FOR ATTORNEYS
Emotionally Support Your Clients
Helping Attorneys build stronger child-centered cases - one block at a time
CHILD-CENTERED STRATEGIES, TOOLS, TRAINING AND CONSULTS FOR ATTORNEYS ON EFFECTIVELY QUESTIONNING TREATING THERAPISTS AND ACHIEVING BETTER CLIENT OUTCOMES
At Himlin Consulting, we understand the unique challenges attorneys face in high-conflict family law cases—especially when children are involved. These aren’t just legal matters; they’re deeply human ones. That’s why we bring a child-first, developmentally informed lens to the table. Our consulting services and training help attorneys protect children’s emotional health while navigating the legal process with clarity, strategy, and compassion.
We don’t just hand over information—we offer foundational tools that you can use again and again, case after case.
Our trainings and consults are for attorneys who:
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Represent clients in high-conflict or court-involved custody cases
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Want to work more effectively with mental health professionals
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Are seeking stronger outcomes for children in contentious legal situations
With benefits that include:
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Greater clarity around child psychology and developmental needs
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Ethical, effective collaboration with therapists
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Strategic insights for courtroom preparation and testimony
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A deeper ability to advocate for what’s truly in the best interest of the child
TRAINING 01: CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Learn basic child development and typical patterns in high conflict families.
TRAINING 02: QUESTIONNING THERAPISTS
Learn ways to question treating therapists to help your client's case by getting what you need form them easier.
TRAINING 03: ATTACHMENT PARENTING
Learn ways that your clients can make it easier to resolve parent-child conflict.
TOPIC 04: CHILD-CENTERED RECONNECTION
How to create a team approach that is child centered for your client's case to reduce stress and trauma in their child's life.
Why Child-Centered Strategy Matters—And How Attorneys Benefit from It
STRONGER COLLABORATION WITH MENTAL HEALTH EXPERTS
We help attorneys understand how to work with therapists—not against them. Learn what to expect, how to ask the right questions, and how to use expert input to support your case ethically and effectively.
BETTER OUTCOMES FOR CHILDREN
With our guidance, you’ll be equipped to present a clear picture of the child’s experience and needs. That kind of clarity doesn’t just help in court—it creates better outcomes for the families you serve.
STRATEGY THAT'S BUILT TO LAST
Our child-focused approach offers building-block strategies that can be applied across all your family law cases. It’s not just about winning a case—it’s about protecting children and laying groundwork for long-term well-being.
Better understand what your clients are going through emotionally so you can decrease litigation.
MEET YOUR EXPERT
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Meet Cathy
FOUNDER. EXPERT. ADVOCATE FOR THE CHILD.
With over 30 years of experience as a therapist and court-involved social worker, Cathy Himlin, LMFT, LPCC, brings unmatched insight to high-conflict family law. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between the legal system and child psychology—helping attorneys, therapists, and parents keep children at the center of the process. Cathy’s grounded, compassionate approach makes her a trusted resource for attorneys navigating the toughest custody battles.
Here’s how Himlin Consulting’s unique process, methods, and tools support you through high-conflict custody cases:
Step 01: Initial Consultation
Schedule a consultation call to discuss your firm's needs or a specific high-conflict case. Together, we establish key topics to be covered during the presentation.
Step 01: Initial Consultation
Schedule a consultation call to discuss your firm's needs or a specific high-conflict case. Together, we establish key topics to be covered during the presentation.
Step 02: Customized Presentation
Cathy designs a tailored presentation (30–60+ minutes) with a live Q&A session, along with a detailed PDF handout for ongoing reference and support.
Step 03: On-Going Case Support
Following the presentation, continued support is available to assist with case-specific strategies and ensure the child’s best interests remain the focus.
CATHY HIMLIN SERVING AS YOUR
Subject Matter Expert
Serving as your Subject Matter Expert in high-conflict divorce cases involving children, Cathy is experienced in providing court testimony and insights with one primary focus: ensuring the child’s well-being is always the top priority. In these tense and emotionally charged cases, her approach centers on navigating complex dynamics to maintain clarity and advocate for solutions that support the child's best interests, even when parents are at odds. Her role is to offer expert guidance that helps the court make informed decisions, keeping the child’s needs front and center throughout the process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
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As a non-attorney, what do you have to teach me?This is not legal advice. I offer consultations to attorneys from the perspective of a therapist who has significant experience working with court-involved therapy and has seen the types of questions attorneys are likely to ask. I can help you understand what types of therapy may be appropriate for your clients and what to look out for according to the developmental ages of the children attorneys represent (or their parents). I have also helped develop full presentations in “Supporting Parents & Children in Family Court” for the San Diego Family Law Bar Association (SDFLBA) and can share this material as well.
