
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 experiential interactive workshop you'll learn and practice easy-to-use tools to support autonomic nervous system regulation and self-mastery.
Join us for a warm, experiential workshop that invites you to explore your own inner guidance while gaining creative techniques to help clients tap into theirs. Through meditation, imagery, reflective writing, and simple art-making, you’ll uncover new ways to foster calm, clarity, and connection.
In this 6-hour workshop we will explore creative ways to empower clients to continue their work outside of therapy by introducing “invitations” to be accomplished in between their sessions.
She [Susan] was [a] great [facilitator], very informed on the topic [of Effectively Treating Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder].
Lisa is always on point, covers all of the necessary material, and manages to involve everyone in the training. She has a great sense of humor, along with compassion and caring.
She [Dee] was so easy to listen to. She encouraged participation and validated what people said.
If you are a clinician Lisa Ferentz's trauma training is one you cannot miss!!
This program has completely transformed my clinical practice. Using the skills and knowledge I gained through this program has benefited my clients, and makes me a more confident, competent clinician. I recommend this program to all of my colleagues!
This workshop was unbelievably informative. The facilitator was extremely engaging and presented in a way that could be easily implemented into one's practice.
Lisa creates such an open environment for learning. Whether you are a new or experienced clinician, the level one trauma certificate training, has something valuable for you to bring to your clinical work.
Sabrina is a great educator and speaker. She is a real person and keeps it real!
This was by far the best training I have attended. I learned that I was actually doing a lot correctly, but also learned a lot of things I could be doing. I look forward to Level II!
Patricia offers a succinct and engaging presentation and teaching style. I appreciated her articulate presentation and deep knowledge about such a crucial topic.
Lisa's program is an invaluable resource. I ended every class eager to implement the new tools she shared. It was amazing to see the responses from my clients. I have not been able to stop talking with my colleagues about the program. Truly, everyone should attend Lisa's program!
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.
This course was incredibly impactful on my practice and for my clients. Thank you for being so amazing!
[Individualizing Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Complex Trauma and Dissociation] was a very informative training and I learned a lot. I was very happy that I attended this training and hope to attend future trainings with the institute.
It was an amazing training! I learned so much which will help me in my clinical practice. Lisa is a spectacular, engaging, knowledgeable, dynamic and wonderful presenter. Thank you so much!
Lisa has a wonderful combination of warmth and efficiency. I believe all her workshop attendees feel seen and heard by her.
I've completed my Level 1 and Level 2 with Lisa and I can hands down say you will learn more in this course than you do in all of grad school. Level 2 was not only extremely beneficial from a clinician and learning standpoint but one of the most profound experiences I've had personally as well. The integration of both parts and expressive modalities (alongside her incredible staff) provided one of the best educational experiences I've ever had. If you are wanting to grow personally, expand your knowledge and competence as a trauma clinical, Level 2 is a must!
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.
TJ was relaxed, easy to listen to, and knowledgeable about her topic.
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.
Denise is a true expert in issues related to trauma and addiction and has a great way of sharing her knowledge as a presenter.
Lisa has vast and commendable command in the subject area. Awesome!!
Wonderful teacher - the training was informative, clear, interactive, and very applicable to a range of clinical situations involving blended families.
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.
She created a safe space for us all. Was very kind and personable. Extremely knowledgeable and confident. Stayed on schedule.
I loved Dr. Evans' energy, his knowledge of the topic discussed, his book recommendations.
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 am walking away from this program feeling more confident in my abilities and role as a clinician, but I've learned so much about myself that will enhance both my personal and professional successes. Thank you, Lisa!
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
Lisa was responsive, welcoming and cared for participants. Her vast experience provided for very concrete examples of how the material translates to practice.
Vivien was open, accepting, non-judgmental, centered, calm and humble.
I greatly appreciate Lisa's approach of comprehensive information backed by research intermingled with concrete, practical application and discussion.
Dr. Evans was a wonderful and inspirational education and practitioner. His authenticity created a safe space and allowed for an environment where we could really experience our time with him.
I loved the trainer!
The case examples were extremely helpful. Lisa is an extremely knowledgeable, clear, organized, engaging, and approachable presenter.
