“C. I. T. and Listen”. Navigating the Trauma Informed Interview through the Cognitive Interview Technique.

Description

Who this is for

• Junior lawyers, articling students, and professionals who take client or witness statements
• Litigators wanting better discovery/examination results through stronger interviews
• Professionals in any field where outcomes depend on the depth and quality of information gathered from clients.

What you’ll learn

 

• Learn exactly what the Cognitive Interview Technique is and why it’s a game-changer for client and witness interviews
• How to ask questions that unlock memory and detail (not just yes/no)
• Language choices that prevent harm and keep clients regulated
• Structuring interviews from rapport → recall → clarification → close
• Managing disclosures and difficult moments without losing the thread
• Capturing the information while staying present
• A step-by-step Roadmap you can use in real files tomorrow

 

What’s inside (4 modules + practice)

1. Let’s Connect
   – Steps to establishing rapport with clients before the interview process begins
2. The Art of the Question
     – What is the Cognitive Interview Technique with a deep dive into the four types of interview questions and how to use them.
3. The Art of Listening
   – The obstacles to listening and the essential steps to become an effective listener
4. Common pitfalls and obstacles in trauma-informed interviewing – and how to avoid them

 

Format & time

• Self-paced video lessons (4 modules × 60 minutes/module)
• Takeaway exercise at the end of every module (10–15 minutes)
• Lessons from the Field (After each module, a behind the scenes video with a story from an interview I conducted where these techniques made all the difference)

You’ll get

• Trauma-Informed Interview Roadmap (PDF)
• Certificate of completion; lifetime access and future updates

Professional Development credits

May qualify for CPD/continuing education—please confirm with your law society. A completion certificate is included.

 

Instructor

As a former Casualty Adjuster, I’ve conducted over 10,000 in-person statements. Trained in the Cognitive Interview Technique in the mid-90s by two retired RCMP officers, I built my career on mastering trauma-informed interviewing. Since retiring in 2020, my mission has been to share that training—helping other professionals move from feeling undertrained and overwhelmed to confident and in control.

FAQ 

• • Is this course suitable if I’m brand new to interviewing? Yes—no prerequisites.

• Is this course suitable if I already have an established Q & A style?  Yes – this roadmap doesn’t replace your skills – it enhances them.

• Does it include scripts? You’ll get model language plus a sequencing roadmap