About this course
Self-doubt is common within interpreting and translation, particularly when professionals are taking on new types of work, moving into unfamiliar settings, or comparing themselves with others. At times, those feelings can affect confidence, professional judgement, and decisions about which assignments feel manageable or appropriate.
This 2-hour interactive workshop, led by Jill Henshaw, looks at imposter syndrome and the ways it can show up in professional practice. The session will consider the difference between useful self-awareness and unhelpful self-doubt, and explore how confidence can influence the choices we make about our work.
Through discussion, reflection, and practical activities, participants will explore:
What imposter syndrome is and how it may show up in interpreting and translation
How self-doubt can influence professional decisions and perceptions of competence
The relationship between confidence, experience, and appropriate professional boundaries
How to recognise progress without ignoring areas that still need development
Ways to approach unfamiliar or challenging work more realistically
How reflective practice can help maintain perspective and support professional decision-making
Practical strategies for managing self-doubt and developing a more balanced view of your own practice
Activities will give attendees opportunities to reflect on their own experiences, consider how confidence affects decision-making, and discuss approaches that may help when doubt starts to influence professional choices.
Who is this session for?
This course is designed for qualified and trainee sign language interpreters and translators at any stage of their professional development.
It may be particularly useful for those who experience self-doubt, find themselves questioning whether they are ready for certain assignments, or want to think more carefully about the relationship between confidence, competence, and professional growth.
Learning outcomes
- Gain a clearer understanding of imposter syndrome and how it can affect professional practice
- Recognise some of the ways self-doubt may influence decision-making
- Consider the difference between appropriate caution and unnecessarily limiting yourself
- Develop practical approaches for managing difficult thoughts about competence and confidence
- Use reflection to recognise progress while remaining realistic about areas for development
- Leave with ideas for approaching professional decisions with greater balance and perspective
Live, interactive and supported
This is an active learning session with explanation, structured discussion and practical work. A useful course handbook or supporting materials are provided, together with a CPD certificate for each attendee.
Participation and cameras
Participation is encouraged. Cameras help people connect with those they are learning and working with, while recognising that there may be circumstances where having a camera on is not practical or appropriate.
Not recorded
This course is delivered live and is not recorded. Please book only if you can attend at the advertised time.
About the trainer
Stephen Ellis-Menton
Stephen Ellis-Menton is a registered BSL/English interpreter, trainer, assessor, and mentor with more than 20 years’ experience in the interpreting profession. He is an NRCPD Senior Practitioner and Practice Assessor, as well as a qualified teacher and qualified assessor. For 12 years, Stephen was the lead tutor and assessor on the Diploma in BSL-English Interpreting, supporting trainee interpreters through their professional training and assessment. He has also worked across a wide range of interpreting settings, including community, workplace, healthcare, education, conferences, and VRS/VRI. Through BSL Interpretations, Stephen provides CPD, mentoring, supervision, and professional development for interpreters and translators across the UK. His training is grounded in professional practice and focuses on helping practitioners think carefully about the decisions they make, how theory relates to real interpreting situations, and how reflective practice can support ongoing development. Alongside BSL Interpretations, he is a co-founder and organiser of The Together Conference, an annual professional and academic conference for sign language interpreters and translators.