She [ Arrielle Seidler] was funny and down to earth.
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations was] very helpful. Material relevant and has broad application. Physical environment was comfortable. Audience was engaged and conversant with material.
The experiential exercises were most useful.
Not only do I appreciate the material she presents, I also really enjoy her overall presence. I always leave feeling more confident in my skills from the material presented, but also feeling welcomed and safe. I love learning from her.
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] has enlightened my perspective on being able to gather imperative information in a safe matter that does not harm or re-traumatized a survivor. Her [Lisa] assessment questions are designed to allocate the client's ability to tell their story without partaking in a reenactment phenomenon. Great information for anyone who works with traumatized population.
Lisa is the BEST! Truly the BEST! Thank you!
Lisa [Ferentz] is an extraordinarily skilled presenter, who combines personal warmth with refined clinical acumen, and a great capacity for inclusion and compassion.
I had the privilege of witnessing one of my clients become fully integrated recently thanks to Lisa's DID trainings. My client reports feeling strong and calm for the first time in over fifty years. Lisa's classes were absolutely instrumental in allowing me to feel competent enough to work with this client and my other DID clients.
Patricia is Fantastic. Her energy is Beautiful!
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was my first workshop at the Ferentz Institute and it exceeded all of my expectations! It was highly interactive and offered practical application for ensuring my clinical practice meets the highest ethical standards.
I enjoyed learning how to incorporate art and IFS and liked the compassionate space they held.
I walked away with more applicable knowledge in 9 classes than in any formal education setting. I have a framework in which to view many, if not most, of my client's symptoms, and language now to use to express and explore these inevitable manifestations of trauma. I simultaneously was able to begin to put together some of my own story in a coherent and non-pathological manner as to why I was drawn to the field as well as how I can better care for myself and by extension care for my clients.
Sabrina did an incredible job presenting material and keeping us engaged.
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!
Jill was fantastic. Interactive, engaging and loved her entire approach to movement and art.
Lisa provides a comfortable learning environment. The presentations are clear and thoughts, feedback and questions are always welcome.
I just loved how approachable Peggy was. There’s something so admirable about a brilliant professional who is so confident and doesn’t need to ACT brilliant. I also enjoyed the content of her course and really respected how she was neither defensive nor condescending when people asked questions in class. I hope I can do that when I teach.
Authentic, clinical use of self and how she incorporated theroy with realistic strategies you can use.
Invaluable investment in myself and career. I learned what I wish I had in school and feel that I am a better clinician for attending.
Helpful art prompts to use in session with clients. Lisa was warm, compassionate, understanding and flexible.
I liked Dr. Evans' passion for his topic, the handouts and journaling at the end; his ability to engage the room, with 5 of the 17 participants not being African American or brown skinned; his not shying away from anger in a very articulate participant; and his willingness to share out of his own life, practice, and his faith.
I was extremely impressed with Sabrina and her [Therapists as Peacebuilders: Using Your Gifts for Global Impact] workshop. It correlated very well the combined existence of both therapy skills engaged with transforming power for mutual consideration of others.
This workshop was helpful to get past the places that I often get 'stuck' with my clients. Creative modalities were introduced and Lisa was great at answering specific questions for numerous case scenarios.
Dr. Carter was very engaging, knowledgeable, and had a wonderful energy that kept it interesting!
The session on [Evolving Treatment in the Face of the Opioid Epidemic] was informative especially for someone who is not in the field of substance abuse.
Lisa “holds a space” for her students in a way that is restorative, empowering, comforting, and grounding. I highly valued all of my time in Level I and Level II with Lisa and her faculty. If you live within driving distance of an event provided by Lisa- make the time to attend! Soul altering work!
The presenter [Dr. Evans] was dynamic, engaging and thought provoking. I imagine he's a remarkable therapist. I appreciated how he combined his clinical knowledge with his love of archetypal storytelling to bring about healing with his clients.
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.
Jill is an excellent presenter and she made herself available to advise on case material from the students.
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.
She [Susan] provided great ideas and suggestions given her expertise... it felt safe to ask questions, learn, and even be wrong because she was supportive and warm.
[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.
Lisa is an expert on this subject. She makes every session interactive and creates a safe environment to learn and grow.
