IJSP Number 6, 2024

111 processing feelings in the here and now. Stating one’s intentions for each group forum one participates in, and acknowledging when one embraces multiple roles, could improve clarity for all about how they are participating. 4.3. ESTABLISH GROUP RULES THAT PROTECT THE INTERPRETER, GROUP LEADERS, AND GROUP MEMBERS Group rules often include an agreement about the confidentiality of what is shared in the group, being on time or informing others when one will not be able to come to a meeting or if they will be late, speaking from one’s own perspective, maintaining a willingness to verbalize what one is thinking and feeling, and a willingness to listen to and try to understand other perspectives. Some of the interpreters reported a range of negative experiences with group members and even group leaders ranging from what one called “rude behavior” to outright criticism of their skills and abilities. One interpreter reported being “ordered” by group members to interpret Russian as well as or instead of Ukrainian as the primary language of group members. This interpreter flatly refused and discontinued her participation in the project, while others who were fluent in Russian interpreted both languages. This is a potentially explosive topic in wartime Ukraine during a Russian invasion (or an analogous situation in another country). Beyond that, however, it points to the need for the group leader to facilitate setting the rules of the group, including what language(s) will be spoken by group members. For this to happen smoothly, it is recommended that everything said by the group leader and members be interpreted. Several interpreters reported that they were criticized for the quality of their interpretation, sometimes quite harshly. Some of them actively sought to improve their interpretation by soliciting input from group members, and others felt more threatened by members offering interpretations. Regardless of how such a difficult situation develops (which includes varying levels of sensitivity to threat on the part of interpreters and varying levels of kindness and civility on the part of group members), it is the group leader’s job to protect the interpreter when this is necessary and to help repair breaks in connection between all involved when conflict or incivility emerge. As one process-oriented group leader jokingly stated when discussing how she actively protected her interpreter “Everyone needs to know they are not allowed to kill off their siblings.” 4.4. MONITOR AND ADDRESS GROUP PROCESS WHEN NEEDED In his classic book on group psychotherapy, Yalom [13] offers a way of detoxifying conflicts by extensively verbalizing the dilemma and asking if the conflicting parties are willing to try to see any truth in the other’s comments. This can happen, not in the heat of the moment when defenses are mobilized, but afterwards if approached in a supportive way. Yalom also points out “members will interact with leaders and other members in modes reminiscent of the way