
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.

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

Earn valuable CEUs through informative and experiential workshops that strengthen your professional skills and enhance your personal growth.
Discover trainings and keynote addresses that Lisa can offer your professional community at your clinical setting or conference.
Boost your professional knowledge and expand your expertise with our in-person and online trainings.
In this workshop, participants will explore how systemic inequities shape both individual suffering and collective trauma while developing practical, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive tools for ethical practice and advocacy.
In this 6-hour workshop we will use videotaped examples to explore the four major attachment styles: secure; avoidnt; ambivalent; and disorganized.
This workshop will provide a framework within which to reimagine a relationship between therapy and spirituality.
The facilitator [Sabrina] of the workshop was able to artfully and compassionately develop a wonderful learning environment. The information and experiential learning enhanced my personal growth and professional development.
This training was worth the investment. It increased my confidence as well as my competence and my ability to both maintain and model healthy boundaries and work-life balance. Lisa is a very inspiring mentor.
A wonderful experience. This will certainly enhance my skills in working with traumatized children.
Lisa paid attention and engaged with all participants consistently and respectfully. I am deeply grateful that it was offered online at this time.
Lisa is open, approachable, knowledgeable and warm.
The presenter [for Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom] had a good grasp of the material and was exceptionally well prepared.
Listening to one of the most talented and gifted therapists was an absolute treat!
I was ambivalent about the utility of teletherapy. Lisa presented information focusing on the individual, therapist, and relationship. [Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Telemental Health was] highly useful.
[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.
Lisa [Ferentz] has a unique ability to breathe life into an important but dry, dull and boring topic - Ethics! You simply can not fall asleep in Lisa's workshop [Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice].
Lisa Ferentz is a great speaker, she gives ample time for questions, and her material is relevant with new research findings.
This training was invaluable. I was able to use this knowledge and the techniques to help almost every single client I serve.
Lisa is always informative and shares her own client experiences which is a great help.
I really appreciated Sabrina's authenticity as well as her ability to have participants explore traits about themselves that can be used as unique gifts as supervisors. She has amazing energy and insight!
I especially liked the level of knowledge and comprehensiveness of both the workshop and the presenter [Peggy].
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!
Susan was easy to follow & understand; and, she was especially honest if she didn't know something.
Dr. Sabrina did a fabulous job engaging us for 12 hours. I loved the format, her knowledge, and the real-life tips and experiences to help us grow.
Peggy presented the material in a way that was easy to understand and learn. She gave clear interventions to utilize with clients (art, collage, clay).
Lisa is always incredible - you learn from minute one to the end of the day. She's engaging, funny and breaks down the concepts in such an accessible way.
This was a phenomenal training which helped me develop significant personal and professional insights. I left every session feeling energized and excited about sharing new ideas and approaches with clients. Being in a room with Lisa and so many other therapists has been an incredibly normalizing, reassuring and encouraging space. Lisa has been a consistent model of compassion and client-centered care throughout and I can't wait to learn from her again in the future.
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.
I appreciated Susan’s expertise, personal sharing of cases, and her personality.
Lisa is thorough and committed to making sure that we as clinicians are informed of this significant and life changing news. Her compassion and her faith in us reassures us that we can make a difference.
I was moved by the dialogue, and I now have a better understanding of the benefits of balancing spirituality and psycho-therapy. The therapist [Lisa] was awesome and one could get sense as to why she is so sought after. The feedback from the Rabbi [Goldberger] and the Priest [Father Ray] offered for me a unique look into the both perspectives and how each saw how the inclusion of spiritually can help ones clients achieve post recovery.
Sabrina creates an authentic and accessible learning space for everyone.
It was everything I was hoping for and more. So much learning happened during it and so much learning will happen as I continue to reckon with the ideas she introduced to us in this training.
I really liked the presenters knowledge and helpful answers throughout the training.
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.
[Staying Within the Window of Tolerance: Breath Work and Body-Centered Modalities for Affect Regulation] was an excellent mix of education via lecture and via experiential learning. I really enjoyed the opportunity to practice the techniques with other participants in a supportive environment!
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.
Dr. Papernow was awesome! Used dialogue the whole training that modeled appropriate use of the teachings in our practices.
