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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:

Miesha Scott
LCSW-C

Very knowledgeable and engaging.

Mimi Thomas
LCSW-C

Jonah was organized, articulate and knowledgeble.

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.

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.

Mariangela Weiskopf
LCPC

Lisa is always phenomenal to learn from she's a master at the clinical art of counseling and teaching.

Rona Levi
LCSW-C

Lisa is a terrific therapist, a terrific teacher, a terrific presenter!

Barbie Glenn
LCPC, NCC

This program has completely changed the way I approach therapy and it show in the improvements I am observing in the lives of my clients! Thank you!

Keisha Watson
LCPC, NCC

Lisa was awesome, full of positive energy and a wealth of information. [Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice] offered updated information on COMAR for clinicians that work in the DMV area with realistic case dilemmas for us to learn from.

Angel Harp Witherspoon
LCPC

This was the most informative and interactive training that I have ever attended. I would recommend this training to anyone.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

I'm benefitting greatly from the way Lisa presents information - a strong reasearch-based foundation combined with numerous practical applications. Thank you.

Elizabeth Berman
CSC-AD

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!

Gabriella King
LGPC

It was great to get a spectrum of approaches and the encouragement to synthesize them in our own way.

Nicole Tolson
LGPC

The presenter [for Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was awesome. I have been to ethics trainings and it made your mind wonder away to other areas and all you could think about is leaving. Lisa is a passionate presenter and she keeps you interested. She was very respectful to the people asking questions. I really love her.

Ashley Shober
LCSW-C

She is such a genuine and authentic person in her teaching. She makes it easier to be vulnerable and self reflect on the material than I've experienced with other presenters.

Lindsey McDaniel
LCSW-C

Susan was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of concrete, usable strategies while also providing a clear framework in a way that was understandable for me and that I can use with clients.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

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.

Edward Diamond
Registered Psychology Associate

The presenter had a good grasp of the material and was exceptionally well prepared.

Theresa Bennett
LCPC

The facilitator [Joanne] was very warm and engaging. She encouraged each person to bring a piece of themselves into the workshop [Screenplay: Helping Parents Teach and Reach Children in the Digital Age].

Lauren Rubenstein
PSYD

It's rare that a workshop grabs my attention and holds it from start to finish. [Trauma Informed Collage Methods was] Informative and engaging!

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.

Elizabeth H. Smith
MSW, LCSW-C

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

Sara Bounds
LCSW-C

When I learned that my agency was going to sponsor me to take the Trauma Certificate, Level I Course, I was ecstatic. I was eager to learn as much as I could from Lisa's expertise, and she absolutely delivered. I have already used several of the recommended clinical tools; clients have been very receptive, even surprised, by how helpful they found the method(s) to be. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn invaluable clinical knowledge and skills!

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.

Nia Foggy
LPC, LCPC

The classes for level two were extremely informative and helpful to me as a therapist. I always left with tools to use with clients. I became more confident in my ability to counsel with the help of this institute.

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.

Laura Block
LCSW-C

I enjoyed this workshop [Using Expressive Modalities to Connect With and Soothe Traumatized Parts]. 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 Bruce
LCSW-C

This was such an enlightening workshop that made me think and apply a unique way to use fairytales to heal clients of trauma. Dr. Preston-Dillon's voice was also so soothing as she used "Thick description" to retell stories/folklore. I can only imagine how therapeutic this technique is for clients as they embrace playing with imaginary back-stories of their favorite fairytale, folklore, or movie and using items/objects to express their feelings.

Michale Lockman
LCPC

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.

Amy Heilman
LCSW-C

[Sabrina is] Very engaging and passionate about supervision! Very relatable and encouraged self-reflection.

Alice O'Donnell
LCSW-C

Dr. N'Diaye brings warmth and expertise to this training. She inspires, models, and teaches effective technique within a well developed theoretical frame.

Elizabeth Mohler
LCSW

Great resource provided by a gifted teacher & clinician.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

She's just wonderful - authentic, experienced and clearly cares a lot about everyone she works with (including us!)

Nicholas Harmer
LMSW

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.

Carlada Razmus
LCPC

Susan was really great. Her information [in Effectively Treating Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder] was not new but it did validate that what I'm doing with my anxious clients works. I did learn more about OCD which was great too.

Susan Stork
LCPC

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!

Sabrina Bowen
LCMFT

I like the presenter’s warmth, willingness to address questions, flexibility, and knowledge.

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.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

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

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

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

Briana Quinlan
LCSW-C

Ken was enthusiastic, engaging, and pretty funny given the content matter. He was conscious of time and his audience as well as very knowledgable about the material he presented.

Myra Kaplan
PHD

Lisa is amazing at taking theoretical and evidence-based research and translating it into easy to use, practical interventions and approaches with clients.  This training has definitely made me a better trauma-informed clinician.

Betsy Nichols
LPC, NCC

This has been, by far, the most useful and high quality training I have ever attended! I recommend this to any mental health professional and really anyone in a helping/health profession.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

What I find most helpful is Lisa's ability to provide complicated information with easy to understand examples in a clear manner.

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.

Marni McGarry
LCSW-C

Sabrina creates an authentic and accessible learning space for everyone.

Elizabeth Holtz
LCPC

This is the first training I completed that I genuinely looked forward to attending because I recognized the impact it had in my clinical work.

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!

Elizabeth Kopta
LMSW

I thought the presenter was knowledgeable and had the perfect calming presence for this workshop.

Dana Lipsky
PsyD

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

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!

