Ethical Decision Making & Cognitive Dissonance: Recognizing, Managing, and Navigating Our Moral Compass In Order to Do No Harm
Workshop Description:
This workshop is a discussion of the sociological concept of “cognitive dissonance” and its application to interpreter professional behavior and ethical decision making. It highlights how interpreters can begin recognizing sensations of discord between their beliefs, thoughts, and/or values and the reality of their professional actions: by either covering up or admitting to, their during-assignment errors. Honing into these intuitions effectively and reflecting on them as soon as they occur, is how we can find appropriate solutions and enhance our professional behavior in order to maintain compliance with our Code of Professional Conduct.
Educational Objectives:
At the completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe the mechanism of “dissonance theory” and how it works to affect our physiological and psychological state (during and post assignment)
- Analyze the various types of behavioral responses that occur with cognitive dissonance and their application to ethical decision-making
- Demonstrate the real-life experience of cognitive dissonance via a hands-on exercise.
- Role-play appropriate solutions to mitigate cover-up of production errors through self-justification and rationalization
Presenter Bio:
Teresa Sedano is a resident of Sacramento, California and is currently an adjunct faculty member at American River College, instructing sign language interpreting students in the area of Ethics and Professional Standards. Her passions include art, teaching, meditation, health, and being near the water: be it pool, pond, ocean, lake or puddle.
Teresa is a certified sign language interpreter; however, due to suffering an injury in 2011, Teresa became disabled and retired from interpreting. She received her Master’s Degree in Contemplative Education from Naropa University, in Boulder, Colorado. Her graduate studies included a focus on the healing properties of art for individuals suffering from chronic pain.
Teresa is a member of the Northern California Art Therapy Association, holds a certificate in “Expressive Art Therapy” and has mentored under local art therapist, Lisa Mitchell.
As owner of Awakened Heart Designs, Teresa provides workshops and 1-1 instruction in contemplative art concepts: mindfulness, presence, and breath work, in order for each individual to explore the joy of self expression during the creative process. As former executive director of “Healthy CEUs for Sign Language Interpreters”, Teresa is passionate about giving back to the community that she loves so much and that has supported her over the years.
Teresa welcomes any and all questions or comments regarding her coursework whether via email, phone call, Skype, snail-mail, postcard….or artwork.