Working with court-involved families can be incredibly demanding, often leaving us feeling isolated as we race from appointment to appointment, trying to squeeze in time for progress notes and reports. In the midst of that whirlwind, we may long for connection with colleagues—not just for stress relief, but to gain valuable perspective and have a sounding board. Yet, all too often, that need slips down our list of priorities. So why is that connection with peers so essential?

Of course, self-care plays a crucial role in carving out time for ourselves—and connecting informally with others who share this demanding work often gives a much-needed sense of solidarity. However, beyond stress relief, spending time with trusted colleagues serves another essential purpose: it helps reduce bias in our professional decision-making. How does that work? Research consistently shows that case consultation isn’t just a sounding board—it’s a proven strategy for identifying blind spots and mitigating bias.

The work of Dr. Itiel Dror, includes extensive research on decision-making and cognitive bias and  is worth exploring. Dr. Dror has led impactful trainings on what he terms Enhanced Forensic Decision-Making. Some might be thinking, “But I don’t conduct evaluations—how does this apply to me?”  Whether deeply embedded in the world of court-involved families—as a therapist, parenting facilitator, or evaluator—or in the category of those who have landed here reluctantly, understanding how forensic decisions are made is essential. Dr. Dror’s work offers key insights into the cognitive processes that influence us all, and here’s a small portion of what he teaches:

• Everyone is susceptible to bias—no one is immune.
• The brain receives bottom-up information through sensory input, such as what we see with our eyes (as described by Dr. Dror).
• Top-down information refers to what’s already stored in our brain—our prior knowledge, experiences, and assumptions.
• These two types of information—bottom-up and top-down—interact as we make decisions. In forensic work, our expert-level knowledge can actually make us more vulnerable to bias. We may unintentionally overlook, assume, or dismiss critical details.
• Forensic decision-making tends to be more subjective than other areas. The interpretive nature of our work can increase the risk of bias creeping in.

 
With all of this in mind, one of the key practices Dr. Dror emphasizes—regardless of your role in working with families—is the importance of consulting with colleagues. Of course, it’s essential to first ensure that your chosen consultant has no involvement with the case, so a thorough conflict check is always the first step. But once that’s clear, taking the time to walk through your observations and assessments with a trusted peer who will challenge your thinking can be invaluable. This kind of critical dialogue helps ensure you're viewing the client or family from multiple angles, reducing blind spots and strengthening the integrity of your work.

In the high-stakes world of court-involved work, professional isolation can quietly erode both our confidence and our objectivity. That’s why building a trusted circle of colleagues—your professional “tribe”—isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Whether you’re seeking emotional support, a fresh set of eyes, or someone who will respectfully challenge your perspective, consultation is a critical safeguard against bias. As Dr. Itiel Dror’s research underscores, the decisions we make are shaped by both what we observe and what we believe we know. That interplay can lead even the most experienced professionals to miss important details. Engaging regularly with peers who will push your thinking and strengthen your forensic reasoning is one of the best ways to reduce blind spots—and to walk into cross-examination not just prepared, but grounded and ready to respond thoughtfully. 

Christy Bradshaw Schmidt, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor from Texas who works as a child custody evaluator. She also serves as an expert witness, and she conducts work product reviews related to the work of other child custody evaluators and mental health professionals. Ms Bradshaw Schmidt is also available to provide strategic legal support to attorneys and their clients in a consulting role.

A version of this article was previously distributed by North Texas FIT.