By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
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
A man sitting and reading about a workshop.

Discover our Inspiring Workshops

Earn valuable CEUs through informative and experiential workshops that strengthen your professional skills and enhance your personal growth.

Learn More
A picture of Lisa Ferentz.

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.
March 25, 2026
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Presenter:
Aliza Scharf-Bendov
LCSW-C, MSW

Deepen your trauma-focused clinical work through an integrative lens that weaves together diagnostic clarity, nutrition, movement, and body-centered healing practices. Get actionable techniques and informed referral pathways to better serve clients with PTSD and complex trauma.

A picture that represents this event.
March 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 6-hour workshop we will make the connection between the inevitable coping strategies that emerge for abused and neglected children and how those behaviors create suffering and dysfunction in adulthood.

A picture that represents this event.
March 27, 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 experientially process a variety of techniques designed to help traumatized clients somatically and emotionally feel safe, grounded, and within the optimal window of arousal.

What people are saying about The Ferentz Institute:

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).

R. Denise Roberson
LPC

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

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.

Jasmine Scott
LCPC, NCC

Dr. Carter was very passionate about the material he was teaching and seemed genuinely happy to take questions and talk with participants which helped more people open up.

Melissa Deaton Cook
LPC, NCC

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

Karen Kochen Silverman
LCSW-C

[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was a very interesting training and I learned so much. Definitely one of the best trainings I have ever been to.

Karen Reed
LICSW, LCSW

I really appreciated Lisa's abilities to explain concepts.

Amanda Whitlow
LCSW

Sabrina feels like a safe space! She leads with care and compassion while showing up as herself.

Laura Block
LCSW-C

I loved her gentle manner that challenged me but felt very safe and felt very useful.

Melissa M.
LGPC

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

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.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

The compassion, empathy, knowledge and humor shines through in both Lisa and Dr. Ferentz.

Yasmin Meyers
LCSW-C

Lisa is a fantastic presenter. Knowledgeable, charismatic, and friendly!

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

Lisa is smart, capable, decisive, caring and is a great example of asserting boundaries and values kindly.

Storm Emerson
LCPC

The presenter was very interactive and knowledgeable.

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!

Shannon Waliser
MSW, MPA, LICSW

Sabrina is knowledgeable, personable and authentic. When I sign up to take a training with Sabrina, I know I will grow as a clinician and as a human. I always get my money's worth and more.

Jessie Patton
LCSW

It was everything I was hoping for and more. So much learning happened during it and so much learning will happen as I continue to reckon with the ideas she introduced to us in this training.

Karen Reed
LICSW, LCSW

Lisa�s knowledge on the subject matter is incredible.

Alexander Wheeler
PHD

Wonderful teacher - the training was informative, clear, interactive, and very applicable to a range of clinical situations involving blended families.

Lori Pasch
LCSW-C

Jill was fabulously engaging, supportive, and protective of the space she created for us.

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.

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 Crooks
LCSW-C

Lisa teaches relevant and effective interventions and makes learning fun!

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.

Hayley B. Sherwood
PHD

Dr. Papernow is a highly-skilled, empathetic, engaging and clear communicator who is able to connect with the audience in powerful and meaningful ways. Her examples, handouts and years of clinical experience will most definitely assist me in my work with clients moving forward. Thank you so much!

N. Faye Powell
PHD, LCPC-S

I found [Understanding and Working with Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)] to be extremely useful when working with my Clients who present with Trauma based history, to include appreciating how Lisa gave a totally new perspective for Borderline Personality Disorder, which we Clinicians tend to shy away from. I am considering looking into the entire Trauma program that Lisa started. Great job, and will future/other Workshops presented.

Melanie Levine
LCSW-C

As always, Lisa is very knowledgeable about her subject matter and funny and enjoyable to listen to. also very relevant topic matter.

Brian Edwards
LCPC

Jill is a wonderful teacher!

Holly H.
LCPC

This workshop facilitated by Lisa Ferentz was wonderful! It was very informative and the zoom presentation was as interactive and helpful as her workshops usually are, whether in person or on-line. Thank you Lisa!

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!

Zoe Nasios
LMSW

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

Sarah Lawson
LICSW

Peggy was extremely knowledgable about art therapy and interweaving ethics issues, she gave so many great examples from clients.

Julie Phillips
LCSW-C

Lisa is incredibly engaging, knowledgeable, compassionate and creates trainings where I learn a great deal in a lovely setting. She makes us feel comfortable and cared for. She is the best!!

Samantha Russell
LCSW-C

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

Kathy Sullivan
LCSW-C

The class provided a great understanding of OCD and treatment. Susan was so personable and knowledgeable�delightful!

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.

Angela Key
LCSW-C

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.

Lindsey McDaniel. LCSW-C

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

Angel Harp Witherspoon
LCPC

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

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.

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!

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

This was a phenomenal training which helped me develop significant personal and professional insights. I left every session feeling energized and excited about sharing new ideas and approaches with clients. Being in a room with Lisa and so many other therapists has been an incredibly normalizing, reassuring and encouraging space. Lisa has been a consistent model of compassion and client-centered care throughout and I can't wait to learn from her again in the future.

Michelle Simonds
LCPC, LCADC

Peggy was very knowlegeable, caring, amd approachable.

Amy L. Whitesel
PHD, LCSW-C

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

Wayne E. Evans
PHD

Lisa is a master teacher who wisdom, expertise, and commitment to the craft invites her participants to enjoy the process of participating in continuing education. She makes learning fun!

Erin Wical
NCC

The program was extremely helpful and has taught me so much about trauma informed care within the mental health field. I would highly recommend this training, it is worth every penny!

