Author: DianeMouradian

Diane Mouradian has 30 years of professional experience in public and private organizations. Throughout Diane's career, language access and direct client service have been key areas of focus. With extensive international business experience in the language access industry and clinical therapeutic expertise in the fields of childhood trauma, recovery and domestic violence, Diane is in a unique position to work with multicultural clients on the challenges they face personally and professionally.

Why Don’t You Just Leave? Understanding the Stronghold of Domestic Violence.

As service providers working with people who are actively experiencing domestic violence, one might wonder “why don’t you just leave?” or “I would never put up with that.” Two judgments made too quickly… The psychological, emotional, physical, familial and/or economic impact have such a stronghold on the client that s/he cannot imagine life without the… Read More Why Don’t You Just Leave? Understanding the Stronghold of Domestic Violence.

DianeMouradianLeave a comment

Working With Domestic Violence In Mental Health

Within the mental health arena, domestic violence is an experience had by many, either directly or as a witness. Oftentimes, domestic violence is multi-generational. It is a complex issue that involves familial, cultural, religious and social norms, as well as carrying shame and stigma with it. To set the context for this next series of… Read More Working With Domestic Violence In Mental Health

DianeMouradianLeave a comment

Childhood Trauma – The Path to Healing

When a child experiences trauma, the potential exists for disruption in the child’s healthy development (0-5 years of age). The nature of the trauma, its duration and complexity can create downstream affects if left unaddressed. Dr Bruce Perry, a renowned expert of childhood development outlines these key sequential, developmental markers: Attachment – healthy dyadic relationship… Read More Childhood Trauma – The Path to Healing

DianeMouradianLeave a comment

Downstream Impact of Unresolved Childhood Trauma – The ACE Study

The ACE study is a collaborative effort between the CDC and Kaiser Permanente to assess the impact of unresolved childhood trauma on a person’s long term physical and mental health, social functioning and mortality pattern. Per the CDC, ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experience (from 0-18 years of age) from the following domains: Abuse •… Read More Downstream Impact of Unresolved Childhood Trauma – The ACE Study

DianeMouradianLeave a comment

The Face of Childhood Trauma – What It Can Look Like

Thus far, we have covered a variety of theory related to mental health and, most recently, childhood trauma. Using this theory as a backdrop, here are some examples of potential scenarios that a mental health professional and, by extension, an interpreter might face. The scenarios are presented as “vignettes” which are typically used by mental… Read More The Face of Childhood Trauma – What It Can Look Like

DianeMouradianLeave a comment

Childhood Trauma – Setting The Framework – Part I

(picture courtesy of Maria Fabrizio, NPR) “All adults once were children, and who we are as adults is in many ways affected by our childhood experiences, environments, and relationships,” Robert W. Block, MD, FAAP Working in the field of mental health, you will oftentimes hear clients and/or clinicians inquire about and make references to experiences… Read More Childhood Trauma – Setting The Framework – Part I

DianeMouradianLeave a comment

Trauma-Informed Care: A Client-Centered Orientation

More often than not, clients who seek mental health services have experienced some type of trauma, at some point in their lives. When we hear the word trauma, we may think about something dramatic, such as war, a life threatening illness/accident, domestic violence or a natural disaster. While these are most definitely traumatic experiences, trauma can… Read More Trauma-Informed Care: A Client-Centered Orientation

DianeMouradianLeave a comment

What Symptoms Are You Having? An Interpreter’s Guide to Common Descriptors

  For a clinician to begin formulating a potential diagnosis, it is essential to get as thorough a list of symptoms as possible from the client. The clinician will translate the client’s experiences into categories of symptoms which, ultimately, track to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). Here is an abbreviated list of commonly cited feelings and experiences… Read More What Symptoms Are You Having? An Interpreter’s Guide to Common Descriptors

DianeMouradianLeave a comment

You Only Get One Chance To Make A First Impression – The Intake Process

Here is an abbreviated role play of an initial intake. Pay close attention to: Rapport building – what techniques is the clinician using to join with the client? Confidentiality & exceptions – done before any disclosure takes place Framing the intake process – the “why” behind all the questions Presenting issue, duration, intensity, triggers and… Read More You Only Get One Chance To Make A First Impression – The Intake Process

DianeMouradianLeave a comment