Denise had great examples and scenarios, and she's a presentable, knowledgeable expert.
The facilitator is engaging and inspiring! She is easy to understand and teaches for every learning style!!!!
I believe the most positive take away from [Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom] was the opportunity to interact with other participants. I do believe the workshop was well-planned and facilitated.
Janina consistently redefined pathology to befriending and honoring a child’s adaptive strategies, that now might be less useful as an adult.
I loved her [Denise's] knowledge, understanding & ability to communicate with the audience. Her passion was demonstrated by her presentation.
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.
Attending Lisa's Level I and Level II Trauma Trainings has been a truly beautiful experience. My level of insight and practice has grown so much in my time here.
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!
Lisa's style of teaching and material were so enlightening. I feel much more prepared to work with client's than I did before the course. I highly recommend the training.
The Trauma Informed Assessments and Treatment training was nearly life changing for me as a clinician. Lisa was empowering, direct and willing to answer any question thrown her way. I took information from this training that I started using in my own practice immediately.
[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.
I appreciated the way the presenter [Lisa] didn't just read from the slides but added to them with her own experience and knowledge base. It was clear that she was passionate and knowledgeable of the information.
I am a seasoned professional and always leave trainings feeling like there was no new take away. However, after [Understanding and Working with Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)] I left feeling recharged with new knowledge and skills. Can't wait to get back to work to use use them. Thanks!!
Sabrina led with her heart throughout the entire training. Powerful experience with tangible take-aways.
Sabrina is warm and authentic, and I loved her stories in connection to the topics.
The program was incredibly informative. The way Lisa structured and presented the information was great!
[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!
I absolutely loved this training. How to illicit hope, how and when to use spirituality as a vehicle for change and the difficulties and possibilities therein. The training was more of a conversation then a lecture, I am still thinking about this days after the training and have followed up on some reading suggestions that have also been inspiring. Thank you!
Lisa Ferentz is a great speaker, she gives ample time for questions, and her material is relevant with new research findings.
The program was extremely helpful and has taught me so much about trauma informed care within the mental health field. I would highly recommend this training, it is worth every penny!
I loved all of it! The real life examples of concepts, breaking into groups and processing an issue, the reminder from Sabrina that I am human and no one expects me to have all of the answers. This felt like sitting with a friend and drinking a dirty chai and feeling the support and nurturing while also gaining knowledge.
I really enjoyed the material, interaction, and overall experience. I felt that I learned more in that class than I did in graduate school! The information was so rich and exciting to learn!
Lisa is such a great communicator, connecting research and evidence-based practice in a deeply empathic way.
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was very informative. Lisa always does an outstanding job making it fun and interesting.
I cannot adequately express how much I gained from Lisa's training. I am tuned into my clients on a much deeper level, always mindful of safety, attunement, body language, and their ability to be fully present in session. Lisa is a very generous teacher as well. I encourage other clinicians to take the trauma training, it will give you so many new tools to help your clients.
I especially liked Peggy's level of knowledge and her working with the art therapy and the IFS modalities.
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's knowledge and understanding of the material is so notable. Knowledge that once shared helps therapists to avoid making the easy mistakes. Knowledge that she can share in a way that was easy to absorb.
What a powerful comprehensive training! Lisa does a phenomenal job thoughtfully addressing multiple aspects of trauma-informed work with clients along with consistently providing specific, concrete practical applications. Her expertise and talent in communication provided me a solid foundation and that will enhance my work with clients. I'm grateful for the experience. Thank you!
This training was the best I have attended! Lisa makes the subject matter engaging and accessible. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have gained. As I use the knowledge and modalities in session, I see how much it is benefiting from clients.
This was an amazing experience that helped me connect with my inner creative side. Dee did an incredible job engaging the audience and guiding us to think outside the box.
Wow. What better way to learn about healing leadership than by witnessing it and being healed by it throughout the workshop? I feel so much gratitude to Sabrina for modeling what healing leadership looks like, and giving so freely of her wisdom so that we may continue to share with others. I am blown away.
Lisa was real and well informed! Not stuffy and smart, but Sassy and Smart! Thank you!
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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3701 Old Court Road, Suite #5
Baltimore, MD 21208
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