious Mind, Monique manages outreach and training coordination.Along with her professional experience, Monique was born into the Deaf community by two Deaf parents. She provides counseling services in both spoken English and American Sign Language (ASL).
Trauma Informed Interpreting Practices with Jacob Thornton, LPC, LMHC & Monique Champagne, LPC, RID Master, BEI IV 0.2 CEUs (2 hours)
This workshop will outline current psychotherapy approaches to trauma, including Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Judith Herman’s Trauma Recovery Model. The course will be taught in American Sign Language only. No voice interpreting will be provided.
Jacob is a Deaf Education counselor with a passion for advocating for language access to minimize the impact of language deprivation among Deaf individuals. He earned his B.A. in psychology and his M.Ed. in clinical mental health counseling from Lamar University and worked in New York City to enhance his skills in Deaf mental health. Jacob promotes direct communication access and aims to provide a safe and welcoming space for those in need of services. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his partner and cats, playing games, and enjoying the outdoors.
Mental Health in Non Mental Health Settings with Monique Champagne, LPC, RID Master, BEI-IV 0.2 CEUs (2 hours)
This workshop will introduce concepts related to the general community versus mental-health-specific settings. Suggestions for tools to utilize when approaching mental health topics within VRS/VRI, Educational, and Community settings will be provided.
Self-Care for Interpreters with Lindsey Hall, BEI Advanced 0.15 CEUs (1.5 hours)
The true, complex meaning of self-care is often oversimplified and implemented incorrectly. This workshop will provide techniques and resources so that interpreters can build a self-care routine that helps avoid burnout and compassion fatigue.
Lindsey Hall (she/her) graduated from the University of North Texas with a BA in theatrical performance in 2011. She later graduated in 2015 from Tarrant County College with a degree in Sign Language Interpreting. She holds a BEI Advanced Certification and has worked in several settings, from higher education to community to VRS. When she’s not interpreting, she co-leads Sundown Collaborative Theatre, a non-profit theatre company based out of Denton, TX. As a human with anxiety, she is on a never ending path of discovery with coping skills and self-care, and is thrilled to be able to share some of what she’s learned so far.
THE RESEARCH
This set of online courses was established based on the research of Champagne (2020) and others. We know that sign language interpreters engage in challenging work and often experience burnout and compassion fatigue. These courses are intended to provide interpreters with opportunities to learn about mental health topics as they relate to the work interpreters perform (e.g., working in mental health settings and with mental health topics) as well as their own wellbeing (e.g., impacts of stress, self-care, and job satisfaction).
If you are an interpreter, we are so glad you joined us. We believe your work as a sign language interpreter is incredibly important. As part of our online course offerings, you will be asked to engage in research that will help advance knowledge about the impact of mental health training on sign language interpreters and the DHH community as a whole.
We may publish results as part of ongoing research efforts to increase the availability of this type of training. Your responses will be completely anonymized (all personal information is removed) and aggregated with other participant responses. Your feedback also helps us constantly improve our courses and offerings. If you have any questions please contact monique@thegraciousmind.com.
THE PRICING
We offer various pricing options to allow our courses to be more accessible. Most of our courses cost between $15-$25 per CEU (per course hour), and you are welcome to choose your own price! You may choose to pay the lower rate if you have limited financial resources or hold a marginalized identity. You may choose to pay the higher rate if you feel more financially secure or hold a privileged identity. If you’re not sure where you fall, you may also choose our mid-level pricing option. Either way, we are super thankful for your support and hope you find our online courses beneficial.
