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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.
February 19, 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 set the stage for a clinical and philosophical approach to trauma informed treatment.

A picture that represents this event.
February 26, 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.
March 2, 2026
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Presenter:
Wayne Evans
PHD

Explore strategies to help Black men navigate racism and trauma, replacing 'just surviving' with thriving, meaningful lives rooted in resilience and self-worth.

What people are saying about The Ferentz Institute:

Bethany B.
LGSW

This workshop was unbelievably informative. The facilitator was extremely engaging and presented in a way that could be easily implemented into one's practice.

Rochelle Sullivan
LGPC

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to take this course!

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.

Joan H.W.
LGSW

Virtual trainings can be hit or miss if the presenter doesn't hold court, but Dr. Evans was fantastic. I was laughing and engaged the entire day.

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.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

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

Christine Barnes
LCSW-C

She created a safe space for us all. Was very kind and personable. Extremely knowledgeable and confident. Stayed on schedule.

Anna Davis
MSW, LCSW

Effective OCD treatment isn�t about feeling better right away � it�s about learning to feel discomfort and act anyway.� � A powerful insight from Susan Osofsky, LCSW

Kristin Morton
LCPC

I appreciate Lisa�s perfect balance of expertise, humility and humor. She is caring and careful as a presenter and has honed her years of practice and wisdom into a training that is full of critical and immediately usable information.

Alisha Epps
LCSW-C

I loved Dr. Evans' energy, his knowledge of the topic discussed, his book recommendations.

Jessica Prentice
LCSW-C

Sabrina was a wealth of knowledge and experience and her presentation style is comforting, making it easy to be engaged even through zoom. I appreciated her and the training immensely!

Shannon Maple
LCSW-C

Dr. Carter was very engaging, knowledgeable, and had a wonderful energy that kept it interesting!

Bruce Snyder
Chaplain / Minister

I was extremely impressed with Sabrina and her [Therapists as Peacebuilders: Using Your Gifts for Global Impact] workshop. It correlated very well the combined existence of both therapy skills engaged with transforming power for mutual consideration of others.

Alexis Bruce
LCSW-C

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.

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.

Mimi Thomas
LCSW-C

Jonah was organized, articulate and knowledgeble.

Rosa Kang
LGSW

She was so knowledgeable and insightful. I appreciated her intentionality and ability to weave interventions and art into the training.

Katie Richa
LCPC

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.

Esther Ungar
LCSW-C

Dr Carter is an engaging presenter who took complex topics and explained them in ways that were clear and concise. He offered concrete strategies for continued professional growth and techniques to use with clients. I highly recommend his trainings!

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.

Meghan Edwards
LGPC

Susan was incredibly engaging and knowledgeable about anxiety and OCD disorders. I normally dislike group activities but these made sense and were fun!

Jacqueline Cleland
PsyD

I especially appreciated Salicia's authenticity and presence.

Hetty Barnett
LCSW-C

Lisa was competent, prepared, disclosive and honest about her perspective, engaging with the group.

Amy L. Whitesel
PHD, LCSW-C

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

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.

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.

Angel Harp Witherspoon
LCPC

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

Angela Webster
MED

I feel like my work is taking a new direction. Thank you for all of the ideas I could use immediately after each session.

Nancy Winston
MSW, LGSW

Holding class attention throughout an ethics seminar [like Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice] is quite a feat, something Lisa accomplished with apparent ease.

Jan Brewer
LCSW-C

Personable, approachable presenter whose knowledge was self evident.

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.

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.

Amy Greenberg
LCPC

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!

Karen Ross Taylor
LCSW-C

[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] overall was well organized and useful. I found much of the presentation had a clinical focus and much less emphasis on the ethical considerations and dilemmas we face in practice. Most of us know that it's our ethical responsibility to provide trauma informed care, but how that plays out in group practices and agencies can be very challenging to navigate and effectively advocate.

Markeeta Martin
LGPC

She was very interactive and kept a positive attitude during the entire training.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Lisa provides a comfortable learning environment. The presentations are clear and thoughts, feedback and questions are always welcome.

Elizabeth Mohler
LCSW

Great resource provided by a gifted teacher & clinician.

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.

Talecia Frazier
LCPC

The presenter was excellent, easy to understand and knowledgeable.

Michele S.
LCSW-C, CAC-AD

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.

Elizabeth Chaudry
LMSW

I think Lisa brings such an experienced and knowledgeable level of awareness. She is unlike any other presenter I've had in how well she goes beyond the subject and is able to relate the topic to theory on a deeper level, and then individually to each of our cases/situations/questions.

Judith Proctor
BA, MSW, LCSW-C, MDiv

Susan was very human and approachable.

Timothy E.
LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C

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

Ivy Edelstein
LMSW

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.

Jacqueline Trombley
LCSW-C

Facility was convenient and comfortable. Process was organized. Presenter was knowledgeable and helpful. Content [for Effectively Treating Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder] was great!

