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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:

Nancy Meyer
MSW. LCSW-C

The case examples were extremely helpful. Lisa is an extremely knowledgeable, clear, organized, engaging, and approachable presenter.

Brian Edwards
LCPC

Lisa allowed me to feel open express my ideas and ask questions.

Joseph Rollo
LCSW-C

I believe the most positive take away from the workshop was the opportunity to interact with other participants. I do believe the workshop was well-planned and facilitated.

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.

Eileen Stanzione
LCSW-C, PHD

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!

Jessica P.
LCSW-C

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 Zimmerman
LICSW

This training was a game-changer for me. The strength-based approach Lisa takes has transformed the way I see my clients and the range of practical tools we were given has revitalized my work with them.

Jessie P.
LCSW

Wow. What better way to learn about healing leadership than by witnessing it and being healed by it throughout the workshop? I feel so much gratitude to Sabrina for modeling what healing leadership looks like, and giving so freely of her wisdom so that we may continue to share with others. I am blown away.

Roberta Omin
LCSW

Very real and authentic, human and relatable, thoughtful and shared everything she has with us.

Katie O'Mailey
LGSW

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.

Melissa Brown
LCPC

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.

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.

Kimberly G.
LCSW-C

I really enjoyed the case examples and breakout groups and her lived experience.

Melissa M.
LGPC

I thoroughly enjoyed the informative and enlightening workshop. It is just what I needed at this phase in my career.

Kristin Morton
LCPC

Lisa has a beautiful blend of expertise in practice, compassion and humility that is enhanced by her skill in teaching what she knows to enhance the abilities of the learner.

Michelle Market
LPC

I appreciated Susan's approachability with asking questions and how well she explained things providing us with stories of what she would share with her own clients.

Nicole Tolson
LGPC

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.

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.

Tracy Wallace
LGPC

This course gave me the knowledge, skills, and confidence to treat clients with trauma. I would 100% recommend it! It's the course I wish I had in graduate school!

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.

Linda Hellman
MSW-C

Janina consistently redefined pathology to befriending and honoring a child’s adaptive strategies, that now might be less useful as an adult.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

I'm benefitting greatly from the way Lisa presents information - a strong reasearch-based foundation combined with numerous practical applications. Thank you.

Kathleen Killeen
LCSW

Wonderful wonderful thanks able to use many things with clients learning in class.

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.

Brian Edwards
LCPC

I really appreciated Lisa's openness to all feedback and questions.

Brian Edwards
LCPC

Jill is a wonderful teacher!

MaryAnn Niclas
LCSW-C

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.

Carmen Cecilia Alvarez Diaz
VAS II

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Amazing training!

Hana Perkey
LPC, CPCS, CCTP

I especially liked the presenter's [Dee's] style and the modeling of how to apply what she taught to one's practice.

David Facenda
LICSW

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

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

Already I'm benefiting greatly from Lisa's excellent, thoughtful engagement and presentation based on her decades of work serving trauma survivors field. Her information is both practical and nuanced.

Amy Heilman
LCSW-C

[Sabrina is] Very engaging and passionate about supervision! Very relatable and encouraged self-reflection.

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.

Megan Robison
LCSW-C

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.

Laura Willard
LCSW-C

Sabrina was very knowledgeable and offered new content in a way that was inspiring and easy to digest.

Kumba Baryoh
LCSW-C

The experiential exercises were most useful.

Jennifer Z.
LCSW-C

This workshop was a unique and inspiring sharing of wisdom, knowledge and support for each of us as clinicians and as humans. Dr. Sabrina is an amazing presenter with an abundance of knowledge and inspiration for every one of us!

Jasmine McEwen
LCPC

The presenter of the workshop had a calming energy about her, and genuinely seemed interested in what was being discussed.

Melissa Deaton Cook
LPC, NCC

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

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.

Sharazad Haimanchandra
LMSW

The discussion on how to use IFS informally in sessions, and the concrete tools for parts mapping was very useful. The presenter had a calm presence and was clearly very knowledgeable on the topic.

Kerry Ford Morancy
LCSW-C

The way Salicia facilitated the exercises was most powerful and supportive.

Donna Tish
LICSW, LCSW-C

Lisa's personality and presentation skills added entertainment and engagement for participants. The experience was well worth the investment of time and money.

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.

Jennifer Z.
LCSW-C

This workshop was a unique and inspiring sharing of wisdom, knowledge and support for each of us a clinicians and as humans. Dr. Sabrina is an amazing presenter with an abundance of knowledge and inspiration for every one of us!

Julie Morton
LCSW-C

Susan and Heather were a great team [in Couples Work and Why it Matters in Modern Times]. They worked together to highlight where their modalities overlapped and differed. They were both very knowledgable.

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.

Elizabeth Martinez
LCSW

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

Renee Drehmer
LCPC

The entire program was interesting and thought-provoking. It is change the way I work with all my clients no matter what issues they present with. I wish a class of this nature had been part of my graduate program back in the day. Lisa presented the material same fashion she encourages us with clients. I plan to take Level II.

