By Sarah Wheeler, M.Ed., M.S. The Critical Moment There's a particular moment that comes for many professional interpreters, usually somewhere between year five and year ten, when they look up from the work and realize they can't quite remember who they were before they found themselves in the center of other people's stories. You remember the passion that drew you to interpreting. The fascination with language. The desire to bridge different worlds. The profound satisfaction

For interpreters, linguistic skill is only half the battle. This article explores why emotional intelligence (EQ) isn't just a soft skill, but a fundamental pillar for navigating complex human interactions, building client trust, and managing the inherent stress of the profession. Learn actionable tips to elevate your practice.

Inclusion isn't a checklist, and communication isn't something to fix. In this reflection on emotional intelligence, disability justice, and interpreting, Sarah Wheeler challenges the quick-fix mindset dominating accessibility today. Learn why relationship-centered access matters more than ever, and how emotional intelligence in communication creates connection where tech alone cannot.

Starting over isn’t starting from scratch, it’s starting from experience. Inspired by my sister’s journey, this reflection explores what it means to begin again with presence, curiosity, and courage.

Empathy is more than a feeling—it’s a core professional skill interpreters need to build trust, foster understanding, and create human connection across languages and cultures. In this article, we explore how cognitive empathy, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience come together to support trauma-informed, high-impact interpreting—especially in the age of AI.