Christian Counseling Connection Vol. 20, Iss. 4

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12 Christian Counseling Connection
Behind Every
Addiction
is a story...
Residential
Support Groups
Drug and Alcohol
Sexual Addictions Clinically-E ective • Christ-Centered
Let’s evaluate the application of this truth
to your experience as an expert witness.
First, consider your motivations for
entering the courtroom. While the environ-
ment is filled with power, and you will
have the opportunity to be part of this
dynamic process, keep your role clear.
You are not the lead character. You are
not the star of the show. You are to be
in service of the court. You are working
specifically for the referring party and
must stay within that role.
Second, take note of any temptation to
“grandstand” before the court. It is critical
to avoid any temptation to “show off” or
“square off” against an opponent in the
courtroom. Monitor yourself and any
desire to say too much. This is not about
you—again, you have a role to serve.
Serve it. Do your job and do it well.
Keep it simple.
Third, follow the lead of the referring
attorney/referring party. The referring party
will usually tell you exactly what they
expect… you will be presented, and
even “coached,” with a list of questions.
Stay within the boundaries of their
expectations. Keep your ego out of it,
and be the professional they have called
you to be.
Fourth, tell the truth and nothing more!
As the attorney told me, “Tell the truth
and nothing more!” Resist the urge to
embellish your work or use hyperbole or
exaggeration. Keep your words simple
and few, so as to avoid jeopardizing the
help you were called to offer.
Finally, leave room for God to work.
Remember, there is a secret witness to
courtroom events—God. You are there to
serve the court, the referring party and,
of course, God. You are to do your job
well, but that is where it ends. The rest is
up to other courtroom professionals and
the purpose God has in store.
In summary, we get ourselves into
trouble when we prattle on. This is true in
everyday life and even more critical in the
courtroom. Your role is far too important
to jeopardize with too many words. ;
David B. Hawkins,
ACSW, Ph.D., is
a Licensed Clinical
Psychologist who
owns Pacific Psycho-
logical Associates. He
is a Certified Sexual
Offender Treatment Provider, a Certified
DomesticViolence Provider, as well as
a Board Certified Forensic Examiner.
David is the author of 33 books and a
weekly advice columnist for Crosswalk.
com and . In addition, he is a
frequent presenter for AACC.
“Resist the urge to embellish
your work or use hyperbole
or exaggeration. Keep your
words simple and few, so as
to avoid jeopardizing the help
you were called to offer.”
christian counseling today VOL. 21 NO. 3 7
CLINICAL PRACTICE