Crucible Consulting Logo
(313) 300-3855
702 Notre Dame, Suite 103, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230


Our History

The Beginning…

Mary Petersen, a clinical therapist, and Tim Dinan, an attorney, met in a networking group almost 20 years ago. Mary thought most of her referrals in the group would come from medical professionals, but most came from attorneys like Tim.

An Idea…

Tim trained Mary how to be a confident and competent expert witness. Mary realized that therapists often avoid giving expert testimony due to their unfamiliarity with the legal environment.

Our Goal…

Mary suggested to Tim that there is a need for therapists to have proper training to feel comfortable being involved in legal matters. In this way therapists would be better able to serve their clients as well as attorneys and others in the legal process. Tim agreed, and the idea for Crucible Consultants was born!

Meet our team

Timothy Dinan, Esq.
Founder and Attorney
Crucible Consulting

Timothy Dinan, Esq.
Founder and Attorney

Timothy Dinan is an attorney licensed in Michigan and Arizona. He has tried hundreds of cases and deposed thousands of witnesses over the last 30 years. He currently represents lawyers in attorney misconduct proceedings and bar applicants in character and fitness matters. He also maintains an active criminal defense practice. Mr. Dinan has taught at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Michigan State College of Law, and Eastern Michigan University. He has given many professional presentations to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, the State Bar of Michigan and other groups and organizations. Mr. Dinan’s practice regularly employs psychologists and social workers as part of legal representation. He works with these mental health professionals to assist his clients in meeting their legal goals and maintaining their long-term metal health. Mr. Dinan has also functioned as an expert witness himself, and thus he has an awareness of the process from all facets.

Mary Petersen, L.M.S.W., A.C.S.W.
Founder and Clinical Therapist
Crucible Consulting

Mary Petersen, L.M.S.W., A.C.S.W.
Founder and Clinical Therapist

Mary Petersen, a clinical social worker since 1999 and in private practice since 2005, is certified and licensed through the State of Michigan. She sees individuals, families and groups by appointment. Ms. Petersen treats adolescents and adults, most often for anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and relationship issues, in addition to speaking to a variety of audiences on topics related to mental and behavioral health. She also provides Life Coaching to adults seeking present and future-focused, solution-oriented direction with accountability. Ms. Petersen possesses a degree in English and has been published on multiple occasions. Additionally, Ms. Petersen has served as an expert witness in her field for almost 20 years in various capacities, providing oral, written, and in-person testimony in dozens of cases. She has worked with several different attorneys and has developed a comfort level with a process that mental health professionals often report finding stressful. She has learned how to prepare for dealing with legal issues, to present facts and her opinion succinctly, and to “think on her feet.”