In spite of participating on a team of professionals who instruct mental health clinicians how to properly give court testimony, the experience can still feel a tad daunting when one hasn’t personally been on the stand in a while. Like today. Been a couple of years since I last lived through the cross-examination by opposing counsel, but today, well…there I was again…in the witness box. Now, most therapists tell clients right up front that they do not go to court, they do not testify, don’t even think about it. Somehow it doesn’t bother me in the same way that a frightening roller coaster doesn’t bother me, figuratively speaking of course. Today’s judge was interruptive and impatient. Cross examination was pointed and searing. No matter. By the time I left, ate lunch, and got back to the office, the attorney who subpoenaed me called to say he won his case and his client won custody back of her 4 year old. On days when I tire of warring families tearing children apart and of parents who abuse and disappear, I will remember this day…when two really good loving parents, backed by grandparents sitting in the galley, each tried hard for a chance to be the primary caregiver for this little girl. I feel pretty good about it because they were both my clients and each one had pledged full and positive cooperation with the other in parenting no matter how the judge ruled. They may have lost each other, but they each are holding tight to their daughter.