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Can you speak to my firm about the training you've developed for the San Diego Family Law Bar Association?Yes! Please reach out so we can discuss what information would be most helpful for your firm and the length of presentation you’re looking for.
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What types of attorneys do you work with?I regularly work with attorneys in family law and dependency court, as well as with both parents’ attorneys and the minor’s counsel.
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Do you promise any particular outcome for me or a specific case?Unfortunately, we cannot predict or guarantee whether these skills will positively impact your specific situation; each person and case is unique. However, This course is designed and delivered by an experienced mental health professional specializing in court-involved cases. The goal of this course is to inform you on what to expect in an average courtroom experience and ways to succinctly and directly answer questions that should help avoid a negative outcome.
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Who are these courses for?They are for mental health practitioners who want to stop avoiding cases that may put them at risk for subpoena so they can confidently serve the clients who need their help the most. They're for any mental health practitioners that have received a subpoena and want to be prepared for court, understand what to expect, and handle ethical situations with confidence to protect their license.
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Can I learn at my own pace?Yes! You will be able to login to your account to access all the video content and resources at your convenience. No mess, no stress. And you will have lifetime access to the course content, so that you can refer back to it whenever needed.
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What if I want a refund?If you don't come away with more knowledge and confidence after watching even a handful of our course videos, just send us an email to let us know and we'll be more than happy to issue you a full refund within the first 30 days of enrolling in either course.
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The idea of testifying is scary. Can you help me?Yes! I enjoy the testifying process. It's not so scary once you learn what to expect for the process and feel confident in what you can and cannot say, as well as how to protect your clients on the stand.
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What should I buy these courses if there are other resources available?I have personally been called in to testify now for decades. While there are definitely some basic resources here and there online, there is nothing available out there that has the in-depth coverage that these courses do. If you truly want to feel secure and confident from the moment you receive a subpoena until the time you leave the stand and head home after testifying, there is no substitute for the content we've put together for you in these courses.
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Are these courses a substitute for consulting with a malpractice attorney or legal advice?NO. We are not attorneys. These courses do not replace your need to consult with an attorney. This is peer advice focusing on your exposure to a learning experience to help support you in a future court appearance; it is not legal advice.
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What if I have questions before buying?Please email me at anytime here: cathy@himlinconsulting.com. I look forward to meeting you and answering any questions or concerns you may have before getting started!
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Is this program evidence-based?The class uses elements of and teaching from evidence-based concepts and teachings, such as: EFFT (Emotion-Focused Family Therapy), research provided via link: https://www.mentalhealthfoundations.ca/efft Dr. Dan Siegel: https://drdansiegel.com/biography/ AFCC (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts): https://www.afccnet.org/ These teachings are especially tailored for parents facing rejection from their children.
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Since the program is individual, can you offer a 10 to 12-hour class to satisfy my court order instead of 8?Yes! While the main format of the class can be completed in 8 hours, diving deeper into practice examples and scripts can make the class's benefits even more powerful with extra hours of practice.
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What makes your class different than others?Unlike courses generally created simply to satisfy a court requirement, we offer an environment where parents can truly learn and practice the skills to help you reconnect with your child. This class is a live, interactive, high-conflict parenting class specifically tailored to your child’s developmental age, their needs, and your specific familial situation.
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Can I take this class even if I’m not going through a divorce?Absolutely! Any parent can learn to connect with their child more deeply and improve their communication skills.
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Can I get a certificate to give to the court?Yes, upon completion of the class requirements.
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Does this class satisfy my court order?Suppose I’m not interested in the whole class but have a specific communication issue with my child. Can I still do individual consultations with you to discuss my specific issue rather than take the entire class?
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Does this class involve the child at all during the sessions?No, the child is not involved in the class. Instead, parents can practice what they learn in the class between appointments and use role-play scripts to help with specific issues/conversations they may be expecting to have.
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What is the point/purpose of the class?A major focus of the class is helping parents learn to recognize and express empathy by validating their child’s feelings and ensuring their child feels safe. This can reconnect them emotionally and create safety to repair the relationship.
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What is the structure of the class?The class has instruction, role play, and handouts, among other methods.
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Suppose I’m not interested in the whole class but have a specific communication issue with my child. Can I still do individual consultations with you to discuss my specific issue rather than take the entire class?Absolutely! I have experience working with parents who are dealing with a wide variety of issues.
Take the First Step Toward a Child-Centered Practice
The children in your cases deserve better—and so do you. Let’s build stronger, more ethical, more effective legal strategies together. Whether you’re in the middle of a challenging case or want to strengthen your long-term approach, we’re here to support you. Book a consultation or discovery call today and take the first step toward a more impactful practice.