
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 6-hour workshop we will process the inherent challenges of working with traumatized clients in a variety of practice settings.
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.
This workshop will focus on ethical issues that can arise in therapy when treating traumatized clients, as well as issues related to termination.
Lisa is a fantastic presenter. Knowledgeable, charismatic, and friendly!
Dr. Sabrina was an amazing presenter and I will definitely take another class with her when one is offered.
[Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Telemental Health] was excellent. Well organized, very informative. Of course, Lisa is always a superb presenter as she did that day!
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!
Timothy clearly explained ways to work with gender expansive youth in a professional and compassionate way. His gentle spirit came alongside us to expand our knowledge and understanding.
I liked that she was so able to present authentically from her pwn experience.
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.
I especially liked the presenter's [Dee's] style and the modeling of how to apply what she taught to one's practice.
[Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom] was highly interactive and engaging. It was a true, in-person, demonstration of how dream work can be a useful took in therapy.
Lisa is a gifted and energized speaker who speaks with a passion for the difficult work with trauma survivors. The workshop had immediate practical applications for day to day sessions with clients.
[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.
The presenter was knowledgeable and professional.
Sabrina feels like a safe space! She leads with care and compassion while showing up as herself.
She was very interactive and kept a positive attitude during the entire training.
[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.
Great energy and passionate about the topic of attachment as well as her clients.
She [Sabrina] was down to earth, knowledgeable, affirming, inspiring and open.
Lisa has the ability to frame theory, concepts, and interventions in applicable terms.
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.
Very seasoned presenter. Excellent and useful materials presented in a way that a client can also understand without shame.” I love how she wove in the strategies and worksheets to complement her slides.
All aspects were helpful, especially when sharing the neurobiology associated with trauma and the sharing of the actual execution of the TIST model and the nuances regarding unblending parts.
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.
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.
The training has been incredible. I feel more competent and confident in my work with my clients because of this training and because of Lisa's ability to teach the material in such an effective manner.
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!
[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.
Jill is a wonderful teacher!
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.
This program provides the essential necessary for effective practice. I've been a licensed social worker for 17 years and this program was more beneficial than any graduate class or training I have ever taken. Thank you, Lisa!
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.
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.
Aliza was approachable, affirming, validating, and compassionate.
This was one of the best trainings I've ever taken and certainly the most informative. Lisa does an excellent job presenting the material in a way that is really interesting and applicable to a wide array of clinical settings. Anyone working in the mental health field should take this training. Most importantly, Lisa really did a wonderful job of making sure that we as clinicians felt taken care of and appreciated. I truly felt like I mattered.
[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 provides a comfortable learning environment. The presentations are clear and thoughts, feedback and questions are always welcome.
I liked that the presenter made the material easy to understand. She was able to cover a lot of material in the time of the workshop. I also really liked to hear specific examples that will help with our future clients.
Denise had great examples and scenarios, and she's a presentable, knowledgeable expert.
Sabrina was very engaging and there was good participant interaction.
Lisa is a gifted and energized speaker who speaks with a passion for the difficult work with trauma survivors. [Using Expressive Modalities to Connect With and Soothe Traumatized Parts] had immediate practical applications for day to day sessions with clients.
[Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom had] great information with experiential exercises. I really enjoyed connecting with the other participants.
I really liked the presenters knowledge and helpful answers throughout the training.
This training was invaluable. I was able to use this knowledge and the techniques to help almost every single client I serve.
I really appreciated Lisa's abilities to explain concepts.
Janina consistently redefined pathology to befriending and honoring a child’s adaptive strategies, that now might be less useful as an adult.
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.
This program incorporates all of the contemporary and recent knowledge the field has gained in trauma-informed therapy treatment and gives therapists concrete tools and strategies to use with their clients. Lisa and her faculty provide warmth, support and encouragement all throughout the course.
Very informative. Learned a lot in a short amount of time. The presenter was organized and kept the workshop on schedule.
Dr. Wayne was able to skillfully weave teaching strategies so successfully, from referencing comic books, graphic novels, movies, tv shows, biblical stories, personal stories, humor, songs/music. All of these teaching modalities helped drive home his points not just on an intellectual level, but also a visceral level. His optimism and refusal to reside in a 'I'm trapped and so are you' mode was so hopeful and inspiring.
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.
Robyn was a stellar presenter [for Master Class – Case Consultation: Treating Post-Partum Mood Disorders Through a Trauma Lens] and it is the rare workshop when I can say just one day later the material has changed my approach to cases and enhanced the array of techniques. I highly recommend her as a presenter and would certainly attend future workshops with her.
The open discussion was most useful, also information about what to look for across the lifespan.
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.
Jake was an incredible presenter! He was very authentic and genuine in the way he showed up as a presenter and a person in the space! Thank you so much.
She [Lisa] is both a teacher and a practitioner- she is clearly not just an academic.
As a clinician, one of the most important tools we have is our self. Lisa helped me find my own internal wisdom and see my blind spots.
Patricia offers a succinct and engaging presentation and teaching style. I appreciated her articulate presentation and deep knowledge about such a crucial topic.
