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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.

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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.

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March 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 six-hour workshop we will look at the ways in which our brains are adversely impacted by trauma and how the concept of neuroplasticity can reverse that impact.

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March 10, 2026
12:45 - 4:00 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Presenter:
Kristin Whiting-Davis
LCSW-C, LICSW

Explore the role of artificial intelligence in mental health through an ethics-focused lens centered on transparency, cultural humility, and human connection. Using case examples and guided reflection, participants will learn when AI can support trauma-informed, relational practice and when human judgment must take the lead.

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March 16, 2026
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Presenter:
Dee Preston-Dillon
PHD

This workshop will explore essential validation, freedom from the danger of implicit bias, and I-Thou dialogues to reclaim existential truth.

What people are saying about The Ferentz Institute:

Alexa Julius
LCSW-C

Lisa is extremely knowledgeable, funny, kind, and encouraging.

Michael Lockman
LCPC

A highly informative and practical survey of trauma-informed care led by a professional motivated by the highest level of care and advocacy for her clients.

Emma P.
LCSW

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.

Paris Grigsby
LGPC

She was thoughtful and considerate of our experiences in addition to client experiences.

Shyrielane Watson
PHD, LCPC

The presenter.is clear, organized, thoughtful, and sensitive to the needs of the participants.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Rev. Chase was knowledgeable and easy to follow. Rev. Chase welcomed questions and discussions throughout the presentation.

Yasmin Meyers
LCSW-C

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

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.

Ayxa Kalai
LCSW-C

The facilitator [Lisa] was incredibly knowledgeable. The information [in Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] given was relatable, concrete examples of how to apply in our daily jobs.

Miesha Scott
LCSW-C

Very knowledgeable and engaging.

Robert Bangert
LICSW

This program has completely transformed my clinical practice. Using the skills and knowledge I gained through this program has benefited my clients, and makes me a more confident, competent clinician. I recommend this program to all of my colleagues!

Kerry McCommons
LCPC

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.

Stephanie Barbara Perry
LCSW-C

Lisa is always on point, covers all of the necessary material, and manages to involve everyone in the training. She has a great sense of humor, along with compassion and caring.

Erin Seifert
LCSW-C

Lisa was able to breakdown concepts to be easily understood and has such a wealth of experience that she can really show how this can be woven in, and why it should be woven, into an assessment.

Debra Rezendes
Ph.D, LMFT

The presenter gave clear explanations and had lots of expertise.

Sylvana M Vigezzi
LPC

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

Nancy Simard
NCC

This training has truly changed my practice in the way I view both the students and my colleagues in my school. I have completely redesigned the school counselor office lighting to create a warmer more welcoming environment. I look at my most difficult students through a different lens, often picturing them as babies in the trauma he must've endured. I am a patient, more attentive and excited to use the myriad of strategies thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Lisan Martin
LCSW-C, LICSW

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.

Janniece Phillips
MED

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.

Amy Searcey
LCSW-C

This program reinforced and strengthened my confidence and skills. I have noticed clinically significant results in my clients through implementing the tools provided in this training.

Michele Fleming
LCSW-C

I loved all of it! The real life examples of concepts, breaking into groups and processing an issue, the reminder from Sabrina that I am human and no one expects me to have all of the answers. This felt like sitting with a friend and drinking a dirty chai and feeling the support and nurturing while also gaining knowledge.

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].

Timothy E.
LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C

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

Katie Lukehart
LCPC

The Trauma Informed Assessments and Treatment training was nearly life changing for me as a clinician. Lisa was empowering, direct and willing to answer any question thrown her way. I took information from this training that I started using in my own practice immediately.

Sarah Dziwanowski
LCSW-C

She was relatable, knowledgeable, compassionate and funny. She did a great job giving practical tools to use while increasing my overall knowledge about OCD.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

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

Alexa Julius
LCSW-C

Lisa is extremely knowledgeable, funny, kind, and encouraging.

Katy Alexander
LCPAT, ATR-BC, LCPC

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.

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.

Stephanie

I really appreciated the applicability of the material.

Sarah Boone
LCPC

Aliza was approachable, affirming, validating, and compassionate.

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.

Morgan Gross
MSW, LICSW

In [Master Class – Case Consultation: Treating Post-Partum Mood Disorders Through a Trauma Lens] Robyn did a beautiful job of bridging the gap between two important and highly intertwined areas of clinical focus, which too often aren't talked about intersectionally. I'd highly recommend this training!

R. Denise Roberson
LPC

What I liked best is that Susan provided strategies specifically geared to treat OCD treatment with both children and adults.

Stephanie Marinelli
PHD, JD, LCPC

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

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.

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).

Mario F.
LCSW-C

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

Jenn Ungham
CAC-AD

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.

Gail Guttman
LCSW-C

Lisa is accessible, smart and kind.

Amy Waldron
LCPC

She [Susan] was [a] great [facilitator], very informed on the topic [of Effectively Treating Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder].

Rebecca Gibson
LCSW-C

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.

Kathleen Traversari
LGSW

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

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.

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.

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!

Vivien Deitz
LCSW-C, BCD

She was very engaged with the entire group as well as each individual participant. Her presentation was flawless and offered the self-regulation and healing on a felt sense. Well done!!

Mary Liz Austin
LCPC

Tim was a wise and conscientious presenter with a clear mastery of his subject matter.

Kaitlin Phillips
LCSW-C

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

Terry M.
LCSW-C

Sabrina is great- very real. Great interactive activities. Looked forward to part 2.

Kim McCalpin
Psychologist

I loved the trainer!

