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A group of clinicians sitting in a circle having a discussion.

Our Mission:

To provide social workers and other mental health professionals with state-of-the-art continuing education encompassing a variety of clinical issues, client populations, and practice settings. We believe effective learning occurs in a professional, nurturing, supportive, and fun environment that fosters collegial sharing and networking.

Our trainings encourage clinicians to reframe and de-pathologize symptoms, while focusing on clients’ resiliency and strengths. We believe that clinicians are only as effective as the extent to which they take care of themselves, so we also address issues of counter-transference, vicarious traumatization, and professional burnout.

Four people attending a workshop for The Ferentz Institute.

Trauma Certificate Programs

Learn how to incorporate effective and creative trauma treatment strategies that promote self-compassion and healing.

Get Started
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Discover our Inspiring Workshops

Earn valuable CEUs through informative and experiential workshops that strengthen your professional skills and enhance your personal growth.

Learn More
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Bring Lisa to You

Discover trainings and keynote addresses that Lisa can offer your professional community at your clinical setting or conference.

Upcoming Classes

Boost your professional knowledge and expand your expertise with our in-person and online trainings.

A picture that represents this event.
February 19, 2026
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Location:
In-Person at The Hilton Garden Inn • Owings Mills, MD
Presenter:
Presenter:
Lisa Ferentz
LCSW-C, DAPA

In this 6-hour workshop we will set the stage for a clinical and philosophical approach to trauma informed treatment.

A picture that represents this event.
February 26, 2026
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Location:
In-Person at The Hilton Garden Inn • Owings Mills, MD
Presenter:
Presenter:
Lisa Ferentz
LCSW-C, DAPA

In this workshop, participants will connect the fawn response to insecure attachment, and process why it is a necessary and inevitable childhood response to trauma, abuse or neglect.

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March 2, 2026
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Presenter:
Wayne Evans
PHD

Explore strategies to help Black men navigate racism and trauma, replacing 'just surviving' with thriving, meaningful lives rooted in resilience and self-worth.

What people are saying about The Ferentz Institute:

Benta Sims
LPC

Heidi's style of interacting as she presented the material was kind, respectful, thoughtful, mindful, experienced, and yet humble.

Kris O’Shee
LPC

I liked that she was so able to present authentically from her pwn experience.

Sarah Lawson
LGSW

Salicia was amazing and I would attend another training session with her.

Alison Forger
LGSW

Ms. Kolodny was extremely knowledgeable and brought a ton of interesting and informative anecdotes from her practice. I appreciate your expertise!

Alexandra Clarysse
RP, MSW, RSW

I always benefit from learning with Lisa. Her experience is invaluable and the compassionate way she teaches concepts have become part of the way I interact and communicate with my own clients. The practical strategies will be invaluable in my work with them

Renee Drehmer
LCPC

The entire program was interesting and thought-provoking. It is change the way I work with all my clients no matter what issues they present with. I wish a class of this nature had been part of my graduate program back in the day. Lisa presented the material same fashion she encourages us with clients. I plan to take Level II.

Jessica Silbermann
LCSW-C

Timothy was thoughtful, compassionate and extremely knowledgeable on the topic and provided excellent tools and resources to engage in the work with gender expansive youth more meaningfully and with greater intention.

R. Denise Roberson
LPC

What I liked best is that Susan provided strategies specifically geared to treat OCD treatment with both children and adults.

Karen A. Ross Taylor
LCSW-C

She [Lisa] is both a teacher and a practitioner- she is clearly not just an academic.

Lindsey McDaniel
LCSW

[I especially liked] Dr. Evan's incredible breadth and depth of knowledge; and, his ability to use familiar stories as examples.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

Lisa encourages everyone to find their own way of working whilst giving them amazing resources.

Jessica Silbermann
LCSW-C

Sabrina is a genuine, warm and comforting presence. It was a much needed perspective shift in these times of instability and division. I learned, I laughed, I felt deeply.

Bernadette Wendel
LCSW-C

[What I liked best was] Susan's abundance of knowledge and understanding of OCD, as well as her enthusiasm and warm style towards presenting this training.

