1.5 Hours / 1.5 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Traumatic Brain Injury and Intimate Partner Violence is presented by Jerrod Brown, Ph.D.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the brain is damaged by a blow or penetration from an external force. This could be the result of a range of events, including a car accident, falling and hitting one’s head, or being violently shaken or punched. As such, it is unsurprising that intimate partner violence (IPV) is a common cause of TBI in the United States and around the world. Unfortunately, IPV often persists over time with multiple incidents, which only exacerbates TBIs. For instance, exposure to multiple TBIs prior to proper healing can result in worse symptoms and lengthier recovery times. These symptoms can include cognitive deficits (e.g., executive functioning and memory), mental health issues (e.g., mood and anxiety disorders), self-harm and suicide, substance abuse, education, and employment issues, and a host of other challenges. To make matters worse, victims of IPV with TBI often go undiagnosed and do not receive adequate treatment. Even when properly diagnosed, research remains unclear on how the treatment should be modified to account for the needs of these individuals. These shortcomings can likely be attributed, at least in part, to the fact that IPV-related TBI is not commonly addressed by advanced education and training programs.

To address this essential need, this program introduces attendees to the links between intimate partner violence (IPV) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) by focusing on six key training objectives. First, this training systematically defines the constructs of IPV and TBI with a thorough review of their symptoms and red flag indicators. Second, attendees learn about how IPV can result in TBI along with the short- and long-term consequences of these issues. Third, this training highlight screening and assessment techniques that have the potential to improve the identification of victims of IPV who may be suffering from TBI. For example, to prevent inaccurate diagnoses, any approach must account for the individual needs of clients, which can often include memory issues when TBI is present. Fourth, attendees learn about techniques and strategies that are most suitable for treating clients with IPV- and TBI-related issues. This may include incorporating a TBI-informed approach to treatment in domestic violence shelters. Fifth, this training explores the potential consequences of IPV and TBI across different professional settings (e.g., human services, mental health, and criminal justice) when not properly identified and treated. Sixth, this training concludes with a discussion of the existing research in the area and the identification of future directions for research. In combination, advanced training in these areas has the potential to break the cycle of violence for these victims of IPV and improve their short- and long-term outcomes.

 

Learning Objectives

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

  • 1 Describe a basic understanding of intimate partner violence (IPV) and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • 2 Describe how and why IPV can result in TBI
  • 3 Describe improved screening and assessment techniques intended to improve the identification of clients with IPV- and TBI-related issues
  • 4 Describe techniques and strategies for treating clients with IPV- and TBI-related issues
  • 5 Describe the consequences of IPV and TBI across different professional settings (e.g., human services, mental health, and criminal justice)
  • 6 Describe existing research literature on IPV and TBI with a focused discussion of future directions for research

  • Intended Audience

    This training is designed for mental health and legal professionals at all experience levels who seek to deepen their understanding of the intersection between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and intimate partner violence (IPV). The program is especially relevant for those specializing in forensic psychology, clinical psychology, social work, victim advocacy, and related fields. Participants will gain practical knowledge applicable to a variety of professional settings, including domestic violence shelters, forensic and clinical environments, criminal justice agencies, social service organizations, and educational or healthcare institutions.

  • Experience Level

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

  • Practice Setting

    • Mental health professionals (e.g., psychologists, social workers, counselors)
    • Legal professionals (e.g., attorneys, judges, legal advocates)
    • Forensic psychologists and clinicians
    • Victim advocates and support staff
    • Social service providers
    • Healthcare professionals working with IPV or TBI populations
    • Staff in domestic violence shelters and crisis centers
    • Professionals in criminal justice, educational, or healthcare settings

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:

  • Links between IPV and TBI

  • Techniques and strategies for treatment

  • Future direction for research

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.