When a child sustains a traumatic brain injury, the consequences are as much psychiatric as they are neurological. The depression, anxiety, PTSD, personality change, and behavioural disorder that follow are not footnotes to the cognitive damage — they are frequently the dominant source of suffering, the primary driver of family breakdown, and the hardest thing to put a value on. They are also the features most likely to be misattributed to pre-existing character, parenting, or ADHD, leaving clients without the diagnosis, treatment, or recognition they are owed. This webinar, delivered by a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist who acts as an expert witness, gives legal professionals a clear, practical framework for understanding the psychiatric sequelae of paediatric TBI and knowing exactly what to ask their expert.

This session will cover:

What TBI in children actually does — and why the psychiatric consequences matter most: from PTSD and depression to personality change and secondary ADHD — the psychiatric disorders that follow TBI, how they arise, and why they are so often missed or misattributed.

PTSD, depression, anxiety, and personality change after TBI: what each disorder looks like, how to distinguish it from pre-existing conditions.

What to ask a psychiatric expert witness: how to distinguish the psychiatric expert’s role from the neuropsychologist’s.

TBI, mental health, and the criminal justice system: why TBI and psychiatric disorder together markedly increase vulnerability in youth justice settings, the implications for fitness to plead and police interview reliability, and how psychiatric evidence can support sentencing mitigation.

The ‘mild’ TBI problem and persistent post-concussion syndrome: why one in four children has persistent psychiatric and cognitive symptoms months or years after a ‘mild’ head injury, why it is vastly underdiagnosed, and what this means for cases where the initial injury was dismissed as minor.

Family psychiatric impact and the risk of early settlement: the psychiatric impact on parents and siblings, why frontal lobe deficits often only emerge in adolescence, and why cases settled before this point may significantly undervalue long-term psychiatric harm.

Designed for solicitors and barristers working in personal injury, clinical negligence, family, and criminal law, this webinar delivers a psychiatrist’s perspective on one of the most diagnostically complex areas in legal practice — and gives you the clinical vocabulary and the right questions to make the most of expert psychiatric evidence.

This one-hour presentation, delivered by an Educational Psychologist, is designed to provide solicitors with a clear and applied understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma in children and young people. The session will briefly revisit the nature of PTSD, before drawing on the research literature to distinguish between the educational and developmental impact of trauma responses associated with a single critical incident and those associated with chronic childhood trauma, including experiences commonly conceptualised through Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and complex PTSD (CPTSD).

The presentation will focus particularly on how these different trauma profiles may affect children’s cognition, emotional regulation, behaviour, school functioning, potential school avoidance and educational progress.  A case study will be used to illustrate these issues in legal practice. 

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:
– Define PTSD in childhood and recognise some of its common features in younger populations
– Distinguish between PTSD associated with a single traumatic incident and the broader developmental effects associated with chronic or repeated childhood trauma, including complex PTSD
– Understand how trauma may affect cognition, including attention, memory, executive functioning, emotional regulation, and readiness to learn
– Identify ways in which trauma-related difficulties may present within educational contexts, including through behaviour, attendance, learning, and school engagement
– Consider the relevance of trauma-informed psychological understanding when working with children and young people involved in legal proceedings
– Apply this understanding to a case example to support more informed professional interpretation

Most psychologists rely heavily on the clinical interview and what people tell us in reaching our conclusions. But how accurate is this self-report? Is it possible to tell when someone is lying, exaggerating or withholding information? How can we evidence that our conclusions are robust and that we haven’t been “taken in” by a client who is giving us false information about themselves? What about cases where the person may not even realise they are providing inaccurate information? Don’t we all lie sometimes?

This webinar will provide an overview of the current state of the literature around impression management and validity in psychological assessments, particularly in a medicolegal context. 

The webinar aims to achieve the following learning outcomes:

1)     To understand what is meant by performance management in psychological assessments, including positive impression management versus negative impression management.

