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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.
May 1, 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 process the inherent challenges of working with traumatized clients in a variety of practice settings.

A picture that represents this event.
May 5, 2026
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Salicia Mazero
Presenter:
Peggy Kolodny
MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT

Unlock the power of creativity in therapy by blending art therapy techniques with Internal Family Systems (IFS) to deepen emotional awareness and foster self-leadership. Through experiential collage and clay activities, guided practice, and case demonstrations, participants will gain practical tools to apply these approaches in both individual and group therapy.

A picture that represents this event.
May 11, 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

This workshop will focus on ethical issues that can arise in therapy when treating traumatized clients, as well as issues related to termination.

What people are saying about The Ferentz Institute:

Mariangela Weiskopf
LCPC

Lisa is always an amazing presenter. She shares her wealth of knowledge in a way that can be carried over into my own practice. It is always a privledge to learn from a true master.

Jessica Palmen
LCSW-C

Lisa's training has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my career. Lisa is engaging and makes material easy to process. She is warm, validating, direct and clear. I left each session feeling more resourced, with concrete interventions and a new appreciation for my role as a therapist as well as for my clients.

Elizabeth H. Smith
MSW, LCSW-C

Peggy clearly loves her work, and her knowledge base is so very deep.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

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

Mary Randall Ingate
LCSW-C

I find Lisa Ferentz very well informed but down to earth, energetic, and passionate about the work.

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.

Karen Reed
LICSW

I appreciated our collaborating with peers and faculty, discussing cases and hearing feedback.

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!

Ainigriv Crockett
LCPC

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!

Lindsay Cole
LMSW

As a new therapist this has helped solidify my foundation and increased my confidence.

Elizabeth Chaudry
LMSW

I think Lisa brings such an experienced and knowledgeable level of awareness. She is unlike any other presenter I've had in how well she goes beyond the subject and is able to relate the topic to theory on a deeper level, and then individually to each of our cases/situations/questions.

Lindsey McDaniel. LCSW-C

Thoughtful and reality-based discussion of the topic. Research backed information.

Briana Quinlan
LCSW-C

Dee was able to generously hold space for myself and other therapists throughout the training. She did an excellent job of balancing theory with clinical application as well as having us be in tune with how the work we do impacts us (and vice versa). Her enthusiasm, knowledge base and authenticity made a long day in virtual training feel like a short time. I loved the tangible ideas and repetition of concepts in various ways to support learning and, hopefully, generalization! Would highly recommend this training AND would absolutely love to participate in one of Dee's trainings again!

Yasmin Meyers
LCSW-C

Lisa is very dynamic, compassionate and uses humor while presenting material that may be challenging.

Julie Phillips
LCSW-C

Lisa is incredibly engaging, knowledgeable, compassionate and creates trainings where I learn a great deal in a lovely setting. She makes us feel comfortable and cared for. She is the best!!

Donna Tish
LICSW, LCSW-C

Lisa's personality and presentation skills added entertainment and engagement for participants. The experience was well worth the investment of time and money.

Payton Brandyberry
LMHC

Susan provided a myriad of case examples and experiential learning.

TJ Matton
LCSW-C

[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations} was a rewarding workshop with a more macro view on ethical treatment of clients. Like all of Lisa's work (and trauma work in general) the workshop emphasizes the importance of relationship and pacing to ensure the safety of the client. The workshop provided specific ways to give clients a safe intake and assessment experience that does not trigger the client and is still informative for the therapist.

Erica Vohaska

Perspective changing- trauma informed- life changing!

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

Cynthia R.
LCMFT

I look forward to the trainings at the Ferentz institute because I learn meaningful approaches that enhance clinical work. Lisa is a dynamic teacher utilizing researched trauma approaches, she invites participants into experiential exercises that solidify interventions in a whole brain fashion, both cognitive and emotional experiences create deep learning in a nurturing and caring environment. Lisa is attuned and models compassion to the participants.

Stephanie Marinelli
PHD, JD, LCPC

There's no way you can leave a class you taught, Lisa, without learning new strategies and examples of how to encourage others.

Sasha W.
LCSW-C

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!

Kathy Hammel
LCSW-C

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.

Jannatul Ferdous
LCSW-C

Lisa explains complicated subjects in very simple and interesting ways.

N. Faye Powell
PHD, LCPC-S

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.

Rosa Kang
LGSW

She was so knowledgeable and insightful. I appreciated her intentionality and ability to weave interventions and art into the training.

Barbara Roth
LCSW-C

Enjoyed [Effectively Treating Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder]. Presenter very knowledgeable, especially about OCD treatment of which I knew basically nothing. Experiential exercise really gave me a “felt sense” of what it is like to have OCD. Very challenging.

