Inside the Mind: ToM Skills for Interpreting Practice (mini-series)

A CPD Webinar Series for Sign Language Interpreters and Communication Professionals

Session 1 – Foundations of Theory of Mind

Sunday 23rd November 09:00-11:00

Why do some interactions run so smoothly, while others seem to stall or derail — even when your interpreting is accurate? Often, the answer lies in Theory of Mind (ToM): the ability to understand that other people have their own thoughts, feelings, knowledge, and perspectives.

In this introductory session, we’ll explore what ToM is, how it develops, and why it matters so much for sign language interpreters. We’ll examine the impact of language deprivation on ToM development in Deaf individuals and how this can influence communication in education, health, and everyday settings.

You’ll learn to recognise when a client may have patchy or delayed ToM, understand the implications for your interpreting work, and consider how your professional role can support effective communication.

Learning Intentions:

Understand what Theory of Mind (ToM) is and its stages of development
Explore how language deprivation affects ToM development in Deaf individuals
Recognise signs of patchy or delayed ToM in clients
Understand implications for communication in professional contexts
Identify the role of interpreters in supporting clients with ToM variability

Success Criteria:
By the end of this session, you will be able to:

Clearly define ToM and describe key developmental stages
Explain how language deprivation impacts ToM in Deaf individuals, citing examples
Identify at least three indicators of patchy ToM in clients
Discuss at least two ways ToM gaps can affect professional communication
Outline specific interpreter responsibilities in contexts involving ToM variability

Session 2 – Practical Applications of Theory of Mind

Sunday 7th December 09:00-11:00

This practical session focuses on how to work effectively when Theory of Mind differences are at play. We’ll explore real interpreting scenarios where ToM gaps can cause misunderstanding, and look at strategies you can use in the moment to safeguard message intent and client dignity.

We’ll also tackle some of the trickier aspects of language and meaning — including metaphor, sarcasm, and second-order belief challenges — and discuss how to adapt your approach without losing accuracy. The session will cover how to brief and debrief with professionals where ToM-related risks are present, so you can work more effectively as part of a wider team.

This is a hands-on, scenario-driven session designed to give you practical tools and confidence you can use straight away.

Learning Intentions:

Apply ToM concepts to real interpreting scenarios
Recognise and mitigate risks of misunderstanding caused by ToM gaps
Use strategies to preserve client dignity and message intent in real time
Practise interpreting adaptations for metaphor, sarcasm, and second-order belief challenges
Collaborate effectively with professionals when ToM-related risks are present

Success Criteria:
By the end of this session, you will be able to:

Analyse interpreting scenarios to identify ToM-related risks
Apply at least three targeted strategies to address ToM gaps in real time
Demonstrate adaptations for metaphor, sarcasm, and second-order belief misunderstandings
Propose effective ways to brief and debrief with professionals on ToM-related issues
Reflect on your interpreting practice and plan changes to support clients with ToM variability

About the Trainer

Dr Karin O’Reilly is a Coda (Irish father, Aussie mother), NAATI Certified Auslan/English interpreter, and senior Teacher of the Deaf. She combines her leadership role with Queensland’s Department of Education with her private consultancy, Theory of Mind Matters. A published researcher, Karin delivers professional development to teachers, interpreters, and allied professionals, unpacking the challenges of language deprivation, acquisition, cognition, and Theory of Mind with both evidence-based strategies and practical insight. Outside work, she’s a mum of grown-ups, keeps a lively collection of pets and farm animals, and tends a small hobby farm with her patient husband.

CPD Points - 4 x Structured

Trainer: Dr Karin O'Reilly - ToD and Auslan/English Interpreter

Language of Instruction: English

Notetaker present: TBC

Cameras on or off? On preferably

Active/Passive Participation? Active - breakout rooms

Recorded? No

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