This seminar will provide an introduction to some key issues in criminal forensic practice. It is presented in three parts which are: 1) Understanding risk factors for criminal conduct; 2) special offender populations (mentally ill, sexual offenders, psychopaths, and violent offenders); and 3) special tasks that forensic psychologists are often involved in such as risk assessment, treatment, and determining fitness to stand trial.

Learning Objectives

1) Describe developmental, biological/genetic, and environmental risk factors for criminal behaviour.
2) Distinguish between subgroups of sexual and violent offenders as well as differentiate between conduct disorder, antisocial personality disorder, and psychopathy.
3) Discuss the psycholegal considerations involved in advising the criminal justice system on matters of psychiatric fitness to stand trial and eligibility for NCR-MD (not criminally responsible due to mental illness) matters.
4) Describe a range of therapeutic approaches, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, as they apply to offender populations.
5) Distinguish between the three main approaches to risk assessment, as well as their strengths and limitations.

Intended Audiences

Registered and provisional registered psychologists, and psychology students at all levels who wish to enhance their understanding of the above topics.

Dr. Roy Frenzel

Dr. Roy Frenzel is a senior psychologist with Recovery Alberta, a former president of the College of Alberta Psychologists. A PAA practice advisor, and an instructor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Alberta where he regularly teaches courses in forensic, abnormal, and clinical psychology. His clinical work is primarily in the areas of forensic assessment and treatment, and he has extensive experience working in both hospital and community outpatient settings. Dr. Frenzel is a strong proponent of interdisciplinary and evidence-based practice and provides training opportunities for aspiring practitioners at various levels in their professional development.

Dr. Frenzel completed his graduate training at the University of Alberta and his undergraduate work at York University in Toronto. In addition, he has completed specialized training in the diagnosis and management of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) at the University of Washington.

As a forensic psychologist, Dr. Frenzel is often required to attend Court and has been qualified as an expert witness in both Provincial Court and the Court of King’s Bench. His research interests and publications are centered around sexual offenders and actuarial risk assessment.

Dr. Frenzel has been representing Recovery Alberta (previously Alberta Health Services) on the Edmonton Bench and Bar Committee for over four years, and in that role addresses broad clinical issues and matters related to clinical service delivery with justice-involved individuals.

Members Only Discounts

Are you a member with the PAA? Did you know that members get discounts on workshops? Ensure that you are signed in when purchasing a ticket to receive your discount.

Full Members, Early Career Psychologists, Professional Affiliate Members, Out of Province Psychologist Members, Non-Practicing Members and Lifetime Members receive 20% off.

Provisional Members and Psychological Assistant Members receive 30% off.

Student Members receive 40% off.

Registrations

Registrations for in-person workshops are open until 3 business days prior to the workshop to ensure accurate numbers for catering and event space. Should you wish to register for this workshop within 1-3 business days prior to the workshop, requests must be made in writing to the Continuing Professional Development Officer at cpd@paa-ab.ca. Requests will not be processed if they are received after 12pm on the last business day prior to the workshop.

Continuing Education Credits

The Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA) is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) to offer Continuing Education (CE) for psychologists. This workshop is offered for six (6) hours of CE Credit. Full attendance at the workshop is required to receive Continuing Education Credits. Partial credit will not be awarded, and late arrivals or early departure will preclude awarding of Continuing Education Credits. PAA maintains responsibility for the program.

Cancellation and Refunds

Cancellation and refunds may be applied for by email or phone call to the PAA Continuing Professional Development Officer.  Cancellations received fourteen (14) days prior to the Continuing Professional Development activity will receive a full refund of the registration fee, less a $35.00 + GST processing fee. Cancellations received thirteen (13) days or less prior to the Continuing Professional Development activity will be exempt from receiving a refund. Partial refunds will not be awarded. PAA reserves the right to cancel any activity, in which case a full refund of the registration fee will be provided.