Beyond a Buzzword: “Trauma-Informed” Forensic Mental Health Assessment: Implications for Knowledge Base, Interviewing, and Case Formulation
3 Hours | 3 CEs
This on-demand professional training program on Beyond a Buzzword: “Trauma-Informed” Forensic Mental Health Assessment and Implications for Knowledge, Procedures, and Formulation is presented by Julie Goldenson, PhD.
This program focuses on integrating trauma-informed practices into assessment referrals across criminal and civil contexts. Participants explore the significance of trauma in various assessment referrals, understanding its relevance and impact. The program covers the differentiation between Type I and Type II trauma, providing a review of the literature on the biopsychosocial effects of chronic (Type II) trauma exposure.
Participants learn to conduct trauma-informed assessments by examining recent literature (Goldenson, Brodsky & Perlin, 2022; Goldenson, 2024; Goldenson & Bailey, 2024). This includes discussing the importance and limitations of trauma screening and reviewing various measures. The program emphasizes process-related considerations such as transparency, informed consent, attunement to non-verbal behavior and altered states of arousal, and appropriate pacing of interviews. Additionally, it addresses navigating the tensions around empathy and compassion within forensic contexts.
The program also covers the diagnostic formulation of trauma, including the ICD-11 definition of complex trauma. Finally, it highlights the emotional toll of trauma-related work, its potential impact on assessment quality, and the importance of self-awareness and consultation.
This program is intended for professionals at all stages of their career. The material is germane to professionals conducting forensic mental health assessments for civil or criminal purposes in inpatient, correctional, or outpatient settings.
Intended Audience
This on-demand professional training program is intended for mental health and other allied professionals
Experience Level
This on-demand professional training program is appropriate for beginner, intermediate, and advanced level clinicians.
CE / CPD Credit
APA, ASWB, CPA, NBCC Click here for state and other regional board approvals.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this program you will be able to:
Describe the relevance of trauma exposure and sequelae across a wide range of forensic assessment referrals
Describe what being “trauma-informed” might mean in forensic assessment contexts
Describe key concepts commonly cited in the literature
Describe the salience of racial trauma and the importance of considering the evaluee's socio-cultural context
Describe how to apply trauma-informed principles to interviewing
Describe the utility (and limitations) of trauma screening and psychological testing
Describe how to apply trauma-informed principles to case formulation
Presented By
Julie Goldenson, PhD
Dr. Julie Goldenson is a clinical and forensic psychologist who practices in the criminal and civil arena. She is frequently retained as an expert to evaluate harms from institutional abuse. As a professor at University of Toronto, she teaches assessment of personality and psychopathology at the doc...
Curriculum
1. Advancing Trauma-Informed Practices in Forensic Mental Health Assessment
2. Integrating Trauma-Informed Methods: Interviewing, Assessment, and Diagnostic Formulation in Forensic Mental Health
3. Case Insights and Final Reflections
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