
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.
Strengthen your ability to confront antisemitism in therapy through a practical, anti-oppressive framework that combines trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and cultural humility. Leave with a working model and actionable strategies to address antisemitism with confidence and clinical skill.
This workshop will give you a framework that integrates research and clinical experience on three levels: psychoeducational, interpersonal, and intrapsychic/family-of-origin.
This workshop is designed for therapists new to the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model or those with a basic understanding seeking to expand their knowledge and application in clinical practice.
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.
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!
I enjoyed the presenters [in Individualizing Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Complex Trauma and Dissociation]; they were engaging, informative, current, and had a perspective which I believe broadened my own. They offered breakfast, snacks, and all day coffee. What could be better than being nurtured and informed!
Susan was very knowledgeable, shared her own experiences, shared a little about herself, approachable, very authentic, obviously loves what she's doing.
I loved Aliza’s vibe and groundedness. She clearly knows her stuff!
Lisa is amazing. She has a wealth of knowledge that is incredibly useful to working in the field of mental health. She is incredibly generous and thoughtful in her treatment of the professionals who take her program. I've gained a lot of confidence going forth to share my knowledge with clients who have endured trauma. I strongly recommend discrete training to anyone in the mental health profession. You won't regret it!
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.
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!
Trauma 1 Program was beyond beneficial as the core of my patients have been affected by trauma and not only did this program validate what I am already doing but also provided me with a wealth of knowledge to take my sessions to the next level and help my patients process through their trauma in a safe and effective way.
Lisa presented an exceptionally well-researched overview of the risks, myths, and ethical dilemmas surrounding cannabis use in clinical practice. What stood out most was her ability to translate complex scientific studies into clear, practical takeaways for mental health providers. She didn’t just present data—she helped us think critically about how to apply this knowledge in our work with clients. The presentation was not only informative but passionate.
Sabrina presents her heart and spirit in the training. Genuine and sincere, while grounded in theory and experience.
I liked [Patricia's] her warmth, and wealth of knowledge, and approachability.
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.
This program has helped me to become a more competent and confident clinician. I have begun using the skills and interventions from this program with current clients, and the shift in my practice and the progress of my clients has been amazing to witness. I recommend this program to every clinician who wants to develop or strengthen skills and knowledge of trauma informed care.
I really enjoyed the case examples and breakout groups and her lived experience.
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!
Tim was a wise and conscientious presenter with a clear mastery of his subject matter.
Lisa [Ferentz] has a unique ability to breathe life into an important but dry, dull and boring topic - Ethics! You simply can not fall asleep in Lisa's workshop [Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice].
She [ Arrielle Seidler] was funny and down to earth.
Patricia was very engaging and offered a truly interactive experience. She is clearly very knowledgeable on this topic.
This training has made me realize who I am as a therapist! I have learned so much and I see a huge difference in how I work with my clients. Thank you!
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.
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.
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.
Sabrina is Very focused on connecting the group with each other.
Lisa's trauma curriculum should be a requirement for all aspiring clinicians.
Lisa provides very accurate and and clear information. If you are a visual learner, you would benefit [from Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Telemental Health].
I appreciated the focus on caring for patient, pacing, and the ethics of the work [in Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations]. I am interested in other trainings.
This was the most informative and interactive training that I have ever attended. I would recommend this training to anyone.
Lisa is outstanding at teaching. She can make complicated topics easy to understand. She is also very warm and welcoming.
What I find most helpful is Lisa's ability to provide complicated information with easy to understand examples in a clear manner.
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.
This training was a very thorough and effective look at trauma treatment. Lisa's intentionality and creativity made this training very valuable. I am leaving with many useful strategies, skills, and language to utilize with my clients. I felt challenged through this program to reflect on my clinical practice!
Peggy clearly loves her work, and her knowledge base is so very deep.
Lisa is an authentic, passionate, and highly gifted trauma informed therapist and educator! Thank you for this amazing opportunity!
Patricia is so knowledgeable and makes the information very accessible and immediately useful. This was a wonderful, welcoming training for clinicians and stepparents (I am both).
What I most liked about Lisa and her training was the clarity on her opinions/biases, transparency, organization, presentation style, knowledge based on both research and clinical experience.
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.
Dr. Evans is a phenomenal, engaging educator. He is knowledgeable and fun to listen to. I appreciate the experience he brought and his gift of teaching. I will be looking for his trainings in the future.
Lisa teaches relevant and effective interventions and makes learning fun!
I appreciated Denise's vast clinical knowledge and her way of intervening with clients.
Lisa's training was amazing! Lisa was able to connect the material to real life practice, she was super knowledgeable and passionate about the topic and willing to answer all questions the group had! I cannot wait until I can take another one of her training sessions!
Lisa shared so much incredible wisdom.
Lisa's trauma training has brought me to a new level as a clinician. This should be required education for anyone in the clinical care or educational setting. The knowledge and resources gained through this course are invaluable.
Lisa is a vibrant, organized, compassionate speaker who has deepened my understanding and given me the tools I needed to break through with my most challenging trauma and abuse cases.
Engaging and responsive to audience. Kept me engaged with little gems of wisdom when speaking about medications to clients and medical providers.
