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 are interested in understanding the impact of trauma and adversity on self-regulation, particularly in psycholegal and forensic contexts. It is especially relevant for those specializing in forensic mental health, criminal justice–informed interventions, behavioral health, and clinical psychology, as well as those seeking to deepen their knowledge of trauma-informed care in these areas.


    Examples of Relevant Professionals:
    • Psychologists (clinical, forensic, or counseling)
    • Social workers (forensic or clinical)
    • Counselors (mental health, substance use, or forensic)
    • Mental health professionals
    • Marriage and family therapists
    • Psychiatric nurses

  • Experience Level

    This training is appropriate for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at various stages of experience in psycholegal and forensic settings.

    • Beginner: Participants new to psycholegal or forensic mental health will gain foundational knowledge of self-regulation, trauma impacts, and relevant screening and intervention strategies.

    • Intermediate: Participants with some experience in these settings will deepen their understanding of trauma’s effects on self-regulation and enhance their ability to apply research findings and case examples to practice.

    • Advanced: Participants with extensive experience will refine advanced skills in integrating empirically based approaches into complex case conceptualization, intervention planning, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals apply this training in psycholegal and forensic environments across institutional, community, and court-integrated systems, collaborating closely with justice partners and multidisciplinary teams. Work spans secure and non-secure clinical contexts and emphasizes trauma-informed interviewing, screening, intake, intervention, and discharge planning guided by empirically based approaches.


    Examples of Practice Settings:
    • Forensic hospitals and state psychiatric facilities
    • Jails, prisons, and correctional health units
    • Juvenile detention and youth justice programs
    • Court-affiliated evaluation/treatment clinics and problem-solving courts
    • Community mental health and substance use programs serving justice-involved clients
    • Emergency departments, crisis stabilization units, and inpatient/outpatient behavioral health
    • Probation, parole, reentry, and pretrial services
    • Law enforcement co-responder and mobile crisis teams

Presented By

Jerrod Brown, PhD Pathways Counseling Center, Inc.

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is a professor, trainer, researcher, and consultant with multiple years of experience teaching collegiate courses. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS). Jerrod has also provided consultation services to a number of caregivers, professionals, and organizations pertaining to topics related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), confabulation, suggestibility, trauma, and other life adversities, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and youth firesetting. Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Neuropsychology, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). Jerrod has also conducted over 200 workshops, webinars, and on-demand training for various organizations and professional and student audiences. In 2021, Jerrod completed a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership and Organizational Strategy from Walden University and a Professional Certificate in Forensic Psychology from San Diego State University Global Campus. Currently, Jerrod is pursuing a graduate certificate in Neuroscience and Law from Michigan State University. Jerrod has published several articles and book chapters and recently co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Jerrod is also regularly featured on several national and international podcast programs.

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.