Lisa Ferentz's program in Advanced Trauma Treatment level I is the must-have for every clinician, no matter their population or therapeutic approach. Not only can this training help inform your work with trauma clients, it can provide another layer of therapeutic empathy that can be applied to all clients, and modalities that can be used with any client.
Very informative!
Lisa is such a dynamic teacher who uses real life examples to teach. Treats DID with compassion and de-pathologizes it.
Sabrina was very knowledgeable and offered new content in a way that was inspiring and easy to digest.
This program helped me grow so much, not just as a clinician, but also as an individual.
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.
Great information with experiential exercises. I really enjoyed connecting with the other participants.
Trauma Informed Collage Methods was a very valuable workshop as I have always had a personal affinity for collage activities and love to find ways to incorporate it into my practice. It's also a kinder and less threatening modality for those of us who minimize or deny having artistic abilities. The facilitator Peggy and her assistant Hanna were organized and accommodating. Having minimally structured experiential components to the workshop was a smart choice. I highly recommend :)
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.
Lisa is such a great communicator, connecting research and evidence-based practice in a deeply empathic way.
Level II was an enriching experience that provided a strong foundation to and added an immense yet digestible and applicable amount of knowledge in which to feel confident and comfortable in stepping foot into private practice as a new 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.
Overall, I would rate this workshop very highly. I loved the experiential components... I did come away from the workshop with a better understanding of IFS and a number of tools I can use immediately in my practice.
I loved the trainer!
Learned so much information [in Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice]. It also confirmed that current practices are ethical as measured with current standards.
I found [Understanding and Working with Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)] to be extremely useful when working with my Clients who present with Trauma based history, to include appreciating how Lisa gave a totally new perspective for Borderline Personality Disorder, which we Clinicians tend to shy away from. I am considering looking into the entire Trauma program that Lisa started. Great job, and will future/other Workshops presented.
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.
Dr. Sabrina was an amazing presenter and I will definitely take another class with her when one is offered.
TJ was relaxed, easy to listen to, and knowledgeable about her topic.
This training has enhanced my skills as an EMDR therapist and furthered my knowledge with Art therapy and IFS. Both of the presenters were extremely knowledgeable, engaging, and presented their information in a way that was easy to understand and could be incorporated into a non-art therapist’s practice.
Susan connects with her audience with warmth and humor.
If you're fortunate enough to attend this training I highly recommend doing so. The financial and time commitment pales in comparison to the value of experiences and knowledge gained throughout this program. It really was wonderful and I feel like it provided opportunity for both professional and personal growth.
[Trauma Informed Collage Methods featured a] wonderful combination of theory, practical art prompts, and a chance to experience methods and materials. Allowed for new learning, and refinement, across a spectrum of trauma therapy and artmaking experience in the room. Thank you!
Lisa’s ability to organize and present information is incredibly good. She models everything she teaches, and she shares concrete and practical strategies and techniques. Her strength-based approach as apparent in everything she says and does during the training.
Jonah had a depth of knowledge and understanding of the material and was a clear communicator.
She created a safe space for us all. Was very kind and personable. Extremely knowledgeable and confident. Stayed on schedule.
I especially loved Lisa's energy and passion for the subject despite feeling unwell. Her depth of knowledge and experience.
This training provided so much quality information. All of it was immediately useful with my caseload. This was so beneficial!
Lisa provides a comfortable learning environment. The presentations are clear and thoughts, feedback and questions are always welcome.
Lisa is a talented presenter who uses presence and attunement to ensure that participants feel empowered and connected. Thank you so much!
I truly appreciated her integrated approach, her authenticity and the sharing of personal examples. She [Sabrina] made the virtual space feel welcoming and comfortable.
It's rare that a workshop grabs my attention and holds it from start to finish. [Trauma Informed Collage Methods was] Informative and engaging!
Sabrina was very engaging and there was good participant interaction.
The experiential exercises were most useful.
I deeply appreciate the blend of theoretical and practical knowledge that Lisa's Trauma I course afforded me. I strongly recommend this course and the consummate professional who teaches it.
I understand ADHD better and how it impacts individuals.
The presenter [Dr. Carter] was personable but knowledgeable. He made the information clear and interesting while giving us tangible interventions for use with clients.
Lisa explains complicated subjects in very simple and interesting ways.
The facilitator [Lisa] was incredibly knowledgeable. The information [in Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] given was relatable, concrete examples of how to apply in our daily jobs.
Great resource provided by a gifted teacher & clinician.