Rochelle Sullivan
LGPC

Lisa is an expert on this subject. She makes every session interactive and creates a safe environment to learn and grow.

Marilyn Murphy
LMSW

Patricia is Fantastic. Her energy is Beautiful!

Kristina Worton
LMSW

Lisa did an incredible job of making the training feel as close to an in-person training as possible. I loved the online chat. This certificate was the best investment I have made in my professional career. Thank you!

Laurey Richmond
LCPC

Janina has a high level of experience and knowledge.

Edward Diamond
Registered Psychology Associate

The presenter [for Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom] had a good grasp of the material and was exceptionally well prepared.

Timothy E.
LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C

Sabrina lead with her heart throughout the entire training. Powerful experience with tangible take-aways.

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.

Robin Greenberg
LCSW, LMFT

Patricia Papernow is an excellent presenter, combining evidence-based theory with clinical application and a clear and empathetic communication style.

Sarah Lawson
LGSW

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

Linda Beck
LCSW-C

This training has been a priceless investment which I believe will change my practice for many years to come.

Laura Block
LCSW-C

Had a great time [at Filling Your Experiential Toolbox: The Empty Chair, The Double and Role Play Techniques]. Very informative. Loved the facilitator!

Karina Aponte
LCPC

This training allowed me to transform the way I work with clients. I feel much more confident and competent in my work thanks to Lisa's help in expanding my knowledge.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Jill created a calm, comfortable environment. She welcomed questions and feedback from attendees.

Michael Schlein
LCPC

An awesome workshop! I left inspired and better equipped to help my clients.

Shannon Maple
LCSW-C

[Susan is] Very positive, warm, and open and made it a safe space for discussion and learning.

Sarah Parad Rowen
LCSW

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.

Sylvana M Vigezzi
LPC

I especially liked learning about the way she has handled some of her cases and her amazing experience treating clients with complex PTSD.

Caitlin Tromiczak
LICSW-C, LCSW-C

This training brought me invaluable information on how trauma is experienced and taught me new treatment options that allow me to respond to my clients, and teach my staff, accordingly. The fact that this was done in such a caring, humorous, and insightful manner serve to enhance my learning experience.

Kim B.
LGPC

The training was amazing. Although I wanted to learn more about Parts Work to be able to help my clients, I learned that and more. I now understand the importance of practicing what I preach. How can I talk to my clients about compassion for self, when I lack my own self compassion. I want to learn even more about Parts work not only for professional development, but for personal development as well.

Molly Jakubek
LMFT

This training is amazing and provides a thorough foundation to work with clients with trauma. Everything learned helped my growth as a clinician.

Jacqueline Trombley
LCSW-C

Facility was convenient and comfortable. Process was organized. Presenter was knowledgeable and helpful. Content [for Effectively Treating Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder] was great!

Amy Greenberg
LCPC

Dr. Carter managed to make a Zoom training feel like it was taking place in person. He covered a great deal of material while also making time for questions throughout the presentation. Thank you!

Jenniver Crooks
LCSW-C

TJ Matton was knowledgeable and easy to follow in the area of utilizing play in trauma therapy. I liked the balance of slides/learning and utilizing play breaks to get up and move around. The presenter provided great handouts and ideas to take back and use with clients.

Carrie Schurtz
LCSW-C

The Trauma Level I course increased both my confidence and competence as a clinician. The online learning format afforded convenience without sacrificing the quality of this dynamic course. The resources and connection with other clinicians through the online format have proven to be incredibly helpful in my day to day practice.

Roberta Omin
LCSW

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

David Facenda
LICSW

I especially liked Peggy's level of knowledge and her working with the art therapy and the IFS modalities.

Timothy Elliott
LCSW-C

Sabrina presents her heart and spirit in the training. Genuine and sincere, while grounded in theory and experience.

Sara Murry
LGSW

I encourage every clinician to attend this course. The course's focus on client strengths and creativity encourages you to expand your empathy and see client's in a more complete way. After having taken this training, I feel competent in my interactions with trauma survivors and assist them in a more thoughtful way.

Luisa Aguilar-Salazar
LCSW-C

Janina is magic! Skilled, communicative, comfortable, safe energy.

Melissa Deaton Cook
LPC, NCC

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

Katie Richa
MS, LCPC

The presenter was knowledgeable and professional.

Storm Emerson
LCPC

The presenter was very interactive and knowledgeable.

Kit MacFarlane

This is the best class I have ever attended (and I have two Master's degrees) and Lisa is the most organized, most compassionate, most detailed oriented and the most aware of the process than I have ever encountered. She is very well grounded and rounded in all her presentations.