Lisa is always a thoughtful, engaging and warm presenter. She makes everyone feel heard and seen.
I find Lisa Ferentz very well informed but down to earth, energetic, and passionate about the work.
This ethics workshop was awesome! It allowed for so much time to ask questions and explore concerns that attendees currently had. Lisa made it interesting and engaging.
The teacher was excellent!
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 provided a safe space that allows everyone to open up which in turns creates this instant connection with the other trainees.
Her experience and the way she presents is with warmth, and she is so engaging.
Lisa is open, approachable, knowledgeable and warm.
This course was highly interactive and engaging. It was a true, in-person, demonstration of how dream work can be a useful took in therapy.
I found that the online format was an excellent way to attend the program, no stress, no travel, great timing of information and breaks. I felt that it worked wonderfully. Thank you so much for your knowledge, your insights, your delivery and your absolute Unconditional Positive Regard!!
Lisa Ferentz is very knowledgeable and a great teacher and presenter. She was very warm and welcoming. The class itself was very informational and very organized. I recommend this class to every clinician. Thanks Lisa!
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.
The presenter [Dr. Evans] was dynamic, engaging and thought provoking. I imagine he's a remarkable therapist. I appreciated how he combined his clinical knowledge with his love of archetypal storytelling to bring about healing with his clients.
Attending this training was such a positive and meaningful experience. I've gained an essential and vast amount of knowledge related to trauma and its impact that offers a new lens from which to view clients.
Lisa Ferentz is a captivating and engaging speaker. [In Understanding and Working with Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)] she provided worksheets and techniques for immediate use. I am looking forward to taking another training from her in the future.
Aliza was approachable, affirming, validating, and compassionate.
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.
She [Susan] provided great ideas and suggestions given her expertise... it felt safe to ask questions, learn, and even be wrong because she was supportive and warm.
Lisa creates such an open environment for learning. Whether you are a new or experienced clinician, the level one trauma certificate training, has something valuable for you to bring to your clinical work.
Lisa's program is an invaluable resource. I ended every class eager to implement the new tools she shared. It was amazing to see the responses from my clients. I have not been able to stop talking with my colleagues about the program. Truly, everyone should attend Lisa's program!
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.
Very real and authentic, human and relatable, thoughtful and shared everything she has with us.
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!
Dr. Papernow was awesome! Used dialogue the whole training that modeled appropriate use of the teachings in our practices.
Although I recently attended another CEU about IFS (internal family systems) therapy, I did not hesitate to attend [Using Expressive Modalities to Connect With and Soothe Traumatized Parts] as I knew she would add depth and knowledge to the subject. I was not disappointed, and I was happy to gain insights that have helped me personally and professionally.
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.
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.
I really appreciated Lisa's abilities to explain concepts.
There are so many aspects of this training that will benefit your work as a clinician or if you are developing a program to serve survivors. This knowledge is imperative to the success and healing of trauma survivors.
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 presenter understands delivery!
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.
I cannot adequately express how much I gained from Lisa's training. I am tuned into my clients on a much deeper level, always mindful of safety, attunement, body language, and their ability to be fully present in session. Lisa is a very generous teacher as well. I encourage other clinicians to take the trauma training, it will give you so many new tools to help your clients.
I loved the overview of the couples IFIO. The presenter was approachable, engaging, and made the information easily digestible.
Denise was so knowledgeable and able to pull examples to answer questions and use case examples fluidly.
Lisa presents in such a way that fosters a safe and welcoming space where participants can ask questions and share experiences comfortably, which enhances learning.
I believe the most positive take away from [Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom] was the opportunity to interact with other participants. I do believe the workshop was well-planned and facilitated.
She [Lisa] is both a teacher and a practitioner- she is clearly not just an academic.
I especially liked the belief that Heidi has in her mission and her ability to help others participate in our collective life and death journey.
Very knowledgeable and authentic persona.
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations was] very helpful. Material relevant and has broad application. Physical environment was comfortable. Audience was engaged and conversant with material.
The training framed supervision as relational, ethical, and helpful as compared to simply policing and gatekeeping.
She was relatable, knowledgeable, compassionate and funny. She did a great job giving practical tools to use while increasing my overall knowledge about OCD.
Susan was incredibly engaging and knowledgeable about anxiety and OCD disorders. I normally dislike group activities but these made sense and were fun!
Sabrina led with her heart throughout the entire training. Powerful experience with tangible take-aways.
I loved her gentle manner that challenged me but felt very safe and felt very useful.
The presenter gave clear explanations and had lots of expertise.
The program was incredibly informative. The way Lisa structured and presented the information was great!
Thoughtful and reality-based discussion of the topic. Research backed information.
Sabrina is a great educator and speaker. She is a real person and keeps it real!
Sabrina is great- very real. Great interactive activities. Looked forward to part 2.
Lisa is my favorite CE presenter due to her combination of knowledge and presentation style -- very relatable, accepting of differing points of view, great use of research.
Lisa has a wonderful combination of warmth and efficiency. I believe all her workshop attendees feel seen and heard by her.
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!
Holding class attention throughout an ethics seminar [like Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice] is quite a feat, something Lisa accomplished with apparent ease.
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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