Kara Smith
LCSW-C

This was by far the best training I have attended. I learned that I was actually doing a lot correctly, but also learned a lot of things I could be doing. I look forward to Level II!

Elizabeth G.
LCPC

Overall, I would rate this workshop very highly. I loved the experiential components... I did come away from the workshop with a better understanding of IFS and a number of tools I can use immediately in my practice.

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.

Jaree Cottman
LCSW-C

Being able to bear witness to Dr. Sabrina's wisdom and experiences, as well as the others in the group was most helpful. It was very nourishing to have self-care practices integrated into our time together. I think the training offers a unique approach to supervision that honors the sacredness of the experience beyond documentation and business exchanges.

Edward Diamond
Registered Psychology Associate

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

Kristina Worton
LMSW

Lisa did an incredible job of making the training feel as close to an in-person training as possible. I loved the online chat. This certificate was the best investment I have made in my professional career. Thank you!

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!!

Ann Smith
LCSW-C

This program incorporates all of the contemporary and recent knowledge the field has gained in trauma-informed therapy treatment and gives therapists concrete tools and strategies to use with their clients. Lisa and her faculty provide warmth, support and encouragement all throughout the course.

Jessica Schuhly
LMSW

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

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!

Timothy Nowicki
LMSW

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

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!

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.

Karen Reed
LICSW

I appreciated our collaborating with peers and faculty, discussing cases and hearing feedback.

Wendy Velazco-Weiss
LCSW-C

Thank you for teaching me how to be a better trauma informed therapist. I have learned valuable techniques and ideas on how to approach the traumatic events that my clients experience. I enjoyed that classes were interactive, and that Lisa was willing to share her successes as well as challenges with clients.

Wayne Evans
PHD

Once again, Lisa facilitated a top notch and very relevant seminar [with Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations]. The presentation was very engaging and time flew by quickly.

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.

Cyndi Wagner
LPC, LCPC

I understand ADHD better and how it impacts individuals.

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.

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.

Shannon Waliser
MSW, MPA, LICSW

Sabrina is knowledgeable, personable and authentic. When I sign up to do a training with Sabrina, I know I will grow as a clinician and as a human. I always get my money's worth and more.

Kristin Morton
LCPC

I really appreciate Lisa�s expertise and humility.

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.

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!

Katherine Cashin
LCPC

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.

Malley K. Hester Everngam
LCSW-C

I so appreciated Lisa's genuine nature and investment in our learning. Her teaching style is inviting, insightful, thought provoking and welcoming. I've taken Trauma Level I, Dissociation/Trauma and now C-PTSD training with Lisa. I've never heard her say to someone that they are "wrong." This is so encouraging and valuable when your mind feels jumbled after a long day of training. Thank you so much!

Catherine Peterson
LCSW

I have grown as a therapist over the last nine sessions and I believe my growth allows me to see and access the strengths and resiliency in my clients in a new and different way.

Jordan Klebanow
LICSW

Lisa is a wonderful instructor and her course will mark a turning point in your practice.

Kimberly Riopelle
LCSW-C

I loved her energy and enthusiasm. Such a wealth of knowledge and wisdom! One of the best trainings I've been to yet.

Lisa Pearson
LCPC

Great energy and passionate about the topic of attachment as well as her clients.

Sylvana M Vigezzi
LPC

Learning about the way she has handled some of her cases and her amazing experience treating clients with complex PTSD.

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.

Bonnie Damron
LCSW

Jill’s knowledge about her material is extraordinary. Her style focused on compassionate care of her clients married with sharp minded knowledge of both the art and science of her subject. Her pacing was excellent. She gave ample space for us to respond, ask questions and process. Her humanity and humility, I am sure, is basic to her nature.

Kimberly Daulton
LICSW, LCSW-C

Sabrina has such a fun, engaging, and therapeutic presence during the training! She integrates self-reflection and challenges us to grow!

Sarah P. Lewis
MSW LCSW

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

Jess Maier
LCPC

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.

Samantha Russell
LCSW-C

Lisa is open, approachable, knowledgeable and warm.

David Facenda
LICSW

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

Katie Richa
MS, LCPC

The presenter was knowledgeable and professional.

I Marie Henderson Sima
LCSW-C

Susan was easy to follow & understand; and, she was especially honest if she didn't know something.

Shannon Maple
LCSW-C

She was very kind, empathetic, and aware. I really liked her! The topic and info just did not keep my attention easily.

Kim M.

Denise is a true expert in issues related to trauma and addiction and has a great way of sharing her knowledge as a presenter.

Benta Sims
LPC

Heidi's style of interacting as she presented the material was kind, respectful, thoughtful, mindful, experienced, and yet humble.

Rochelle Sullivan
LGPC

Lisa is an expert on this subject. She makes every session interactive and creates a safe environment to learn and grow.

Carmen Cecilia Alvarez Diaz
VAS II

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

Karen Reed
LICSW

Jill is an excellent presenter and she made herself available to advise on case material from the students.

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.

Amy Waldron
LCPC

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

Venus Simms
LCSW-C

Sabrina provided a safe space that allows everyone to open up which in turns creates this instant connection with the other trainees.

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.

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.

Katharine Hart
LGSW

I really appreciated Sabrina's authenticity as well as her ability to have participants explore traits about themselves that can be used as unique gifts as supervisors. She has amazing energy and insight!

Elizabeth Martinez
LCSW

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

Hetty Barnett
LCSW-C, LICSW

Dr. Carter was experienced, professional, creative, humorous, informative, and helpful. He welcomed questions and offered resources, and made himself available for follow-up contact. I learned a lot and feel comfortable reaching out if I have any questions. Excellent!

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.