Gail Guttman
LCSW-C

Lisa is accessible, smart and kind.

Sharazad Haimanchandra
LMSW

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

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!

Venus Simms
LCSW-C

Sabrina provided a safe space that allows everyone to open up which in turns creates this instant connection with the other trainees.

Sheila M. Ishii
MSW, LCSW-C

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.

Zoe Nasios
LCSW-C, LMSW

She was very knowledgeable, very organized and interactive and informative. Loved the real life case studies.

Shannon Wilson-Murray
LCSW-C

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.

Elizabeth Martinez
LCSW

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

Rebecca Steen
LPC

Lisa shared her wealth of knowledge and experience in an engaging and down to earth way.

Jessica Beachley
LMSW

Lisa was real and well informed! Not stuffy and smart, but Sassy and Smart! Thank you!

Elaine Edge
LCPC

Her knowledge and practical experience make it impossible not to glean from her trainings. Shane and Guilt are also realities that go hand-in-hand with therapy and especially trauma treatment. These are “must have experiences for all clinicians.

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.

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.

Liza Baker
MAAT

[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.

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.

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.

David Facenda
LICSW

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

Nancy Meyer
MSW. LCSW-C

The case examples were extremely helpful. Lisa is an extremely knowledgeable, clear, organized, engaging, and approachable presenter.

Melynda Klausner
LGPC

Advanced Trauma Training was an amazing experiential and educational experience that advanced my skills, knowledge and support for doing the work I love.

Sarah P. Lewis
MSW LCSW

The materials were comprehensive and easy to follow. The instruction style was engaging and supportive.

Joy Paul
LCSW-C

Sabrina was very engaging and there was good participant interaction.

Lydia Santiago
LCSW

The presenter for [Evolving Treatment in the Face of the Opioid Epidemic] was energetic, knowledgeable and brought in a different perspective to such a sensitive topic. He brought in great speakers, and added human perspective to our Opiate epidemic. I liked his approach and teaching style.

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.

Barbara Perry
LCSW-C

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

Anna Davis
MSW, LCSW, LSATP

Lisa is a talented presenter who uses presence and attunement to ensure that participants feel empowered and connected. Thank you so much!

Camille Espinoza
LCSW

The teacher was excellent!

Karen Kochen Silverman
LCSW-C

[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was a very interesting training and I learned so much. Definitely one of the best trainings I have ever been to.

Stephanie Barbara Perry
LCSW-C

Susan was in command of her subject but also had a great sense of humor.

Shannon Maple
LCSW-C

Dr. Papernow was awesome! Used dialogue the whole training that modeled appropriate use of the teachings in our practices.

Amy Waldron
LCPC

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

Judith Proctor
BA, MSW, LCSW-C, MDiv

Susan was very human and approachable.

Jasmine McEwen
LCPC

The presenter of the workshop had a calming energy about her, and genuinely seemed interested in what was being discussed.

Lisa Zimmerman
LICSW

This training was a game-changer for me. The strength-based approach Lisa takes has transformed the way I see my clients and the range of practical tools we were given has revitalized my work with them.

Kamilah Smiley
LCSW-C

This program was extraordinary. Lisa is phenomenal. I learned a lot that will help me be a better clinician while normalizing and embracing care for myself.

Jaree Cottman
LCSW-C

Being able to bear witness to Dr. Sabrina's wisdom and experiences, as well as the others in the group was most helpful. It was very nourishing to have self-care practices integrated into our time together. I think the training offers a unique approach to supervision that honors the sacredness of the experience beyond documentation and business exchanges.

Stephanie Durnford
LCPC

I really appreciated Lisa's approachable, super informed, and engaging presentation style [in Understanding and Working with Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)]. The material was so applicable to not only conceptualization but also practice.

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.

Tiffany O'Hara
LCPC

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.

Rachel Wills
LCPC

I really valued [Understanding and Working with Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)]. Lisa allowed me to more fully understand that my challenging clients are not trying to be resistant or difficult but are struggling with trauma and deeply ingrained, albeit ineffective coping mechanisms. Lisa also supported and solidified for me, what I had already been mulling over — that restructuring our treatment model for high risk and chronic relapsing individuals (substance use) to incorporate more skills training.

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.

Benta Sims
LPC

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

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.

Janet Glover Kirkvliet
LCPC

This is an awesome training with all the qualities and more of a very excellent postdoctoral course! Lisa is a wonderful, generous mentor, lecturer, teacher and clinician.

Lindsey McDaniel
LCSW

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

Kerry Ford Morancy
LCSW-C

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

Viven Deitz
LCSW-C, BCD

Listening to one of the most talented and gifted therapists was an absolute treat!

Emily Perrin
LMSW

I would love Father Ray to know that he was an absolute joy. Im sitting here smiling and almost tearful as I write this. From his enthusiasm, smiles, humor to his courages and beautiful empathy and compassion.. he was truly a joy. It was clear that he truly loves what he does and is so beyond skilled at it. The compassion he exudes is truly inspiring. Thank you Father Ray!

Mika Byam
LCSW-C

He [Dr. Evans] was effective and innovative in his teachings, and was enthusiastic about the subject matter. I appreciated his way of modernizing theory and stories to make current work relevant and insightful.

Alison Forger
LGSW

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

Michelle Market
LPC, CEDS

I loved [Salicia's] 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!

Alexander Wheeler
PHD

Wonderful teacher - the training was informative, clear, interactive, and very applicable to a range of clinical situations involving blended families.

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.