On the Witness Stand: The Family Therapist and Expert Testimony

The family therapist is frequently called upon to testify as an expert witness. For many family therapist, the courtroom is an unfamiliar environment with different ground rules & basic assumptions. Testifying can be a difficult experience as the mental health professional faces situational role demands different from those encountered in therapeutic settings. If the family therapist can transfer to the court context the art of influencing interpersonal situations, the effectiveness of his/her testimony will be enhanced. Predictable legal behaviors are described & strategic responses to improve skills as an expert witness are suggested. Modified HA.