Jennifer Z.
LCSW-C

This workshop was a unique and inspiring sharing of wisdom, knowledge and support for each of us a clinicians and as humans. Dr. Sabrina is an amazing presenter with an abundance of knowledge and inspiration for every one of us!

Angela Webster
MED

I feel like my work is taking a new direction. Thank you for all of the ideas I could use immediately after each session.

Melissa Brown
LCPC

Although I recently attended another CEU about IFS (internal family systems) therapy, I did not hesitate to attend [Using Expressive Modalities to Connect With and Soothe Traumatized Parts] as I knew she would add depth and knowledge to the subject. I was not disappointed, and I was happy to gain insights that have helped me personally and professionally.

Brenda May
LCSW-C, BCD, LLC

As always, Lisa's preparation, information, and presentation [for Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was superb. She delivers material and sources in a way that keeps participants interested and engaged. Her ethics workshops are never boring and always informative.

Megan Robison
LCSW-C

This ethics workshop was awesome! It allowed for so much time to ask questions and explore concerns that attendees currently had. Lisa made it interesting and engaging.

Jeremy Klass
LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW

Lisa is my favorite CE presenter due to her combination of knowledge and presentation style -- very relatable, accepting of differing points of view, great use of research.

Kathy Haerian

[Peggy] is highly experienced and provided trauma informed care regarding incorporating collage into your practice. [Trauma Informed Collage Methods] also focused on the importance of art belonging to the client, and reminded about the importance of this being one of the true principles of the experiential work.

Royshonda Boulden
Victim Advocate

This training gave me new insight as an advocate and really put things in a new light.

Michelle Simonds
LCPC, LCADC

Peggy was very knowlegeable, caring, amd approachable.

Lisa A. Early
LCPC

Jill was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

Sarah Conn
LCSW

I found [Evolving Treatment in the Face of the Opioid Epidemic] very informative. The presenter was very knowledgeable about the topic and I found it helpful to hear real life experiences with addiction.

Cassandra Ekstrom
LCSW-C

Jill is so invested and connected to the work and this is apparent in her teaching.

Catherine Peterson
LCSW

I have grown as a therapist over the last nine sessions and I believe my growth allows me to see and access the strengths and resiliency in my clients in a new and different way.

Jess Maier
LCPC

[Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom] was highly interactive and engaging. It was a true, in-person, demonstration of how dream work can be a useful took in therapy.

Joseph Rollo
LCSW-C

I believe the most positive take away from the workshop was the opportunity to interact with other participants. I do believe the workshop was well-planned and facilitated.

Jessica LeTourneau
LCPC

[Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom had] great information with experiential exercises. I really enjoyed connecting with the other participants.

Bonnie Damron
LCSW

Jill’s knowledge about her material is extraordinary. Her style focused on compassionate care of her clients married with sharp minded knowledge of both the art and science of her subject. Her pacing was excellent. She gave ample space for us to respond, ask questions and process. Her humanity and humility, I am sure, is basic to her nature.

Ryan Muffi
LGPC

[Using Expressive Modalities to Connect With and Soothe Traumatized Parts] was phenomenal. I already see a change in the way I conceptualize and treat clients' presenting concerns. Learning and applying several expressive techniques first-hand in the workshop gave me the confidence to put it into practice. It also helped that the venue and workshop set-up were *amazing* and very conducive to learning.

Roberta Omin
LCSW

Very real and authentic, human and relatable, thoughtful and shared everything she has with us.

Nia Foggy
LPC, LCPC

Lisa Ferentz is amazing! Because of her dedication to mental health, compassion for clients, and experience, I am more confident in myself as a therapist. I have been able to apply all techniques and tools to my practice.

Natalie O'Neil
LCPC

This program is an incredibly wise investment for anyone who is interested in becoming more trauma informed. The information is priceless, digestible, comprehensive, and delivered in an engaging way. I cannot endorse Lisa and the Institute enough- it is worth your time to enhance your skills.

Mariangela Weiskopf
LCPC

The discussions of clinical case analysis in regards to ethics was super beneficial. Lisa shares the wealth of her clinical skills and knowledge in every workshop she teaches.

Paris Grigsby
LGPC

She was thoughtful and considerate of our experiences in addition to client experiences.

