To provide social workers and other mental health professionals with state-of-the-art continuing education encompassing a variety of clinical issues, client populations, and practice settings. We believe effective learning occurs in a professional, nurturing, supportive, and fun environment that fosters collegial sharing and networking.
Our trainings encourage clinicians to reframe and de-pathologize symptoms, while focusing on clients’ resiliency and strengths. We believe that clinicians are only as effective as the extent to which they take care of themselves, so we also address issues of counter-transference, vicarious traumatization, and professional burnout.
Learn how to incorporate effective and creative trauma treatment strategies that promote self-compassion and healing.
Earn valuable CEUs through informative and experiential workshops that strengthen your professional skills and enhance your personal growth.
Discover trainings and keynote addresses that Lisa can offer your professional community at your clinical setting or conference.
Boost your professional knowledge and expand your expertise with our in-person and online trainings.
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.
In this workshop, we’ll explore Exposure/Response Prevention (Ex/RP), a model that’s been shown to be highly effective.
Presenter had a great depth of knowledge on grief that will serve my future clients well!
The Level II expressive trainings have opened my ability, my knowledge, and my comfort level in using these strategies in session. The trainings also shine a light on areas I'd like to explore more in-depth. Thanks for a wonderful experience!
This training has been a priceless investment which I believe will change my practice for many years to come.
[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.
Wonderful teacher - the training was informative, clear, interactive, and very applicable to a range of clinical situations involving blended families.
I learned a lot [in Trauma Informed Collage Methods] and had fun doing it.
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.
I found that the online format was an excellent way to attend the program, no stress, no travel, great timing of information and breaks. I felt that it worked wonderfully. Thank you so much for your knowledge, your insights, your delivery and your absolute Unconditional Positive Regard!!
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!
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.
As a new therapist this has helped solidify my foundation and increased my confidence.
I have worked in the field for 20 years and I am still leaving this program with improved knowledge. This program reminded me that I will forever be a student and that ongoing learning is an ethical responsibility that I have to my clients. Excellent program- highly recommend.
The Expressive Modalities Program provides a quality connection of didactic information with sensory experience, for a more complete understanding of beneficial client treatment concepts.
Great information with experiential exercises. I really enjoyed connecting with the other participants.
[Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom had] great information with experiential exercises. I really enjoyed connecting with the other participants.
Holding class attention throughout an ethics seminar [like Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice] is quite a feat, something Lisa accomplished with apparent ease.
The training was absolutely wonderful! I learned lots of valuable information that I could use both in my daytime job and my non-profit.
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.
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.
The Trauma Level I course increased both my confidence and competence as a clinician. The online learning format afforded convenience without sacrificing the quality of this dynamic course. The resources and connection with other clinicians through the online format have proven to be incredibly helpful in my day to day practice.
[Staying Within the Window of Tolerance: Breath Work and Body-Centered Modalities for Affect Regulation] was superb. The experiential part was priceless, and I have practiced the techniques repeatedly since the training – without ever having to go dig up the (excellent) handouts. Stacey was terrific.. she really knows her stuff and communicated it in wonderfully practical and USEFUL ways that I expect to continue using for many years. THANK YOU!! I will continue to travel to The Ferentz Institute as often as I can afford to do so for the best and most PRACTICAL trainings of any kind I've ever had!)
I feel like my work is taking a new direction. Thank you for all of the ideas I could use immediately after each session.
I liked [Patricia's] her warmth, and wealth of knowledge, and approachability.
Denise is very articulate and personable. She presented a very well organized and informative training. Thank you!
Susan connects with her audience with warmth and humor.
This training is amazing and provides a thorough foundation to work with clients with trauma. Everything learned helped my growth as a clinician.
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.
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.
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.
Lisa provides very accurate and and clear information. If you are a visual learner, you would benefit [from Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Telemental Health].
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.
Timothy clearly explained ways to work with gender expansive youth in a professional and compassionate way. His gentle spirit came alongside us to expand our knowledge and understanding.
There's no way you can leave a class you taught, Lisa, without learning new strategies and examples of how to encourage others.
A wonderful experience. This will certainly enhance my skills in working with traumatized children.
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.
Powerful training full of knowledge, caring, and compassion.
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!
If you are a clinician Lisa Ferentz's trauma training is one you cannot miss!!
This training gave me new insight as an advocate and really put things in a new light.
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!
It is truly an honor and privilege to attend Lisa Ferentz's workshops. Lisa is a dynamic and masterful presenter and therapist specifically trained in trauma therapy. Her trauma workshop provides a high level of education with up to date practical application of assessments, treatments and creative techniques. [Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] provides guaranteed take home tools will enhance your clinical practice. I am always inspired by her enthusiasm and dedication to trauma therapy. I walk away with renewed energy and excitement.
I appreciated the smaller group size which allowed for excellent group discussion. The presenter was very knowledgeable about the subject and had excellent real world examples to share. Very worthwhile and helpful training!
Susan was very knowledgeable, shared her own experiences, shared a little about herself, approachable, very authentic, obviously loves what she's doing.
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.
Lisa is a gem. I have learned so many wonderful techniques and gained a fresh perspective on my work with trauma survivors.
Sabrina leads with her heart and invites us all to do the same. This approach coupled with her immense experience and insight allowed me to both learn new skills and ways of conceptualizing the work as well as tap deeper into my own wisdom and expertise.