2)     To learn about different types of deception commonly found in medicolegal contexts and their various psychological origins.  This will include discussion of “malingering”, deliberate under-performance, denial, lack of effort, and unconscious deception.

3)     To discuss the role of denial and self-awareness in psychological assessments.

4)     To understand motives for performance management in medicolegal contexts and when to consider effort testing.

5)     To be introduced to how psychologists assess validity and performance management including in the clinical interview, questionnaire design, performance management tools, and collateral information.

6)     To be introduced to current guidelines and notable cases when considering performance management and validity testing.     

In this webinar, we will explore how a parent’s ability to manage their own emotional state directly impacts a child’s wellbeing and behaviour. Aimed at family court professionals, Dr Ayivor will introduce the concept of co-regulation, the role of the parent as an emotional container, and how acute stress or chronic challenges can disrupt this dynamic. 

Drawing on neuroscience, attachment theory, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the session highlights how emotional dysregulation may present in court-involved families and provides practical, trauma-informed strategies for solicitors to help create emotional safety during proceedings. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of emotional harm and a toolkit of supportive actions that can positively influence outcomes for children.

A Must-Attend Webinar for Legal Professionals

Legal representatives frequently encounter clients who are recommended for psychological treatment—particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). But what does this really mean? How does CBT differ from other therapeutic approaches? And why is understanding the different types of psychological therapy important for legal professionals?

Join us for an insightful webinar, led by an experienced psychologist, designed to clarify the nature of evidence-based psychological therapy and its practical applications. We’ll explore the key frameworks guiding therapy recommendations, the difference between counselling and structured psychological interventions, and what solicitors need to know when advising clients.

This session will help you gain a clearer understanding of psychological treatments, the criteria guiding therapy referrals, and the implications for your legal practice.

What We’ll Cover:

• The Difference Between Counselling & Evidence-Based Psychological Therapy
  –    Understanding how structured interventions like CBT differ from general counselling.
• Why ‘Evidence-Based’ Matters
  –    Exploring the types of evidence used to assess treatment effectiveness, including NICE guidelines and UCL competence frameworks.
• An Overview of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
  –    What it entails and how it is applied to different mental health difficulties.
• Key Considerations for Legal Professionals
  –    How solicitors can better understand and navigate psychological treatment recommendations for their clients.

Who Should Attend?

• Solicitors and legal professionals supporting clients with mental health needs.
• Those seeking a clearer understanding of psychological treatment referrals.
• Legal representatives aiming to ensure their clients receive appropriate and effective care.

This practical and informative session will provide you with the essential knowledge to better advise your clients and engage effectively with psychological treatment recommendations.

Join two leading consultant psychiatrists specialising in neurodevelopmental disorders for an insightful exploration of autism in adults. This webinar delves into the full spectrum of autism diagnosis in adulthood, covering everything from common presentations and treatment options to the unique challenges and strengths that often accompany the condition.In this session, learn about the latest approaches to managing autism, the potential for improvement, and practical ways to support a fulfilling life post-diagnosis. We’ll discuss the impact of adult autism on daily living, the positive traits often seen, and answer pressing questions about treatability. Tailored for legal and healthcare professionals alike, this webinar provides a comprehensive view of autism’s nuances and its profound effects on adult life.

This webinar offers a valuable opportunity for psychiatrists, psychologists, and legal professionals working with or assessing refugees to deepen their understanding of trauma-related disorders and best practices for effective intervention. Don’t miss this chance to gain practical insights into supporting refugees on their journey to mental health recovery.

In this webinar, Professor Busuttil will:

Define and Differentiate PTSD and Complex PTSD:

• Learn about the nuances between PTSD and Complex PTSD, particularly as they apply to individuals exposed to prolonged trauma.

Explore the Traumatic Stressors Unique to War Refugees:

• Gain insights into the unique psychological toll of experiences such as war, torture, incarceration, and profound losses, includingthe loss of home and homeland.

