1) Expertise in the area of family theory and a biopsychosocial systems orientation. (George L. Engel, The Clinical Application of the Biopsychosocial Approach, 137(5) Am.J. Psychiatry 535-43 (1980).)

2) Expertise in detecting childhood trauma and a clinical understanding of how it affects persons later in life.

3) In-depth background in human development research and theory, along with a practical knowledge of psychopathology and the ability to "translate" this specialized knowledge for laypersons.

4) Understands human behavior as purposeful and sees even violent behavior as often an attempt to meet crises and to solve problems.

5) An interdisciplinary orientation and an understanding of the expertise of mental health professionals from disciplines other than his/her own.

6) Enjoys working with attorneys, investigators, and paralegals, and understands and appreciates legal ethics as well as the criminal justice system's valuing of the adversarial process.

7) Perhaps most critical: Sees the client as a human being who is ultimately comprehensible and deserving of the best mental health assistance and advocacy possible.

Clark, Veltkamp, Monahan, The Fiend Unmasked: Developing the Mental Health Dimensions of the Defense, ABA Criminal Justice, Vol. 8, No. 2 (1993) at 61.