National Psychology Training Consortium

Introductory --- Designed for psychologists who may have little to no background in a specialized skill or content area. The learner can become acquainted with the theoretical underpinnings, principles, methods, and perspectives of a content area. Although it can be used as a foundation for more advanced learning, a program may simply focus on breadth, enrichment or general knowledge.

Course Description and Target Audience

This presentation will provide a general overview of moral injury with a focus on moral injury as it pertains to working with military personnel and veterans. The history of moral injury will be covered along with a general explanation of central constructs and concepts. The intersection of moral psychology, neurobiology, and military culture will be discussed along with the assessment and treatment of moral injury in veterans and service members. The presentation is designed for mental health professionals who work with service members, veterans, and their families and will also be applicable to those working with individuals who experience trauma-related disorders in general.

The content was obtained from primary source materials. It is expected that this information will be of great use in working with military service members. It will also be asserted that this information will be useful in working with many clients with trauma and complex trauma histories. Limitations of this presentation are related to the introductory nature of the topic and will constitute a starting point for mental health professionals working with individuals who have experienced moral injury. The content may be disturbing to some sensitive participants and they will be cautioned at the beginning of the presentation and will be asked to excuse themselves if needed or desired.

Diversity and diverse identities will be incorporated as best as possible given the nascency of the scientific study of moral injury. Military service members, veterans, and their families will be a focus of the presentation. Native American and indigenous cultures will be discussed regarding the use of warrior purification rituals and the intersection of moral injury treatment.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to describe the moral issues involved in combat.
• Participants will be able to discuss how moral injury can be a part of, and distinct from, PTSD.
• Participants will be able to explain major correlates of moral injury.
• Participants will be able to describe moral emotions and moral cognitions involved in moral injury.
• Participants will be able to list common measurement instruments for and treatments of moral injury.

Presenter Information

James Noll, Ph.D., HSPP, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University. Dr. Noll received his undergraduate degree in psychology from Purdue University in 1987 and his masters and doctoral degrees in psychology from Northern Illinois University in 1993 and 1999 respectively. Dr. Noll completed his internship at the Lexington KY Veterans Affairs Medical Center with rotations in geropsychology, neuropsychology, and acute care. He has been at 4C Health community mental health center since 1997 and has been practicing in community mental health since 1995. He has been licensed as a Psychologist in Indiana since 2000. 

Dr. Noll has interests in anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma and treating service members, veterans, and their families. He has received advanced training in treating military personnel and their families. He was a Behavioral Health Officer with the Indiana Army National Guard from 2016 to 2025 and was deployed to the Persian Gulf in 2019. At Purdue, Dr. Noll teaches coursework in Principles and Techniques of Psychological Treatment and Psychology or Trauma and is the the clinical supervisor for the Adult Services Clinic of the Purdue Psychology Treatment and Research Clinics. He also is a part-time Psychologist with Aspire Indiana Health.

Live Training Format

Attendance for this live training will be tracked by attendees completing the following tasks:

• Attend the live training in full and review all provided documents in their entirety.
• The Live CE Training Evaluation will be provided to all attendees. Please be sure to complete this evaluation in addition to attending the training.
• Downloading the CE Certificate.
   

CE Certificate

This course includes the materials required to obtain a CE Certificate. Your certificate will be made available to you upon completion of the training course. 

Questions or Concerns?

Contact [email protected] for assistance.

National Psychology Training Consortium (NPTC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NPTC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.