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.
Susan was in command of her subject but also had a great sense of humor.
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.
Lisa is well informed on the subject of trauma informed treatment and was able to offer great insight as well as real world examples. I left [Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] with concrete ideas that I could implement right away.
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!
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.
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.
Lisa's trainings are enlightening and engaging. [Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice] included a good amount of discussion with the other clinicians attending which offers opportunities to learn from the other attendees as well as the speakers.
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.
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.
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!
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!
The presentation was very informative. The presenter was mindful of the technology.
I enjoyed this workshop. I feel like this and other offerings at the Ferentz Institute are the only time I receive continuing education that really, really speaks to these matters in a substantive manner. I hope to be able to attend more workshops in the near future. This particular one was impressive at the depth we went to in a relatively short amount of time.
Susan was incredibly engaging and knowledgeable about anxiety and OCD disorders. I normally dislike group activities but these made sense and were fun!
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.
I had the privilege of witnessing one of my clients become fully integrated recently thanks to Lisa's DID trainings. My client reports feeling strong and calm for the first time in over fifty years. Lisa's classes were absolutely instrumental in allowing me to feel competent enough to work with this client and my other DID clients.
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.
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].
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!
Each class was so eye-opening. My colleague and I were frequently turning to one another saying that we loved all of the new information that we were receiving. I am excited to pass along the education and skills to my clients.
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!
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.
I have been practicing for 42 years and I work with individuals who have been plagued with the suffering and consequences of trauma. I do consider myself “trauma informed." I have not experienced such clarity and integration of traumatic clinical processes and treatment [found in Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations]. In addition to strategic interventions offered to manage the journey without re-traumatization, Lisa Ferentz is a very gifted clinician and my wish is for younger professionals to be trained and influence their skills forever.
This program boosted my confidence and confidence as a therapist a TON. The information is so well organized and presented. Lisa is inspiring, motivating, and grounding all at once.
Trauma Informed Collage Methods was a very valuable workshop as I have always had a personal affinity for collage activities and love to find ways to incorporate it into my practice. It's also a kinder and less threatening modality for those of us who minimize or deny having artistic abilities. The facilitator Peggy and her assistant Hanna were organized and accommodating. Having minimally structured experiential components to the workshop was a smart choice. I highly recommend :)
Susan was very knowledgeable and personable - a good combination!
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.
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.
Patricia was very engaging and offered a truly interactive experience. She is clearly very knowledgeable on this topic.
Salicia was amazing and I would attend another training session with her.
[Staying Within the Window of Tolerance: Breath Work and Body-Centered Modalities for Affect Regulation] was an excellent mix of education via lecture and via experiential learning. I really enjoyed the opportunity to practice the techniques with other participants in a supportive environment!
Denise was excellent all around. Her use of real case examples to illustrate her narrative allowed her to present a very complex subject.
Great resource provided by a gifted teacher & clinician.
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.
As a clinician, one of the most important tools we have is our self. Lisa helped me find my own internal wisdom and see my blind spots.
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.
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.
Wonderful wonderful thanks able to use many things with clients learning in class.
Lisa [Ferentz] is an extraordinarily skilled presenter, who combines personal warmth with refined clinical acumen, and a great capacity for inclusion and compassion.
Sabrina was very knowledgeable and offered new content in a way that was inspiring and easy to digest.
The facilitator [Sabrina] of the workshop was able to artfully and compassionately develop a wonderful learning environment. The information and experiential learning enhanced my personal growth and professional development.
I loved her energy and enthusiasm. Such a wealth of knowledge and wisdom! One of the best trainings I've been to yet.
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.
I highly recommend this program to any therapist who wishes to take their professional game to the next level.
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.
Lisa is a wonderful instructor and her course will mark a turning point in your practice.
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.
Timothy is obviously passionate and very knowledgeable about this topic. I appreciated his gentle, supportive, and understanding approach to the workshop attendees, creating a space where I felt safe asking any question.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Amazing training!
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.
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!
I loved the training. Very informative.
[Susan is] Very positive, warm, and open and made it a safe space for discussion and learning.
This training was invaluable. I was able to use this knowledge and the techniques to help almost every single client I serve.
The Ferentz Institute, Inc. is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland. CEU approval for all trainings is also granted to Psychologists, LCPC’s and MFT’s and approved by the Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists and the Board of Examiners for Psychologists in Maryland. Reciprocity has also been granted for clinicians in Washington, DC, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Texas. All mental health clinicians are encouraged to check with their respective State Boards to learn if reciprocity is offered for our CEUs. The Institute also maintains full responsibility for all programming.
*Please note that, for workshops that offer CEUs in Anti-Oppressive Content, Ethics, and/or Diversity, those credits may only be used for one of those categories, not all.
Join interactive lessons, get expert feedback, and explore your creativity in a supportive community.
"...a magical guide to conquering our fears, phobias and emotional pain...”
—Janina Fisher, PhD
“… a real treasure trove of tools for healing..."
— Dusty Miller
“…a rich resource which helps empower the client and facilitate recovery..."
— Joyanna Silberg, PhD
"...a dynamic and strengths-focused approach to treating challenging trauma-based behaviors..."
—Nancy Napier, LMFT
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