Mariangela Weiskopf
LCPC

Lisa is always an amazing presenter. She shares her wealth of knowledge in a way that can be carried over into my own practice. It is always a privledge to learn from a true master.

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.

Christen Dressel
LCPC

I feel so much more resourced and capable to work as a trauma informed therapist. This class has given me the confidence and renewed my passion for this work.

Jessie P.
LCSW

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.

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.

Stephanie Barbara Perry
LCSW-C

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.

Katherine Todd
LCSW-C

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!

Michele S.
LCSW-C, CAC-AD

Dr. Evans' energy was contagious. It was obvious he truly enjoys the topic and is very knowledgeable. The course flew by yet I would have stayed to learn more.

Mario F.
LCSW-C

I enjoyed the presentation and insights. It was nice to connect more intimately with participants 1:1...

Kerry Ford Morancy
LCSW-C

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

Rita Etter
LCSW-C

Susan was very knowledgeable, shared her own experiences, shared a little about herself, approachable, very authentic, obviously loves what she's doing.

Venus Simms
LCSW-C

Sabrina is extremely knowledgeable. Her way of teaching helps you see yourself from a different prospective. Helps identify your strengths and what you need to work on. She provides real world examples and how to work through real challenges.

Kathleen Traversari
LGSW

Invaluable program; by the 2nd class you can bring your clients interventions that will make profound differences in their therapeutic journey and by the end you feel confident and competent to treat clients with trauma.

Sharazad Haimanchandra
LMSW

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

Vicki Rahenkamp
LCPC

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!!

Michelle Market
LPC, CEDS

I loved her accessibility. I was able to ask questions and make comments throughout the talk. I appreciated that the size was small and intimate, that was truly a bonus!

Danielle Deckard
LCSW-C

Lisa's trainings are enlightening and engaging. [Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice] included a good amount of discussion with the other clinicians attending which offers opportunities to learn from the other attendees as well as the speakers.

Amanda Whitlow
LCSW

Sabrina feels like a safe space! She leads with care and compassion while showing up as herself.

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.

Melissa Tayree Marshall
LGPC

This training was helpful for seasoned as well as novice supervisors. Provided the opportunity for both groups to engage and discuss their experiences to solidify learning from each other.

Shereen Ghori
LMSW

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.

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.

Mary Vansickle
LCSW-C

A wonderful experience. This will certainly enhance my skills in working with traumatized children.

Kathy Sullivan
LCSW-C

The class provided a great understanding of OCD and treatment. Susan was so personable and knowledgeable�delightful!

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.

Angela Key
LCSW-C

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.

Linda Shirley Combs
LPC

Peggy was personable and knowledgeable in teaching her subject; her ethical guidance was gentle yet authoritative, and she was well prepared to help students learn more about multiple forms of art media.

Jenna Adler
LCSW-C

Lisa would address all questions, gave lots of case examples and was so knowledgeable and kind.

Shannon Harris
LMSW

Lisa is very intentional in how she teaches the information. It�s helpful that she reinforces previous information by integrating it with new information.

Joy Paul
LCSW-C

Very informative. Learned a lot in a short amount of time. The presenter was organized and kept the workshop on schedule.

Elizabeth Martinez
LCSW

Sabrina did an incredible job presenting material and keeping us engaged.

Jessica LeTourneau
LCPC

Great information with experiential exercises. I really enjoyed connecting with the other participants.

Sean P. Daughtry
LICSW

Patricia offers a succinct and engaging presentation and teaching style. I appreciated her articulate presentation and deep knowledge about such a crucial topic.

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.

Kristin Cousin
LCA

[Lisa] created a beautiful working environment that fostered participation and great discussion. [Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice] was well prepared and went over the necessary information holding everyone's interest and attention.

Kaitlin Phillips
LCSW-C

Lisa Ferentz is a great speaker, she gives ample time for questions, and her material is relevant with new research findings.

Janie Scholom
RN, LCSW-C

Great! Lisa is a knowledgable and entertaining speaker. I learned a lot [in Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Telemental Health]!

Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

Lisa’s ability to clearly and comprehensively communicate current research on the causal effects of social media on teens, incorporate attachment theory to the discussion and share her own experience with presenting the information is awesome. I will be able to use this information.

Stephanie Durnford
LCPC

Not only was I able to leave [Creative Techniques for Managing Traumatic Stress: Grounding, Containment, and Resourcing} with skills I could use the next day in session, [the presenter] made the workshop interactive, engaging, and I was able to take concrete items for my own personal self-care toolbox!

Margie Underwood
MA, LCPC

Timothy is obviously passionate and very knowledgeable about this topic. I appreciated his gentle, supportive, and understanding approach to the workshop attendees, creating a space where I felt safe asking any question.

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.