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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.
August 28, 2026
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Location:
In-Person at The Hilton Garden Inn • Owings Mills, MD
Presenter:
Presenter:
Lisa Ferentz
LCSW-C, DAPA

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

A picture that represents this event.
September 3, 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 two-day intensive, we will learn how to creatively and experientially go beyond a singular view of the self, and embrace, instead, the notion of the many-faceted self.

A picture that represents this event.
September 4, 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 two-day intensive, we will learn how to creatively and experientially go beyond a singular view of the self, and embrace, instead, the notion of the many-faceted self.

What people are saying about The Ferentz Institute:

Katina Callan
LCSW

Lisa's trainings validate a lot of the work that we do and provides new formulations, techniques, and a level of confidence to apply these techniques. What a powerful experience.

David Facenda
LICSW

This program brought me back to all the good things I felt while in grad school: lots of new knowledge, useful skills, and a safe and comfortable learning experience.

Hillel Zeitlin
LCSW-C

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

Lisa Greenberg
School Counselor

Jake's personality is amazing. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the topic, he was respectful of time, involved the audience which kept everyone engaged, created a safe space for sharing, professional, prepared, and he was warm and entertaining as well.

Mimi Thomas
LCSW-C

Jonah was organized, articulate and knowledgeble.

Stephanie Barbara Perrry
LCSW-C

Mr. Ferentz had an excellent grasp of current information in the field and shared both the theory and practice. He included the whole group in his presentation.

Caroline
Coffill, LCSW

The presenters were knowledgeable and provided psycho-education along with experiential activities.

Wayne Evans
PhD

Sabrina creates training experiences that are spiritually nourishing and intellectually edifying. She is an amazing teacher who elevates the consciousness of every room she walks into. It is both a pleasure and blessing to learn from her.

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!

Luisa Aguilar-Salazar
LCSW

Very knowledgeable speaker, discussions are open and foster growth.

LaTisha Diggs
MA

Powerful training full of knowledge, caring, and compassion.

Molly Milgrom
LICSW, LCSW

I loved Aliza’s vibe and groundedness. She clearly knows her stuff!

Eileen Thompson
ITR, SCAC, BS, ACPRS

Heidi made me feel safe to ask questions and responded in a concise and understandable manner.

Talecia Frazier
LCPC

The presenter was excellent, easy to understand and knowledgeable.

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.

Jenny Jarrell
LCSW-C

[Susan is] Very informative and made the training interesting and interactive.

Cyndi Wagner
LPC, LCPC

I understand ADHD better and how it impacts individuals.

Wayne Evans
PHD

Once again, Lisa facilitated a top notch and very relevant seminar [with Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations]. The presentation was very engaging and time flew by quickly.

Melanie Levine
LCSW-C

As always, Lisa is very knowledgeable about her subject matter and funny and enjoyable to listen to. also very relevant topic matter.

Emily Scott
LCSW-C

Lisa was responsive, welcoming and cared for participants. Her vast experience provided for very concrete examples of how the material translates to practice.

Gail Guttman
LCSW-C

Lisa is accessible, smart and kind.

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!

Brian Edwards
LCPC

TJ was very genuine and down to earth.

Susan Oliff
LSCW

I liked how passionate she was about IFS, and the energy and care she brought to the workshop.

Nicole O.
LCSW-C

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

Diane Sancilio
LCSW-C

[Sabrina is] Engaging, dynamic, thought provoking and fun!

Edina Adler
LCSW, Mediator

I liked [Patricia's] her warmth, and wealth of knowledge, and approachability.

Grace Lee
LMSW

I appreciate Lisa�s no-nonsense stance on this huge issue of media/social media affecting our children (all children).

Jennifer Zwarich
LCSW-C

Dr. Sabrina is inspiring, calming, and full of wisdom. This was a great way to start my journey as a supervisor.

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.

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!

Leonard Guedalia
PHD

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.

David Facenda
LICSW

TJ was relaxed, easy to listen to, and knowledgeable about her topic.

Sarah Boone
LCPC

Nancy was a seasoned “pro” and spoke clearly and compassionately about the topic.

Timothy E.
LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C

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

Danielle Crystal
LGPC

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.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

I greatly appreciate Lisa's approach of comprehensive information backed by research intermingled with concrete, practical application and discussion.

Corinne Heiliger
LCPC

Dr. Evans was an engaging storyteller full of practical wisdom and deep knowledge of the content. Really enjoyed this workshop and would seek out this presenter again!

Emily Scott
LCSW-C

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.

Melissa Schnaar
LCSW-C

Susan was very knowledgeable and experienced in working with clients struggling with OCD.

Timothy Vail
PSYD

[Creative Techniques for Managing Traumatic Stress: Grounding, Containment, and Resourcing was a] great introduction to some art therapy techniques specifically aimed for individuals who've experienced trauma.

Sharazad Haimanchandra
LMSW

Janina was knowledgeable, and welcomed discussion during the training.

Nia Foggy
LPC

Lisa is like a “therapist mother” that helps other therapist recognize their own strengths and encourages them to continue to do great work. You are guaranteed to take something from her training to use directly in your practice.