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.

Edward Diamond
Registered Psychology Associate

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

Mariangela Weiskopf
LCPC

I appreciated Denise's vast clinical knowledge and her way of intervening with clients.

Tiffany Smith
LCSW-C

Dr. Wayne's personality is so real and authentic. He was warm, welcoming, greeted us each personally and engaged with us in relatable and understandable ways. Not 'academic' or 'stuffy' as some can be when presenting.

Ashley Doot
LCSW-C

Heidi brought her strong background in grief work and helped create not only a training but an experience on furthering the depth of my understanding of grief. There were practical exercises and interactive strategies to help engage participants virtually. Highly recommend!

Susan S.

Vivien was open, accepting, non-judgmental, centered, calm and humble.

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.

Rebecca Steen
LPC

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

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!

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.

Lisa A. Early
LCPC

Jill was engaging, enthusiastic, knowledgeable.

Alison Forger
LGSW

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

Vanessa Knoll
LCPC

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.

Zoe Nasios
LCSW-C, LMSW

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

Julia K.
LCPC

The workshop was so valuable in that it provided me with an expanded scope of practice and concrete techniques to use in addressing difficult subjects with clients. Lisa is such an engaging and knowledgeable presenter and weaves in relevant examples from her own practice, which helps highlight the practical applications of the material.

Elizabeth Martinez
LCSW

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

Nicole O.
LCSW-C

Dr. Sabrina is 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.

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!

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.

April M.
LMSW

The presentation was very informative. The presenter was mindful of the technology.

Natalie Franz
PHD, R.Psych.

Patricia is an excellent presenter: clear, well-informed, and personable. I also appreciate that she provided extensive materials ahead of time. It made following her presentation that much easier and I have valuable resources to use with my clients.

Julie Bivins
LCSW

Susan was very knowledgeable and personable - a good combination!

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.

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.

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.

Cherise Fowlkes
LCSW-C

Sabrina was inviting, engaging, and extremely knowledgeable. She was able to connect with each of the participants in some way. The connection made me feel like I mattered. You can really see that she loves the work she does.

Sarah P. Lewis
MSW LCSW

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

Jessica R. Contreras
LCSW-C

I enjoy Lisa�s ability to connect with anyone.

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.

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.

Michael Schlein
LCPC

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.

Mario F.
LCSW-C

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

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.

Meredith G.
LCSW, CCTP

A fantastic workshop encouraging curiosity about the client's shame, guilt and inner critic parts. By allowing the possibility of honoring those parts, we are encouraging other positive parts to come forward and change the client's current self narrative. As always, Lisa is an excellent teacher, positive, kind and making the experience even more enjoyable.

Megan Robison
LCSW-C

I appreciate Lisa's realness. She isn't selling anything. She made me feel positive about myself as a therapist.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

Lisa was an empathic, normalizing, supportive and experienced facilitator.

Edward Diamond
Registered Psychology Associate

The presenter [for Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom] had a good grasp of the material and was exceptionally well prepared.

Symone C.
LCMFT

Enjoyed the energy, enthusiasm, knowledge that Dr. Evans shared about a complex and potentially transformative therapeutic tool. Thanks for offering this to our community.

Brian Edwards
LCPC

Jill is a wonderful teacher!

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.

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.

Karen Reed
LICSW, LCSW

Lisa�s knowledge on the subject matter is incredible.

Elyse Greenwald
LCPC

Denise was excellent all around. Her use of real case examples to illustrate her narrative allowed her to present a very complex subject.

Jenny Jarrell
LCSW-C

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

Lisa Zimmerman
LICSW

I've done numerous advanced trainings but this one was head and shoulders above the rest. Lisa's passion and non-pathologizing stance transformed the way I view my clients and inspired me to more creative in my work.

Susan Goldberg
LMSW

This course was incredibly impactful on my practice and for my clients. Thank you for being so amazing!

David Facenda
LICSW

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

Jen Baumgartner
LCSW-C

I honestly don't have the words to quantify how much I love and appreciate every minute of the Level 1 & 2 Trauma Training Program. The impact on both my personal and professional life have been profound. I wish the experience for every person called to a helping profession. I will always regard Lisa with gratitude for providing this opportunity.

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.

Edina Adler
LCSW, Mediator

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

Allyson Wozniak
LMSW

This training transferred well to an online platform. Lisa did a great job keeping everyone active and keeping the training lively and engaging.

Tiffany Smith
LCSW-C

Sabrina was engaging, direct, warm and above all, AUTHENTIC. I could feel her spirit through her tone, use of words and teaching.

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.

Emily Perrin
LMSW

Lisa is always incredible - you learn from minute one to the end of the day. She's engaging, funny and breaks down the concepts in such an accessible way.

Lisa A. Early
LCPC

Jill was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

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.

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.