Examine Psychiatric Outcomes and Clinical Presentations:

• Understand the varied and often complex psychiatric effects seen in refugees, along with the clinical presentations that arise from cumulative trauma.

Discuss Targeted Interventions:

• Outline both acute and long-term interventions, focusing on therapeutic approaches and the role of medication in addressing trauma symptoms in this population.

NOTE: This webinar carries APIL Accreditation

Professor Busuttil will provide essential guidance on key aspects of PTSD diagnosis, and treatment recommendations, addressing challenges that many expert witnesses face in their professional roles. The webinar will cover the following topics:

1.     Diagnosis:

o  ICD and DSM

o  Severity of PTSD: mild, moderate, or severe.

o  How these ratings influence treatment plans and legal considerations.

2.     Guidelines for Treatment Recommendations:

o  Research literature.

o  Which Guidelines?

o  Determining the appropriate number of therapy sessions for individuals with PTSD.

o  Engagement, Treatment Completion and Recovery.

o  Providing recommendations on a whole-life basis while considering prognosis and recovery trajectories.

3.     Causation and Attribution of PTSD and Trauma:

o  Balancing psychological, medical, and contextual factors when forming expert opinions.

o  How to respond to questions about percentage attribution when asked about causation of PTSD and trauma symptoms to a specific index event.

Who Should Attend:

This webinar is for psychiatrists and psychologists who act as expert witnesses in court. Whether you are new to this role or highly experienced, this session will provide actionable insights to refine your reports, improve accuracy in diagnosis, and support your testimony with evidence-based recommendations.

(Legal professionals will also benefit from this lecture, which will cover areas that can frequently cause questions and confusion.)

NOTE: This webinar carries APIL Accreditation

Due to overwhelming interest and feedback, we are thrilled to offer Part 2 of this fascinating and insightful webinar. Our previous session was so engaging that time flew, leaving our expert speaker with a wealth of further valuable insights to share. This second instalment is an opportunity to dive deeper into the complexities of adult ADHD and explore additional strategies for managing symptoms, achieving balance, and enhancing quality of life.

Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) find it difficult to organise their day, to focus on and stick to the task in hand, or to simply remember to keep appointments. They tend to procrastinate about important tasks and have trouble with meeting deadlines.

ADHD is associated with a higher rate of psychiatric co-morbidities (e.g. anxiety, depression, substance misuse, ASD) and when unrecognized/untreated, it can lead to lower levels of educational achievement, lower levels of employment with frequent job changes, and higher rates of relationship problems and divorce. Individuals with ADHD are more likely to be involved in serious road traffic accidents and to get in trouble with the police/law. They are more likely to experience chronic sleep problems at night and experience chronic stress and tiredness during the day, which may further impact their day-to-day functioning.

Can ADHD and the associated symptoms be treated?
Yes! In fact some people can respond positively to medication in just 30 minutes! This fascinating and insightful webinar will discuss the treatment strategies available for this highly treatable condition.

• Does my client need a psychiatrist or a psychologist?
• What does my client experience in a psychological assessment?
• What is the difference between a cognitive and a psychological assessment?

In this exclusive webinar, designed specifically for legal professionals, gain an insider’s view into the intricacies of psychological assessments with Clinical and Chartered Psychologist Dr Laura Pipon-Young. This session demystifies the role of psychological evaluations in legal contexts, breaking down the essential processes and tools used to assess clients, providing valuable insight into why these evaluations are crucial in legal cases.

Discover the difference between cognitive and psychological assessments, when each is relevant, and what insights expert tests can offer to help understand and assess mental states. The session also clarifies the distinctions between psychologist and psychiatrist reports, helping you better navigate and utilise expert testimony.

This interactive format offers a unique chance to ask the questions you’ve always wanted to know, ensuring you leave with a clear understanding of how expert psychological evaluations work, and how they can add depth to your cases. Perfect for solicitors looking to deepen their understanding of assessment and testing processes, this webinar is a must-attend.

