1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Self-Regulation Deficits and Trauma in Psycholegal Settings is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

Self-regulation abilities are critical to a diverse range of functions. When self-regulation abilities are compromised, the likelihood of several short- and long-term negative outcomes, including an increased risk of coming into contact with the criminal justice system, may result. One way that self-regulation development and abilities are impeded is exposure to various forms of trauma. Designed for professionals working in psycholegal settings, this training examines the impact trauma and other forms of adversity have on self-regulation abilities. This program focuses on increasing awareness of the impact trauma has on self-regulation abilities and the implications these topics have on criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal settings. Special emphasis is placed on implications for interviewing, screening, intake, intervention, and discharge planning throughout this training. Empirically based research findings and case study examples are highlighted throughout this training. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe self-regulation and learn about its building blocks and various dimensions
  • 2 Describe red flag indicators, warning signs, and consequences of self-regulation deficits
  • 3 Describe how trauma and other forms of adversity can negatively impact self-regulation abilities
  • 4 Describe screening and intervention approaches
  • 5 Describe key research findings, statistics, and concepts associated with self-regulation deficits and trauma in psycholegal settings

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for behavioral health professionals—including psychologists, social workers, counselors, and related practitioners—who seek to deepen their understanding of how trauma and adversity affect self-regulation, with a special focus on psycholegal and forensic settings. The program is especially relevant for those working in or with forensic mental health, criminal justice–informed care, behavioral health, and clinical psychology. Participants will gain insights applicable to a variety of professional environments, such as correctional facilities, mental health clinics, hospitals, community organizations, and legal or criminal justice systems.

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for all career stages: entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals.

  • Practice Setting

    • Psychologists (clinical, forensic, or counseling)

    • Social workers (including those in forensic or clinical roles)

    • Counselors (mental health, substance use, or forensic)

    • Other behavioral health professionals (e.g., marriage and family therapists, psychiatric nurses)

    • Professionals working in:
        • - Forensic or correctional settings
        - Mental health clinics or hospitals
        -Community-based organizations
        -Legal or criminal justice systems

Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD

Jerrod Brown, PhD, is the Treatment Director for Pathways Counseling Center, Inc., the lead developer of an online Master of Arts degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota, the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS), and the Editor-in-Chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST) and the Journal of Special Populations (JSP).

View More Programs from this Presenter
Jerrod Brown, PhD

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Introduction to Self-Regulation
    - Importance of self-regulation abilities across domains
    - Consequences of compromised self-regulation, including justice system involvement

  • Trauma and Adversity as Barriers to Self-Regulation
    - How trauma impedes development and functioning
    - Broader effects of adversity on regulation abilities

  • Impact on Criminal Justice and Forensic Mental Health
    - Relevance for legal and forensic contexts
    - Implications for justice-involved individuals

  • Applied Practice Considerations
    - Interviewing and screening practices
    - Intake and intervention strategies

  • Discharge planning considerations
    - Research and Case Applications
    - Review of empirically based findings
    - Case study examples illustrating key points

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.