Seritha Funderburk Evans
MPA

Dr. Evans was well prepared and kept my attention from start to end. The information that I received and the knowledge that I gained was life changing.

Jannatul Ferdous
LCSW-C

Lisa explains complicated subjects in very simple and interesting ways.

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!

Samantha G
LICSW, LCSW

Dr. Evans was a wonderful and inspirational education and practitioner. His authenticity created a safe space and allowed for an environment where we could really experience our time with him.

Antoinette Moon
LCSW-C

Authentic, clinical use of self and how she incorporated theroy with realistic strategies you can use.

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.

Patti Renko
LCSW-C

Appreciated the updated information and the direct and comprehensive way it was presented and discussed.

Stephanie Barbara Perry
LCSW-C

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

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.

Catherine Tardif-Douglin
LCSW-C

[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.

Amina Wells
LCSW-C

He's [Dr. Evans] passionate, personable and very knowledgeable and his creative lens offers a lot to the training experience.

Sasha W.
LCSW-C

The workshop was very informative. I was able to walk into my office the next day with a clear understanding of parts work and utilize new expressive modalities right away. I'm excited to take more trainings on the topic and deepen my knowledge!

Erin Clark
LCSW-C

Denise was well educated, compassionate and experienced in her work with the clients that have endured domestic violence.

Kumba Baryoh
LCSW-C

The experiential exercises were most useful.

Adesuwa Osemwegie
LCPC

Lisa has vast and commendable command in the subject area. Awesome!!

Amy Mazer
LCSW-C

Denise's material was informative, and she provided relevant examples.

Michelle Simonds
LCPC, LCADC

Peggy was very knowlegeable, caring, amd approachable.

Timothy Nowicki
LMSW

Lisa's trauma curriculum should be a requirement for all aspiring clinicians.

Samantha Russell
LCSW-C

Lisa is extremely knowledgable, but still approachable. She made the training engaging and enjoyable.

Paul Timin
LCSW-C

She [Susan] connects with her audience with warmth and humor.

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.

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.

Barbara Crawfish
LMSW

I loved her [Denise's] knowledge, understanding & ability to communicate with the audience. Her passion was demonstrated by her presentation.

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.

Bruce Snyder
Pastoral Crisis Counselor

The Expressive Modalities Program provides a quality connection of didactic information with sensory experience, for a more complete understanding of beneficial client treatment concepts.

Zoe Nasios
LCSW-C, LMSW

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

Julia Caruana
LCMFT

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!

Rachel Herring
LCPC

This program is worth every last cent. Prior to the training, I was apprehensive about the financial investment. It was so worth it. The program boosted my confidence in working with trauma survivors. The information that I have passed on to clients in the form of psychoeducation has left them feeling empowered. I loved the on-line format. It makes it a lot more accessible and no rush hour driving!

Ilene Gallner-Toller
LCSW-C

[Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom was a] very powerful and experiential workshop! We were constantly engaged in experiential learning, even while taking in theory. Awesome!

David Facenda
LICSW

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

Shelby Mitchem
LCSW-C

This was hands down the best and most useful training I have ever done. In my almost 10 years as a therapist, I have never felt more confident in my clinical skills than I do now. Thank you, Lisa, for your infinite wisdom!

Sharazad Haimanchandra
LMSW

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

Susan B. Blair
LCMFT, CCDP

This training equipped me with a greater understanding of trauma informed treatment. I feel more confidant in my practice dealing with issues of trauma and more energized to continue to increase my knowledge and efficacy.

Keltie Hawkins
LICSW, LCSW-C

Clearly well-thought out presentation, she told helpful stories (old clients/hospice), nice blend of theory and take-aways can use right away.

Meredith Braden
MA, NCC, LGPC

I absolutely loved Level I. Lisa's smart, caring approach conveyed knowledge essential to treating trauma survivors, focusing on their strengths, sharing practical coping skills, and protecting them through the process of therapy. I feel more confident as a young clinician because of this training. It was fun too!

Janie Howsare
LICSW, CEAP

Lisa is such a great communicator, connecting research and evidence-based practice in a deeply empathic way.

Kathy Sullivan
LCSW-C

Denise had great examples and scenarios, and she's a presentable, knowledgeable expert.

Shereen Ghori
LMSW

The session on [Evolving Treatment in the Face of the Opioid Epidemic] was informative especially for someone who is not in the field of substance abuse.

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.

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.

Grace Lee
LMSW

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

Alexis Buckheit
LPC, LCPC

Timothy was so wise and supportive in the way he presented the material. The environment was comfortable and facilitated space for questions and thoughts among participants, which is not always the case in virtual workshops.

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.

Jennifer Babylon
LMSW

Level II was an enriching experience that provided a strong foundation to and added an immense yet digestible and applicable amount of knowledge in which to feel confident and comfortable in stepping foot into private practice as a new LCSW.

Anne E.
LCSW-C, LICSW

Dr. Sabrina's approach to healing leadership offers inspiration and practical tools to tap into our whole selves - and thereby grow leadership that can join with and nurture the whole selves of those we supervise. Invaluable!

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.

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!

Sharon Hart
LCPC

[In Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] Lisa Ferentz offers light to all counselors who place their clients first & foremost, in a field that has become mired and one which I barely recognize after 35 years. Given that grief & trauma encapsulate our daily lives and most definitely, in the lives of our clients, I remain befuddled as to why grief & trauma education is not placed at the foremost and a basic requirement of any counseling/social work program.

Angela Wharton
VAS II

The training was absolutely wonderful! I learned lots of valuable information that I could use both in my daytime job and my non-profit.

Susan Goldart
DSW, LCSW

He is quite well versed in his field and seems to live his ideas.

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.