Shannon Haley
LCSW-C

This program provides the essential necessary for effective practice. I've been a licensed social worker for 17 years and this program was more beneficial than any graduate class or training I have ever taken. Thank you, Lisa!

Holly Dawsey
LCSW-C

Lisa presents in such a way that fosters a safe and welcoming space where participants can ask questions and share experiences comfortably, which enhances learning.

Rachel Schultz
LICSW, LCSW-C

Lisa shared so much incredible wisdom.

Amy Shulkin
PhD

What I most liked about Lisa and her training was the clarity on her opinions/biases, transparency, organization, presentation style, knowledge based on both research and clinical experience.

Tracy Ambos
LCSW-C, LICSW

If you are a clinician Lisa Ferentz's trauma training is one you cannot miss!!

Marni McGarry
LCSW-C

Sabrina creates an authentic and accessible learning space for everyone.

Jennifer Z.
LCSW-C

This workshop was a unique and inspiring sharing of wisdom, knowledge and support for each of us as clinicians and as humans. Dr. Sabrina is an amazing presenter with an abundance of knowledge and inspiration for every one of us!

Elyse Greenwald
LCPC

Denise was excellent all around. Her use of real case examples to illustrate her narrative allowed her to present a very complex subject.

Leila Hamidi
MS, LGPC, NCC

I believe the Trauma Program taught by the wonderful Lisa Ferentz should be a requirement for all mental health practitioners. I can't thank the Institute enough for offering this course!

Laura B.
LCPC

I enjoyed this workshop. I feel like this and other offerings at the Ferentz Institute are the only time I receive continuing education that really, really speaks to these matters in a substantive manner. I hope to be able to attend more workshops in the near future. This particular one was impressive at the depth we went to in a relatively short amount of time.

Alexis Buckheit
LPC, LCPC

Timothy was so wise and supportive in the way he presented the material. The environment was comfortable and facilitated space for questions and thoughts among participants, which is not always the case in virtual workshops.

Laurey Richmond
LCPC

Lisa paid attention and engaged with all participants consistently and respectfully. I am deeply grateful that it was offered online at this time.

Joy Paul
LCSW-C

Her experience and the way she presents is with warmth, and she is so engaging.

Laura Malone
LMSW

The program was incredibly informative. The way Lisa structured and presented the information was great!

Sharazad Haimanchandra
LMSW

Aliza spoke in a calm, regulating manner. She was encouraging and knowledgeable.

Nicole O.
LCSW-C

Dr. Sabrina is a genuine, authentic and compassionate teacher. I appreciate her ability to teach holistic wellness by sharing her knowledge and wisdom. I am grateful for her taking the time to address the importance of utilizing an integrative-approach with clients, as well as empowering clinicians to use healing practices to take care of ourselves as healers.

Patti Amsel
LCSW-C

I have been practicing for 42 years and I work with individuals who have been plagued with the suffering and consequences of trauma. I do consider myself “trauma informed." I have not experienced such clarity and integration of traumatic clinical processes and treatment [found in Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations]. In addition to strategic interventions offered to manage the journey without re-traumatization, Lisa Ferentz is a very gifted clinician and my wish is for younger professionals to be trained and influence their skills forever.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Lisa provides a comfortable learning environment. The presentations are clear and thoughts, feedback and questions are always welcome.

Kimberly G.
LCSW-C

I really enjoyed the case examples and breakout groups and her lived experience.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

Already I'm benefiting greatly from Lisa's excellent, thoughtful engagement and presentation based on her decades of work serving trauma survivors field. Her information is both practical and nuanced.

Grace Wright
LMSW

The trauma certificate Level I program led by Lisa is transformational. Lisa's expertise and experience is woven into the curriculum in a way that is engaging and fascinating. This program offers practitioners concrete skills and knowledge that expand clinical work with clients tremendously. Thank you!

Amy Waldron
LCPC

[Lisa] kept the audience very engaged in the discussion [during Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice].

Bruce Snyder
Pastoral Crisis Counselor

The Expressive Modalities Program provides a quality connection of didactic information with sensory experience, for a more complete understanding of beneficial client treatment concepts.

Storm Emerson
LCPC

The presenter was very interactive and knowledgeable.

Luisa Aguilar-Salazar
LCSW

Very knowledgeable speaker, discussions are open and foster growth.