Lisa's training was amazing! Lisa was able to connect the material to real life practice, she was super knowledgeable and passionate about the topic and willing to answer all questions the group had! I cannot wait until I can take another one of her training sessions!
Lisa’s wealth of knowledge and experience as a therapist and trainer are second only to how she validates, encourages, and often highlights contributions from participants.
Jill created a calm, comfortable environment. She welcomed questions and feedback from attendees.
The Level 1 training was invaluable to my journey of providing trauma informed therapy and doing deeper work with clients. I recommend new and older clinicians to invest in this program to inform, and to re-spark passion for the very important and sensitive work that we do.
She [Dee] was so easy to listen to. She encouraged participation and validated what people said.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Amazing training!
I enjoy Lisa�s ability to connect with anyone.
She was relatable, knowledgeable, compassionate and funny. She did a great job giving practical tools to use while increasing my overall knowledge about OCD.
I especially liked looking at supervision from a framework of 4 archetypes and their shadow sides; using heart, hand and mind to encompass all aspects of supervision; viewing supervision as engaging, fun, supportive and as a relationship, not just as a teaching experience.
[Therapists as Peacebuilders: Using Your Gifts for Global Impact} was a great workshop. I enjoy learning opportunities that balance between personal growth/awareness as a clinician as well as wider reaching issues. The facilitator [Sabrina] was knowledgeable, experienced, approachable and enjoyable. I felt that it was a nice change of pace to be “learning” on the psycho-spiritual/emotional end of things rather than just the mental. I do feel like this was one of the most valuable CEU's I've taken this season.
I liked how passionate she was about IFS, and the energy and care she brought to the workshop.
The facilitator is engaging and inspiring! She is easy to understand and teaches for every learning style!!!!
The workshop was very informative. I was able to walk into my office the next day with a clear understanding of parts work and utilize new expressive modalities right away. I'm excited to take more trainings on the topic and deepen my knowledge!
I appreciated the smaller group size which allowed for excellent group discussion. The presenter was very knowledgeable about the subject and had excellent real world examples to share. Very worthwhile and helpful training!
Virtual trainings can be hit or miss if the presenter doesn't hold court, but Dr. Evans was fantastic. I was laughing and engaged the entire day.
This course gave me the knowledge, skills, and confidence to treat clients with trauma. I would 100% recommend it! It's the course I wish I had in graduate school!
Lisa [Ferentz] is an extraordinarily skilled presenter, who combines personal warmth with refined clinical acumen, and a great capacity for inclusion and compassion.
[Trauma Informed Collage Methods] greatly refreshed my knowledge as an art therapist, but perhaps more importantly, I recognized the value of collage in working with difficult to reach populations. While the collage experiencials we completed were fun and relaxing, in a new way I could more confidently apply the powerful intuitive processes of collage with people who have lost everything.
The way she [Lisa Maistri] involved us but never made us feel uncomfortable.
Patricia is Fantastic. Her energy is Beautiful!
This has been the most beneficial training that I have attended. I knew nothing about Lisa Ferentz before registering, but this training has exceeded my expectations and I have encouraged co-workers to participate. I came away with a wealth of information and knowledge and started incorporating what I learned in my sessions. I have also been able to inform family members, school teachers, and partners what to expect from one who has experienced trauma. Can't wait to take Level II!
This was the most non-triggering, emotionally safe and supportive training on trauma I've ever experienced. Given the nature of this important content, the way the material was presented was truly masterful and informative.
I appreciated Denise's vast clinical knowledge and her way of intervening with clients.
The presenter was excellent, easy to understand and knowledgeable.
Salicia was amazing and I would attend another training with her.
I appreciate Lisa�s perfect balance of expertise, humility and humor. She is caring and careful as a presenter and has honed her years of practice and wisdom into a training that is full of critical and immediately usable information.
I was moved by the dialogue, and I now have a better understanding of the benefits of balancing spirituality and psycho-therapy. The therapist [Lisa] was awesome and one could get sense as to why she is so sought after. The feedback from the Rabbi [Goldberger] and the Priest [Father Ray] offered for me a unique look into the both perspectives and how each saw how the inclusion of spiritually can help ones clients achieve post recovery.
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.
I was very impressed with this seminar. The facilitator not only made the seminar enjoyable, but she was extremely knowledgeable and shared her experiences. I definitely look forward to attending more seminars.
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.
Join interactive lessons, get expert feedback, and explore your creativity in a supportive community.

"...a magical guide to conquering our fears, phobias and emotional pain...”
—Janina Fisher, PhD
“… a real treasure trove of tools for healing..."
— Dusty Miller

“…a rich resource which helps empower the client and facilitate recovery..."
— Joyanna Silberg, PhD

"...a dynamic and strengths-focused approach to treating challenging trauma-based behaviors..."
—Nancy Napier, LMFT
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