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.
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.
I truly appreciated her integrated approach, her authenticity and the sharing of personal examples. She [Sabrina] made the virtual space feel welcoming and comfortable.
I was very impressed with this seminar. The facilitator not only made the seminar enjoyable, but she was extremely knowledgable and shared her experiences. I definitely look forward to attending more seminars.
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!
[Susan is] Very positive, warm, and open and made it a safe space for discussion and learning.
I believe the Trauma Program taught by the wonderful Lisa Ferentz should be a requirement for all mental health practitioners. I can't thank the Institute enough for offering this course!
I look forward to the trainings at the Ferentz institute because I learn meaningful approaches that enhance clinical work. Lisa is a dynamic teacher utilizing researched trauma approaches, she invites participants into experiential exercises that solidify interventions in a whole brain fashion, both cognitive and emotional experiences create deep learning in a nurturing and caring environment. Lisa is attuned and models compassion to the participants.
Dr. Sabrina did a fabulous job engaging us for 12 hours. I loved the format, her knowledge, and the real-life tips and experiences to help us grow.
Lisa is a wonderful instructor and her course will mark a turning point in your practice.
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.
Denise was well educated, compassionate and experienced in her work with the clients that have endured domestic violence.
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.
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.
The Trauma Informed Treatment, Ethical considerations workshop was interesting, clear, informative and useful throughout. Lisa's authenticity is refreshing, her genuine dedication and advocacy for both the client and practitioner are unparalleled. I am glad I had the chance to attend this unique workshop.
[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.
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.
Denise is a true expert in issues related to trauma and addiction and has a great way of sharing her knowledge as a presenter.
Denise is very articulate and personable. She presented a very well organized and informative training. Thank you!
I really appreciated Lisa's approachable, super informed, and engaging presentation style [in Understanding and Working with Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)]. The material was so applicable to not only conceptualization but also practice.
Lisa is a gifted and energized speaker who speaks with a passion for the difficult work with trauma survivors. [Using Expressive Modalities to Connect With and Soothe Traumatized Parts] had immediate practical applications for day to day sessions with clients.
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.
Lisa is amazing. She has a wealth of knowledge that is incredibly useful to working in the field of mental health. She is incredibly generous and thoughtful in her treatment of the professionals who take her program. I've gained a lot of confidence going forth to share my knowledge with clients who have endured trauma. I strongly recommend discrete training to anyone in the mental health profession. You won't regret it!
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.
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 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.
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.
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!!
This training equipped me with a greater understanding of trauma informed treatment. I feel more confidant in my practice dealing with issues of trauma and more energized to continue to increase my knowledge and efficacy.
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.
This training brought me invaluable information on how trauma is experienced and taught me new treatment options that allow me to respond to my clients, and teach my staff, accordingly. The fact that this was done in such a caring, humorous, and insightful manner serve to enhance my learning experience.
This training was worth the investment. It increased my confidence as well as my competence and my ability to both maintain and model healthy boundaries and work-life balance. Lisa is a very inspiring mentor.
Had a great time [at Filling Your Experiential Toolbox: The Empty Chair, The Double and Role Play Techniques]. Very informative. Loved the facilitator!
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.
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.
This program was extraordinary. Lisa is phenomenal. I learned a lot that will help me be a better clinician while normalizing and embracing care for myself.
If you are a clinician Lisa Ferentz's trauma training is one you cannot miss!!
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.
Wonderful wonderful thanks able to use many things with clients learning in class.
Very powerful and experiential workshop! We were constantly engaged in experiential learning, even while taking in theory. Awesome!
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.
The way Salicia facilitated the exercises was most powerful and supportive.
There are so many aspects of this training that will benefit your work as a clinician or if you are developing a program to serve survivors. This knowledge is imperative to the success and healing of trauma survivors.
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.
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was very informative. Lisa always does an outstanding job making it fun and interesting.
I appreciated Susan’s expertise, personal sharing of cases, and her personality.
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!
The presenter was excellent, easy to understand and knowledgeable.
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.
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.
The materials were comprehensive and easy to follow. The instruction style was engaging and supportive.
I loved her [Denise's] knowledge, understanding & ability to communicate with the audience. Her passion was demonstrated by her presentation.
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.
