Language is intimately connected with most aspects of human development. Because of this pervasive quality, language is incorporated as part of the individual's coping mechanisms, and at times it may even serve a definite defensive role. This investigation examines research and clinical data regarding the language independence phenomenon as it relates to the treatment of bilingual patients. Attempts are made to describe the way the bilingual individuals mobilize (shift) their languages under anxiety-producing conditions and how this shifting of languages can be utilized by these individuals as part of their coping mechanisms. There can be both positive and negative implications for treatment. In this regard, the article illustrates how the linguistic shifting may further reinforce defenses such as intellectualization, splitting, and isolation of affect. Linguistic shifting can also be technically introduced by monolingual clinicians to advance the therapeutic process.