How can ADHD affect functioning in adulthood?

Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) find it difficult to organise their day, to focus on and stick to the task in hand, or to simply remember to keep appointments. They tend to procrastinate about important tasks and have trouble with meeting deadlines.

ADHD is associated with a higher rate of psychiatric co-morbidities (e.g. anxiety, depression, substance misuse, ASD) and when unrecognized/untreated, it can lead to lower levels of educational achievement, lower levels of employment with frequent job changes, and higher rates of relationship problems and divorce.

Individuals with ADHD are more likely to be involved in serious road traffic accidents and to get in trouble with the police/law. They are more likely to experience chronic sleep problems at night and experience chronic stress and tiredness during the day, which may further impact their day-to-day functioning.

Can ADHD and the associated symptoms be treated?

Yes! This fascinating and insightful webinar will discuss the treatment strategies available for this highly treatable condition.

This webinar will explore the often neglected topic of sex offending in women. It will include an up-to-date summary of the research including prevalence rates, how women sex offend, treatment options and the impact on victims.The role of gender will be explored including societal gender role expectations and how gender intersects with other characteristics such as ethnicity and culture. The webinar will present some case studies from Dr Pipon-Young’s career in women’s forensic services, and latterly as an Expert Witness for the Courts. Dr Pipon-Young will also include reference to female perpetrated sexual abuse in the family courts and the complexities of accurate risk assessment with this population.

Dr Barnard gives insight into the psychological treatment journey for people with PTSD, which can be a significantly debilitating mental health disorder.

Hear lived experience during this webinar from Nick Caswell, veteran and former members of the R0yal Signal Corps, who will recount his PTSD experience, and treatment journey with Dr Barnard.

Nick Wallis, who published a book detailing this scandal, will take you through the jaw dropping facts of one of the UK’s most significant miscarriages of justice.

Over a 20 year period, sub-postmasters complained about bugs in the Horizon system. However, The Post Office prosecuted 736 branch managers, at the rate of one a week for false accounting. Many lost their homes, savings, jobs and friends. Some went to prison, three committed suicide. In 2019 a High Court ruling found that the Horizon system was indeed floored. When The Post Office had found out the system was flawed, they covered it up.

In April 2021, the Court of Appeal quashed the convictions of 39 former sub-postmasters and ruled their prosecutions were an affront to the public conscience. Since then, a further 550 have been quashed, but even now hundreds of victims have received no compensation and no one has been held accountable.

An enlightening webinar in which Dr Charlie Musters, a highly experienced Perinatal Psychiatrist, will delve into captivating insights beneficial for both legal practitioners and mental health Experts alike.

In this compelling session, Dr Musters will explore four pivotal areas:

Parents’ mental health in Family Law Proceedings / Psychiatric injuries following obstetric negligence / Psychiatric care breaches of duty / Fabricated or Induced Illness (also known as FII, and previously Munchausen By Proxy)

With staggering statistics – approximately 1 in 25 individuals meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis – this webinar will help you understand the nuances: While many may exhibit ADHD-like symptoms, only a fraction require medication for significant impairment.

Dr Julia Ronder, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist with over 25 years of experience in both the NHS and the private sector will draw on her expertise to address several areas of this fascinating topic such as:

What is a thorough assessment of ADHD? / What else could explain ADHD symptoms, and what conditions can co-exist with ADHD? / How is ADHD managed? / What are the pitfalls and the benefits of medication? / What about ADHD and the law? / When is ADHD a superpower?

Research suggests about 20% to 50% of parents will have thoughts of harming their baby at some stage, especially in the first few weeks of life. For the vast majority, this will remain just a thought – most likely an intrusive, unwanted one at that. However, some will find themselves hurting their child deliberately, perhaps causing serious harm and even death. The question is why?

This webinar explores areas such as maternal mental health, post-partum psychosis, personality factors, sleep deprivation, physical health, relationship issues and attachment, along with the meaning of the child to the parent.