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.

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.

Kim McCalpin
Psychologist

I loved the trainer!

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!

Lisa A. Early
LCPC

Lisa is energetic, fully present and engaged, allowing for in depth impromptu conversations as part of the presentation, which is helpful.

Sara Murry
LGSW

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.

Timothy E.
LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C

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

R. Denise Roberson
LPC

Wonderful presentation, perfectly paced and full of information I will implement into my practice.

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.

Joy Paul
LCSW-C

Lisa’s knowledge is so impressive, and her presentations are so warm and her ability to connect with everyone is amazing. Leaning from her is so wonderful.

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.

Jan Brewer
LCSW-C

Personable, approachable presenter whose knowledge was self evident.

Lisa Pearson
LCPC

Denise was passionate about her work in trauma, which is hard to do.

Gavriel Horan
LMSW

Lisa is a breath of fresh air. She exudes compassion and understanding, She is the model of the perfect therapist.

Sean P. Daughtry
LICSW

Patricia offers a succinct and engaging presentation and teaching style. I appreciated her articulate presentation and deep knowledge about such a crucial topic.

Sharazad Haimanchandra
LMSW

Janina was knowledgeable, and welcomed discussion during the training.

Mariangela Weiskopf
LCPC

Lisa is always phenomenal to learn from she's a master at the clinical art of counseling and teaching.

Nia Foggy
LPC, LCPC

Lisa Ferentz is amazing! Because of her dedication to mental health, compassion for clients, and experience, I am more confident in myself as a therapist. I have been able to apply all techniques and tools to my practice.

Rachel Wills
LCPC

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.

Lindsey McDaniel. LCSW-C

Thoughtful and reality-based discussion of the topic. Research backed information.

Mariangela Weiskopf
LCPC

Lisa is always an amazing presenter. She shares her wealth of knowledge in a way that can be carried over into my own practice. It is always a privledge to learn from a true master.

Grace Wright
LMSW

The trauma certificate Level I program led by Lisa is transformational. Lisa's expertise and experience is woven into the curriculum in a way that is engaging and fascinating. This program offers practitioners concrete skills and knowledge that expand clinical work with clients tremendously. Thank you!

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.

Jenniver Crooks
LCSW-C

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.

Katherine Todd
LCSW-C

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!

Terry M.
LCSW-C

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

Mary Vansickle
LCSW-C

A wonderful experience. This will certainly enhance my skills in working with traumatized children.

Luisa Aguilar-Salazar
LCSW

Very knowledgeable speaker, discussions are open and foster growth.

Timothy Nowicki
LMSW

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

Leah Schwartz
LCSW-C

Sabrina is a force to be reckoned with! She is inspirational, encouraging, and truly cares about this work! Sabrina took the time to get to know each and every one of us in her class, to hear our responses, and respond with care and curiosity. It was a pleasure to learn from her and I look forward to building on my skills based off of what I took from the past couple of days! Thank you!

Nancy Lynch Gibson
LCPC

Dr. Evans is a very engaging and creative clinician and presenter.

Paul Timin
LCSW-C

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

Gabrielle Diener
LGPC, NCC, Med

The presenter was an expert in the field who provided real-life, relatable examples that I can apply to my practice as a therapist.

Jeremy Klass
LICSW, LCSW-C, LCSW

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.

Rachel Schultz
LICSW, LCSW-C

Lisa shared so much incredible wisdom.

Julie Bivins
LCSW

Susan was very knowledgeable and personable - a good combination!

Will Perks
LCSW

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.

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.

Barbara Robertson
LCPAT, ATR-BC

Clear, meaningful presentation connects well with other approaches that I use, presenter [Arielle Seidler] was excellent in energy, openness, flexibility, good vibes all around…

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.

Barbara Perry
LCSW-C

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

Cyndi Wagner
LPC, LCPC

I understand ADHD better and how it impacts individuals.

Jennie Strauss
LCSW-C

From the start, I knew a made a great choice in investing my time and emotions in this program. I've learned so many tools and strategies to help my patients cope with their trauma and I've learned a lot about myself and how I can best support and guide my patients.

Jessica Schuhly
LMSW

This program helped me grow so much, not just as a clinician, but also as an individual.

Frances Horzempa
LCSW-C

Jill was intelligent, knowledgeable of the subject matter, and treated her audience with respect. All information was explained and modeled in an easy to understand, personal format. I am eager to start doing some of her practices with my clients.

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!

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!

Shyrielane Watson
PHD, LCPC

I really liked the presenters knowledge and helpful answers throughout the training.

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.

Sara F.
LGSW, MSW

Denise did an excellent job...I found her very knowledgeable and she used really relevant case examples (from her own experiences) that helped make the material more tangible. Her examples of reframing both assessment questions and how to respond to clients in a strength-based way were very informative...Overall, I very much enjoyed the training.

Aigayil Gulevsky
LMFT

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

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.