Training 1: Self-Regulation Deficits and Prenatal Trauma

Self-regulation abilities are critical to a diverse range of emotional, behavioral, social, and physical health functions. When self-regulation abilities are compromised, the likelihood of several short- and long-term outcomes such as problematic behaviors and risky decision-making increases. Designed for professionals working in mental health and substance use treatment settings, this training provides attendees with a working understanding of the causes, consequences, and interventions associated with the impact prenatal trauma has on self-regulation capabilities among client-based populations. A review of screening and intervention options appropriate for clients impacted by prenatal trauma and self-regulation deficits will be discussed. Other related topics such as allostatic load, hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, inflammation, intergenerational transmission of self-regulation, maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), maternal prenatal stress, mother–infant attachment patterns, pandemic-related stress, prenatal air pollution exposure, prenatal exposure to disaster-related traumatic stress, prenatal intimate partner violence exposure, prenatal lead and other neurotoxin exposures, prenatal poverty exposure, prenatal substance use exposure, and prenatal toxic stress exposure will be discussed during this workshop. Empirically based research findings will be highlighted throughout this training.

Training Objectives:

1. Define prenatal trauma and other related topics

2. Define self-regulation and other related constructs

3. Examine the implications prenatal trauma and self-regulation deficits have on clients seeking services from mental health and substance use treatment providers

4. Discuss screening and intervention considerations

5. Review relevant and up-to-date research findings

Jerrod Brown, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor, Program Director, and lead developer for the Master of Arts degree in Human Services with an emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health for Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Jerrod has also been employed with Pathways Counseling Center in St. Paul, Minnesota for the past seventeen years. Pathways provides programs and services benefitting individuals impacted by mental illness and addictions. Through his work at Pathways, Jerrod has extensive experience working with clients diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders, serious and persistent mental health (SPMI) conditions, trauma and stressor related disorders, substance use and other addictive disorders, sleep disorders, and criminal justice-involved populations. Jerrod is also 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). Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). Jerrod is also certified as a Brain Health Coach, Trauma Professional, Compassion Fatigue Professional, Youth Firesetting Prevention/Intervention Specialist, an Anger Resolution Therapist (CART), a Thinking for a Change (T4C) Facilitator, a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Trainer, an Autism Specialist, Digestive Health Specialist, Gut Health Specialist, Stress and Mindset Coach, Holistic Health Coach, Sleep Science Coach, Sex Crimes & Relational Paraphilic Attachments (RPA), Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP), and a Problem Gambling Treatment Provider in the state of Minnesota. Jerrod has published numerous articles and book chapters. Email: Jerrod01234Brown@live.com