WHERE RESEARCH MEETS PRACTICE
Evidence-based, trauma-informed training to support professionals in enhancing investigative and decision-making skills. Our workshops offer practical tools and knowledge to make a meaningful impact in complex cases.
The StepWise 360™ framework offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to forensic interviewing. It empowers professionals to conduct interviews that are not only effective but also sensitive to the needs of the interviewee.
StepWise 360™ builds on the trusted foundations of the original StepWise™ methodology, recognized both nationally and internationally since the 1990s as an effective and proven forensic interviewing model.
Emphasizing person-centered, compassionate interviewing to reduce re-traumatization and gather reliable information.
Adapted for modern challenges with flexible tools for conducting defensible, evidence-based interviews across diverse cases.
Choose Your Path
Explore the learning path that fits your needs and read full course descriptions.
Our Team
Dr. Hugues Hervé, co-founder of The Forensic Practice, is an expert forensic psychologist advancing best practices in safety and investigation.
Susan Kim, co-founder of The Forensic Practice, brings 19 years in federal correctional services, specializing in risk assessment and staff training.
Kamna Nand, Practice Manager at The Forensic Practice, brings global experience and a talent for building genuine connections and team cohesion.
At The Forensic Practice, we provide trusted, specialized training to ensure professionals can conduct interviews that stand up in court and adapt to real-world challenges. Our exclusive StepWise 360™ training gives you the tools to gather critical evidence while prioritizing ethical standards and reducing harm.
In addition to the Learning Paths, you can also explore our eCourses and Workshops, tailored for individuals and organizations.
Our programs for individuals are designed to build foundational and advanced forensic interviewing skills, empowering you with the tools and confidence to conduct interviews that are ethical, defensible, and trauma-informed.
Tailored to meet the unique needs of teams, our organizational programs provide comprehensive training and support to enhance collective expertise in forensic interviewing, ensuring effective and reliable interview practices across your organization.
Discover how our training has transformed the approach and confidence of professionals like you.
(February 2023, ICY, Inperson)
(December 2023, ICY Inperson)
(November, 2022)
(September 2022, ICY, Open Online)
(September 2022, ICY, Open Online)
(May 2023, ICY, Open, Online)
(October, 2021)
(November 2022, TCCN, Inperson)
(March, 2022)
Explore knowledge from professionals in the field.
Trauma-Informed Practice (TIP) has become a national priority across policing, child protection, victim services, healthcare, and justice sectors. While the overarching goal of TIP is to reduce harm to trauma survivors and prevent re-traumatization, the responsibilities placed on frontline investigators and interviewers have grown more complex.
![[picture of child witness]](https://theforensicpractice.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/child-witness-300x200.png)
Prior to 2006, children could testify after promising to tell the truth as long as they could answer questions that demonstrated that they understood the meaning of truth and lies and the importance of telling the truth. Research challenged this practice by demonstrating that the ability to explain the difference between truths and lies and to discuss the moral implications of lying were not strongly related to truth telling.
Psychologists often group decision-making into two systems that work together: System 1 makes fast decisions, while System 2 makes slow decisions.
System 1 uses heuristics — mental shortcuts or general rules for making quick decisions. System 1 automatically and unconsciously makes snap judgements that are efficient. Snap judgements are good enough for most daily living activities, but in forensic settings they can lead to errors that have life-altering effects.
Forensic interviewing is a critical component in investigations, requiring a nuanced approach to gather accurate information while ensuring the interviewee’s well-being. Adhering to established best-practice guidelines enhances the effectiveness and integrity of these interviews. Below, we explore five foundational guidelines that underpin effective forensic interviewing models. Forensic interviewing should be: memory informed, client centred, strength based, culturally agile, and trauma informed.
In June 2024, at the 31st American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) Colloquium in New Orleans, Practice Director and co-founder of The Forensic Practice, Dr. Hugues Hervé received the Outstanding Front Line Professional Award.
Forensic interviewing requires a structured yet adaptable approach to gather accurate, legally defensible information across diverse cases and individuals. Here’s how flexibility in forensic interviewing ensures effective communication, ethical practices, and reliable outcomes.
Join our workshops to master forensic interviewing techniques and elevate your professional practice.
