Psychotherapists as Expert Witnesses

Roger Kennedy is a psychoanalyst in private practice, a training analyst and President of the British Psychoanalytical Society. He is Consultant Psychiatrist at the Family Unit, Cassel Hospital, and author of nine previous books, including 'Psychotherapists as Expert Witnesses' (2005), and 'The Many Voices of Psychoanalysis' (2007). He is also a published poet.

'Expert witnesses play a crucial role in the Family Courts. This book provides invaluable guidance and useful case studies that will assist both experienced and newly appointed court experts in fulfilling that role.'- Dame Elizabeth Butler-Sloss GBE, President of the Family Division'The arrival of this authoritative survey is particularly welcome at a time when the Ministers of State for Education and Health are considering how best to ensure the availability of medical expert resources to the Family Courts.'- The Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Thorpe, Deputy Head of Family Justice and Head of International Family Law'Dr Kennedy brings his depth of knowledge to bear on the considerable task and responsibility of the expert witness in contexts where families are at breaking point, and where the future health and well-being of a child are concerned. Expert witnesses have been accused of relying on their authority, rather than sufficient knowledge. Dr Kennedy demonstrates how extensive experience with these situations can assist the court in making decisions which can affect children's lives. He uses his psychotherapeutic knowledge to find hope and to look for the potential for change in contexts which seem unpromising and potentially harmful.'- Dr Arnon Bentovim, Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist to Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital and the Tavistock Clinic; Director of London Child & Family Consultation Service

• CHAPTER ONE Introduction—the expert and the courts, CHAPTER TWO Assessing families, CHAPTER THREE The best worst option: three examples, CHAPTER FOUR Contact issues, CHAPTER FIVE Rehabilitation issues: remove children or keep them, with their parents? CHAPTER SIX Conclusions