Eileen Stanzione
LCSW-C, PHD

I enjoyed the presenters [in Individualizing Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Complex Trauma and Dissociation]; they were engaging, informative, current, and had a perspective which I believe broadened my own. They offered breakfast, snacks, and all day coffee. What could be better than being nurtured and informed!

Mimi Thomas
LCSW-C

Jonah was organized, articulate and knowledgeble.

Christine Barnes
LCSW-C

She created a safe space for us all. Was very kind and personable. Extremely knowledgeable and confident. Stayed on schedule.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Lisa provides a comfortable learning environment. The presentations are clear and thoughts, feedback and questions are always welcome.

Katie Richa
LCPC

Lisa is the epitome of a leader and educator. She is wise, warm, and well versed in each topic she presents, and this one was no different. I especially appreciated the dialogue around how to dispel myths associated with Marijuana/THC/CBD. The research, websites, and statistics were also helpful. I am always thankful for her willingness to share!

Hillel Zeitlin
LCSW-C

Lisa [Ferentz] is an extraordinarily skilled presenter, who combines personal warmth with refined clinical acumen, and a great capacity for inclusion and compassion.

Barbara Perry
LCSW-C

The presenter was engaging, had a thorough knowledge of the subject matter, and included participation from attendees.

Hana Perkey
LPC, CPCS, CCTP

I especially liked the presenter's [Dee's] style and the modeling of how to apply what she taught to one's practice.

Wendy Pitts
LCSW-C

Dr. Sabrina was an amazing presenter and I will definitely take another class with her when one is offered.

Kerry Ford Morancy
LCSW-C

The way Salicia facilitated the exercises was most powerful and supportive.

Hayley B. Sherwood
PHD

Dr. Papernow is a highly-skilled, empathetic, engaging and clear communicator who is able to connect with the audience in powerful and meaningful ways. Her examples, handouts and years of clinical experience will most definitely assist me in my work with clients moving forward. Thank you so much!

Cara Nazereth
LCMFT

As a clinician, one of the most important tools we have is our self. Lisa helped me find my own internal wisdom and see my blind spots.

Tiffany Smith
LCSW-C

Dr. Wayne's personality is so real and authentic. He was warm, welcoming, greeted us each personally and engaged with us in relatable and understandable ways. Not 'academic' or 'stuffy' as some can be when presenting.

Anonymous

Patricia Papernow is clearly knowledgeable in "blended families" and it felt like she was very excited to share her knowledge and happy to answer any questions. I didn't feel like I was being lectured but encouraged to ask questions and get involved. I felt like I took a lot a way without feeling overwhelmed by the information provided. Also, I was given resources that I was encouraged to share with other clinicians or clients, which I don't feel I often get in a training (usually I feel like I given resources that are mostly applicable to clinicians). Amazing workshop!

Janel Cubbage
LCPC

Dr. Evans was very personable, engaged in and encouraged dialogue. He was enthusiastic and offered so many good references to drive home understanding of the material.

Justine Muyu
LCPC

Lisa is an exceptional trainer. Knowledgeable, clinically experienced and very good at breaking down research in accessible and practical ways. I walked away with a greater understanding of the problem and strategies to help my clients deal with it immediately.

Caitlin Tromiczak
LICSW-C

Sabrina leads with her heart and invites us all to do the same. This approach coupled with her immense experience and insight allowed me to both learn new skills and ways of conceptualizing the work as well as tap deeper into my own wisdom and expertise.

Alisha Epps
LCSW-C

I loved Dr. Evans' energy, his knowledge of the topic discussed, his book recommendations.

Elizabeth Doonan
LCSW-C

The Trauma Informed Treatment, Ethical considerations workshop was interesting, clear, informative and useful throughout. Lisa's authenticity is refreshing, her genuine dedication and advocacy for both the client and practitioner are unparalleled. I am glad I had the chance to attend this unique workshop.

Kath Haerian
LCSW-C

I feel more alive in my practice that I ever have. Digging in and learning has been rejuvenating. Feeling like I am aware of the latest trauma research has made me look at my practice with “new eyes.” I can't imagine working with eating disordered clients without what I have learned.