Denise was passionate about her work in trauma, which is hard to do.
It's rare that a workshop grabs my attention and holds it from start to finish. [Trauma Informed Collage Methods was] Informative and engaging!
She was very knowledgeable, very organized and interactive and informative. Loved the real life case studies.
Her experience and the way she presents is with warmth, and she is so engaging.
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.
Fantastic techniques shared that made me excited to get back to work and use with my clients.
I love learning the body movement and have been using it every day!
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.
Sabrina has such amazing knowledge and really encouraged participation, creating a safe and connected space to share and learn.
Aliza spoke in a calm, regulating manner. She was encouraging and knowledgeable.
Peggy was very knowlegeable, caring, amd approachable.
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!
This workshop facilitated by Lisa Ferentz was wonderful! It was very informative and the zoom presentation was as interactive and helpful as her workshops usually are, whether in person or on-line. Thank you Lisa!
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.
Dr. Evans was a wonderful and inspirational education and practitioner. His authenticity created a safe space and allowed for an environment that we could really experience our time with him.
I have worked in the field for 20 years and I am still leaving this program with improved knowledge. This program reminded me that I will forever be a student and that ongoing learning is an ethical responsibility that I have to my clients. Excellent program- highly recommend.
She was very knowledgeable about the topic and was open about her own personal experiences. The training brought hope for clients with an often seemingly debilitating diagnosis.
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.
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.
The class provided a great understanding of OCD and treatment. Susan was so personable and knowledgeable�delightful!
I loved her [Denise's] knowledge, understanding & ability to communicate with the audience. Her passion was demonstrated by her presentation.
This program [Level II Advanced Treatment in Trauma Certificate] provided more guidance and resources than my graduate school curriculum in terms of clinical competency. What a privilege to witness, reflect on, and explore these new creative trauma-informed modalities with Lisa... Peggy and Dr. Dee. My entire practice has shifted in such an insightful, confident, and organic way and I am extremely grateful! Greatest program I have ever attended from a clinical perspective.
[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.
Lisa is an expert on this subject. She makes every session interactive and creates a safe environment to learn and grow.
Sabrina was very personable and allowed you to discuss situations that often made you feel vulnerable if you were to share it with other leaders/supervisors. I liked how she allowed you to feel safe and reflect on how to best address supervisory issues. I love the questions to ask Supervisees on what they will find helpful out of supervision, being better at focusing on my own self-care prior, during, and after supervision, and exercising Supervision as a ritual.
I find Lisa Ferentz very well informed but down to earth, energetic, and passionate about the work.
Heidi's style of interacting as she presented the material was kind, respectful, thoughtful, mindful, experienced, and yet humble.
[Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Telemental Health] was so pertinent to some of the current challenges facing psychotherapists Lisa Ferentz is a talented and skilled facilitator who provides information, stimulates discussion, and appropriately draws on participant expertise. all while standing on her head!! No, just kidding, but I look forward to my next workshop with her.
This has been the most beneficial training that I have attended. I knew nothing about Lisa Ferentz before registering, but this training has exceeded my expectations and I have encouraged co-workers to participate. I came away with a wealth of information and knowledge and started incorporating what I learned in my sessions. I have also been able to inform family members, school teachers, and partners what to expect from one who has experienced trauma. Can't wait to take Level II!
Patricia delivers the reality of step-parenting life in a way that lands honestly and gently. She breaks through old school expectations and provides insightful strategies for creating a successful family life that can actually work, no matter the timing, shape, or form your family takes place in. Understanding this information is everything when you're working with or experiencing these dynamics. I couldn't be more grateful for this training.
Jonah had a depth of knowledge and understanding of the material and was a clear communicator.
The presenter was an expert in the field who provided real-life, relatable examples that I can apply to my practice as a therapist.
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.
I truly enjoyed Dr. Sabrina and found the information she presented to be helpful...
Lisa is very dynamic, compassionate and uses humor while presenting material that may be challenging.
The presenter.is clear, organized, thoughtful, and sensitive to the needs of the participants.
Lisa is extremely knowledgable, but still approachable. She made the training engaging and enjoyable.
She was so knowledgeable and insightful. I appreciated her intentionality and ability to weave interventions and art into the training.
Lisa is a presenter who embodies competence and warmth and grace!. The workshop itself taught me new and wonderful ways to navigate clients through trauma with dignity and a wonderfully varied choice of modalities! Lisa's use of her personal journey with trauma patients was a wonderful and captivating way to learn.
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.
Dee kept us engaged throughout and provided not only very concrete strategies to incorporate into our practice but also resources and information for us to explore later to continue building our knowledge and skills!
Patricia Papernow is very clear, her presence and engagement with participants is natural; she creates safety, invites questions and feedback, makes room for questions along the way, is clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the content. Supportive of sharing handouts with other clinicians, and includes handouts to give to clients. Amazing amount of resources given to us. Thank YOU!
Lisa has vast and commendable command in the subject area. Awesome!!
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.
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.
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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