1 Hour / 1 CE

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Suggestibility and Theory of Mind (ToM) in Clinical and Forensic Settings is presented by Jerrod Brown, PhD.

Suggestibility is the predisposition to adopt the inaccurate views of others as fact when recalling memories. This phenomenon can present a host of problems in mental health (e.g., assessment and treatment) and criminal justice (e.g., false confessions and wrongful convictions) settings. Although the research is not conclusive at this point, one potential risk factor for suggestibility is low levels of theory of mind (ToM), particularly among youths. This is the ability to understand the mental states (e.g., emotions, intentions, and knowledge) of other people and, in turn, use this understanding to inform decisions and actions in social situations. The links between suggestibility and ToM may be traced to their shared origins in cognitive (e.g., executive function) and situational (e.g., social contexts) variables. The serious consequences of suggestibility in mental health and criminal justice settings warrant advanced training among professionals in these contexts.

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe suggestibility and theory of mind
  • 2
    Describe the differences between the warning signs, risk factors, and etiologies of suggestibility and theory of mind
  • 3
    Describe appropriate screening and assessment practices for those with suggestibility and/or theory of mind issues
  • 4
    Describe how suggestibility and theory of mind issues can impact interactions with the criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal systems
  • 5
    Describe the current state of research on suggestibility and theory of mind and identify pathways forward for research

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health and legal professionals seeking to understand how suggestibility can impact a defendant’s competence-related abilities. The program is suitable for individuals at all experience levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—and is particularly relevant for those specializing in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, legal consulting, and related fields. Participants will gain insights applicable to a variety of professional environments, including courts, forensic clinics, correctional facilities, law enforcement agencies, health care, social services, and educational settings.

  • Experience Level

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

  • Practice Setting

    • Forensic psychologists

    • Clinical psychologists

    • Legal consultants

    • Mental health professionals

    • Legal professionals (attorneys, judges, etc.)

    • Professionals in criminal justice, law enforcement, or correctional settings

    • Health care providers working with forensic or legal populations

    • Social service professionals

    • Educational professionals involved in legal or forensic matters

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:

  • Discuss link between suggestibility and ToM

  • Review Consequences of suggestibility

  • Discuss Criminal justice settings

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.