Melissa Deaton Cook
LPC, NCC

The training framed supervision as relational, ethical, and helpful as compared to simply policing and gatekeeping.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

Gosh, it's hard to limit. There is so much to admire. I think I'd have to say what I like best is Lisa's ability to organize the wealth of her knowledge/concepts in such an organized fashion and her openness to generously share the wealth and specifics of her practical experience and knowledge with others. By doing so, she is spreading her important concepts and compassion for others to more effectively serve clients.

Anna Davis
MSW, LCSW

Effective OCD treatment isn�t about feeling better right away � it�s about learning to feel discomfort and act anyway.� � A powerful insight from Susan Osofsky, LCSW

Rosemary Klapac
LMSW

Lisa is well informed on the subject of trauma informed treatment and was able to offer great insight as well as real world examples. I left [Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] with concrete ideas that I could implement right away.

Ann Smith
LCSW-C

This program incorporates all of the contemporary and recent knowledge the field has gained in trauma-informed therapy treatment and gives therapists concrete tools and strategies to use with their clients. Lisa and her faculty provide warmth, support and encouragement all throughout the course.

Dana Lipsky
PsyD

I loved the overview of the couples IFIO. The presenter was approachable, engaging, and made the information easily digestible.

Lisa A. Early
LCPC

Lisa is energetic, fully present and engaged, allowing for in depth impromptu conversations as part of the presentation, which is helpful.

Chelsey H.
LICSW

Lisa is a gem. I have learned so many wonderful techniques and gained a fresh perspective on my work with trauma survivors.

Emily Perrin
LMSW

I thought TJ was awesome. I loved her energy. I would have loved to hear / see more of the games / play activates she uses with clients! Everything else was wonderful.

Michael Schlein
LCPC

This was an awesome workshop that gave me the very unique opportunity to learn from the wisdom of a seasoned Rabbi, Priest and therapist. I left the workshop better equipped and more inspired to help my clients.

Michael Schlein
LCPC

This was an awesome workshop that gave me the very unique opportunity to learn from the wisdom of a seasoned Rabbi, Priest and therapist. I left the workshop better equipped and more inspired to help my clients.

Brian Edwards
LCPC

Jill is a wonderful teacher!

Julie Morton
LCSW-C

Susan and Heather were a great team [in Couples Work and Why it Matters in Modern Times]. They worked together to highlight where their modalities overlapped and differed. They were both very knowledgable.

Erin Seifert
LCSW-C

Lisa was able to breakdown concepts to be easily understood and has such a wealth of experience that she can really show how this can be woven in, and why it should be woven, into an assessment.

Michelle Market
LPC

I appreciated Susan's approachability with asking questions and how well she explained things providing us with stories of what she would share with her own clients.

Caitlin McGuires
LCSW-C

Sabrina has such amazing knowledge and really encouraged participation, creating a safe and connected space to share and learn.

Julia K.
LCPC

The workshop was so valuable in that it provided me with an expanded scope of practice and concrete techniques to use in addressing difficult subjects with clients. Lisa is such an engaging and knowledgeable presenter and weaves in relevant examples from her own practice, which helps highlight the practical applications of the material.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

The compassion, empathy, knowledge and humor shines through in both Lisa and Dr. Ferentz.

Sarah Dziwanowski
LCSW-C

She was relatable, knowledgeable, compassionate and funny. She did a great job giving practical tools to use while increasing my overall knowledge about OCD.

Sara F.
LGSW, MSW

Denise did an excellent job...I found her very knowledgeable and she used really relevant case examples (from her own experiences) that helped make the material more tangible. Her examples of reframing both assessment questions and how to respond to clients in a strength-based way were very informative...Overall, I very much enjoyed the training.

The Ferentz Institute, Inc. is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland. CEU approval for all trainings is also granted to Psychologists, LCPC’s and MFT’s and approved by the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists and the Board of Examiners for Psychologists in Maryland. Reciprocity has also been granted for clinicians in Washington, DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Texas. All mental health clinicians are encouraged to check with their respective State Boards to learn if reciprocity is offered for our CEUs. The Institute also maintains full responsibility for all programming.

*Please note that, for workshops that offer CEUs in Anti-Oppressive Content, Ethics, and/or Diversity, those credits may only be used for one of those categories, not all.