Sabrina is a great educator and speaker. She is a real person and keeps it real!
This was hands down the best and most useful training I have ever done. In my almost 10 years as a therapist, I have never felt more confident in my clinical skills than I do now. Thank you, Lisa, for your infinite wisdom!
Sabrina presents her heart and spirit in the training. Genuine and sincere, while grounded in theory and experience.
Sabrina has such a fun, engaging, and therapeutic presence during the training! She integrates self-reflection and challenges us to grow!
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 was very impressed with this seminar. The facilitator not only made the seminar enjoyable, but she was extremely knowledgeable and shared her experiences. I definitely look forward to attending more seminars.
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was well paced and delivered in a good conversational manner.
Susan was personable and good-natured. Combined with her being informed that made the workshop valuable.
I believe the most positive take away from [Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom] was the opportunity to interact with other participants. I do believe the workshop was well-planned and facilitated.
[Individualizing Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Complex Trauma and Dissociation] was a very informative training and I learned a lot. I was very happy that I attended this training and hope to attend future trainings with the institute.
Enjoyed the energy, enthusiasm, knowledge that Dr. Evans shared about a complex and potentially transformative therapeutic tool. Thanks for offering this to our community.
Lisa's care and attention to our development as trauma informed clinicians is unmatchable. Her knowledge and ability to offer so many variations has been so helpful in my growth and in my work with a wide range of clients. I appreciated her ability to recognize the need for clinician self care and being a huge advocate for that important part of the work that can often go unattended to. I only wish I had taken this training sooner in my career but so grateful for the current opportunity!
The presenter for [Evolving Treatment in the Face of the Opioid Epidemic] was energetic, knowledgeable and brought in a different perspective to such a sensitive topic. He brought in great speakers, and added human perspective to our Opiate epidemic. I liked his approach and teaching style.
She [Susan] connects with her audience with warmth and humor.
[What I liked best was] Susan's abundance of knowledge and understanding of OCD, as well as her enthusiasm and warm style towards presenting this training.
Denise was excellent all around. Her use of real case examples to illustrate her narrative allowed her to present a very complex subject.
Vivien was open, accepting, non-judgmental, centered, calm and humble.
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!
She [Sabrina] was down to earth, knowledgeable, affirming, inspiring and open.
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!
I loved the ideas for enriching supervision to encompass holistic well being.
The presenter [Patricia] conveyed a strong commitment to this very important material through the information she shared as well as appropriate self-disclosure.
This was the most non-triggering, emotionally safe and supportive training on trauma I've ever experienced. Given the nature of this important content, the way the material was presented was truly masterful and informative.
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].
Lisa is a breath of fresh air. She exudes compassion and understanding, She is the model of the perfect therapist.
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.
Clear, succinct, lively, personable.
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.
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.
It's hard to explain what an impact Lisa's training has had not only in how I see myself as a therapist but how much more equipped I am to help my clients. I have already seen a tremendous change in the work I do with my clients. It will change the way you see/do therapy. I can't recommend it highly enough!
This has been, by far, the most useful and high quality training I have ever attended! I recommend this to any mental health professional and really anyone in a helping/health profession.
Lisa is an authentic, passionate, and highly gifted trauma informed therapist and educator! Thank you for this amazing opportunity!
She was very interactive and kept a positive attitude during the entire training.
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!
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.
Susan was in command of her subject but also had a great sense of humor.
This was the most informative and interactive training that I have ever attended. I would recommend this training to anyone.
I learned a lot [in Trauma Informed Collage Methods] and had fun doing it.
Patricia was very engaging and offered a truly interactive experience. She is clearly very knowledgeable on this topic.
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.
I truly enjoyed Dr. Sabrina and found the information she presented to be helpful...
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!
The presenter was an expert in the field who provided real-life, relatable examples that I can apply to my practice as a therapist.
Sabrina led with her heart throughout the entire training. Powerful experience with tangible take-aways.
A wonderful experience. This will certainly enhance my skills in working with traumatized children.
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.
Powerful training full of knowledge, caring, and compassion.
This program provides the essential necessary for effective practice. I've been a licensed social worker for 17 years and this program was more beneficial than any graduate class or training I have ever taken. Thank you, Lisa!
The presenter had a good grasp of the material and was exceptionally well prepared.
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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