Marni McGarry
LCSW-C

Sabrina creates an authentic and accessible learning space for everyone.

Ryan M.
LGPC

The workshop 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.

Timothy E.
LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C

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

Aigayil Gulevsky
LMFT

I enjoyed learning how to incorporate art and IFS and liked the compassionate space they held.

Sumi Holman
LCSW-C

Helpful art prompts to use in session with clients. Lisa was warm, compassionate, understanding and flexible.

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.

Storm Emerson
LCPC

The presenter was very interactive and knowledgeable.

Kim M.

Denise is a true expert in issues related to trauma and addiction and has a great way of sharing her knowledge as a presenter.

Barbara Perry
LCSW-C

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

Krista Dhruv
LCSW-C

She's [Lisa's] such a wonderful teacher AND a seasoned clinician- it's hard to get both in one person!

Sarah Vayda
LCPC

This program should be a part of every clinician's repertoire. The compassion and knowledge Lisa has is invaluable and I am confident I am a better clinician because of this training and the investment in myself and clients.

Emily Perrin
LMSW

Jill was fantastic. Interactive, engaging and loved her entire approach to movement and art.

Sarah Boone
LCPC

Jonah had a depth of knowledge and understanding of the material and was a clear communicator.

Christina Jay
LCPC

Learned so much information [in Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice]. It also confirmed that current practices are ethical as measured with current standards.

Michael Schlein
LCPC

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

Stephanie Barbara Perry
LCSW-C

She demonstrated enthusiasm and compassion for the people she works with.

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.

Kathy Haerian

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

Laura Ashley
LCSW-C

The Working With Dreams workshop was interesting and informative. Vivienne, our instructor, used experiential exercises to engage our group and illustrate how to use her techniques. I can't wait to try her methods out with my clients.

Bonnie Damron
LCSW

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

Zoe Nasios
LMSW

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

Karen Ross Taylor
LCSW-C

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 :)

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

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).

Jennifer Hart
LCSW-C

[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.

Ran Zhang
MS, LPC, LCPC

Peggy was knowledgeable and presented the information in a comprehensive manner, and also allowed me to connect with my own experiences during the training. I think that really helped me integrate what I learned from her.

Maria Tolbert
LCSW-C

Lisa embodies the social work value of lifelong learning. She's an amazing teacher and is also incredibly willing to learn from others in the room.

Seritha Evans
MPA

Dr. Evans is an amazing speaker. His delivery and command of the subject matter 'Superwoman Schema in Black Women' was truly life changing for me. The information gained will be shared with others to help restore and transform their lives, as well.

Katharine Hart
LCSW-C

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!

Kimberly P.
LCSW-C

I truly enjoyed Dr. Sabrina and found the information she presented to be helpful...

Laurey Richmond
LCPC

Jonah was knowledgeable, engaged, responsive, and modeled strengths-based language and teaching. He did really well responding to chatbox comments immediately and respectfully.

Corinne Heiliger
LCPC

One of the best trainings I�ve been to in quite a while. Instructor was kind, personable, knowledgeable and loved how applicable the techniques are to my practice. Also, thank you to Lisa for having magazines for collages that centered people of color-really appreciated this.

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.

Debra Zatkin
LCSW-C

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.

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.

Amy L. Whitesel
PHD, LCSW-C

Patricia was very engaging and offered a truly interactive experience. She is clearly very knowledgeable on this topic.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

I appreciated how well all of the extensive information is organized and presented.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

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

MaryAnn Niclas
LCSW-C

Lisa has a wonderful combination of warmth and efficiency. I believe all her workshop attendees feel seen and heard by her.

Kim McCalpin
Psychologist

I loved the trainer!

Tim Sebian-Lander
LCPC

This program has profoundly changed the way in which I see trauma and interact with clients who are still living with and coping with trauma. Honestly, I feel like I have grown as a therapist and I know that patients I see, now and in the future, will benefit from the work I did in this training. I strongly recommend it to all professionals! Thank you, Lisa!

Tracy Ambos
LCSW-C, LICSW

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

Jami Margolis
LCPC

This program gave me, as a seasoned clinician, so much insight about how to be trauma informed in every aspect of treatment: intake environment, parts work, and termination. Thank you!

Cassandra Ekstrom
LCSW-C

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

Amy Waldron
LCPC

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

Brenda May
LCSW-C, BCD, LLC

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

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.

Ashley D.
LCSW-C

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.

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!

Charise Peddicord
LCPC

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.

Melissa Deaton Cook
LPC, NCC

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

Sabrina Bowen
LCMFT

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

Elizabeth Velazquez
LCSW-C

The entire presentation was incredibly useful. I learned so much! It provided new information and kept my attention the entire time!

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.

Joy Paul
LCSW-C

The Presenters were working so well together and made sure they were connecting with participants. It felt very intimate and personal. I felt like I was in the same room with them.

Danielle Deckard
LCSW-C

This was a wonderful workshop that engendered a meaningful conversation on spirituality and psychotherapy, and the role of both in post traumatic growth. The facilitators were very engaging and knowledgeable.

Brian Shird
MS, LBSW

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.

Shaneika Lovelace
LCPC

Very informative!

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.