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 who want to understand how suggestibility can affect a defendant’s competence-related abilities. It is particularly relevant for those specializing in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, legal consulting, and related fields, and is suitable for individuals seeking to deepen their knowledge of the intersection between suggestibility and legal competence.

    • Forensic Psychologist
    • Clinical Psychologist
    • Legal Consultant
    • Mental Health Professional
    • Legal Professional (attorney, judge, etc.)
    • Professional in criminal justice, law enforcement, or correctional settings
    • Health Care Provider working with forensic or legal populations
    • Social Service Professional
    • Educational Professional involved in legal or forensic matters

  • Experience Level

    This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals with varying levels of experience in suggestibility and theory of mind (ToM) as they relate to mental health and criminal justice contexts.

      Beginner: Participants are new to the concepts of suggestibility and theory of mind, seeking foundational knowledge about their definitions, risk factors, and relevance to clinical and forensic practice.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals who benefit from this training typically work in environments where mental health and legal issues intersect. These settings often involve evaluating, treating, or consulting on cases where suggestibility and legal competence are critical concerns, including assessments of defendants, expert testimony, legal consultation, and support for vulnerable populations.

    Examples of practice settings:

    • Forensic psychiatric hospitals or units
    • Court clinics or legal consultation offices
    • Correctional facilities and juvenile detention centers
    • Law enforcement agencies (e.g., police departments)
    • Private clinical or forensic psychology practices
    • Public defender or prosecutor’s offices
    • Social service agencies working with justice-involved individuals
    • University or educational settings with forensic/legal programs
    • Community mental health centers serving forensic populations

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

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.