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 workshop, we’ll explore Exposure/Response Prevention (Ex/RP), a model that’s been shown to be highly effective.
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.
Discover the transformative power of Gestalt therapy in this dynamic training, where you'll master "here and now" awareness, the Gestalt Contact Cycle, and experiential techniques to confidently inspire growth and connection in your work with individuals and couples.
I enjoyed this workshop [Using Expressive Modalities to Connect With and Soothe Traumatized Parts]. 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.
Dr. Sabrina is a 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.
She [Susan] was very knowledgeable, very organized and it interactive and informative. Loved the real life case studies.
A fantastic workshop encouraging curiosity about the client's shame, guilt and inner critic parts. By allowing the possibility of honoring those parts, we are encouraging other positive parts to come forward and change the client's current self narrative. As always, Lisa is an excellent teacher, positive, kind and making the experience even more enjoyable.
Lisa is a presenter who embodies competence and warmth and grace!. The workshop itself taught me new and wonderful ways to navigate clients through trauma with dignity and a wonderfully varied choice of modalities! Lisa's use of her personal journey with trauma patients was a wonderful and captivating way to learn.
The presenter was excellent, easy to understand and knowledgeable.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Amazing training!
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.
It's rare that a workshop grabs my attention and holds it from start to finish. [Trauma Informed Collage Methods was] Informative and engaging!
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.
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.
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!
Sabrina was so warm and open that I did not feel I was in a role of just teacher and student, but in a place where I am learning from a place as peer seeking wisdom from more advanced peer who is also always in a place of learning and growth.
I absolutely loved Level I. Lisa's smart, caring approach conveyed knowledge essential to treating trauma survivors, focusing on their strengths, sharing practical coping skills, and protecting them through the process of therapy. I feel more confident as a young clinician because of this training. It was fun too!
Dr. Evans was a wonderful and inspirational education and practitioner. His authenticity created a safe space and allowed for an environment where we could really experience our time with him.
She was very knowledgeable, very organized and interactive and informative. Loved the real life case studies.
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.
This training was helpful for seasoned as well as novice supervisors. Provided the opportunity for both groups to engage and discuss their experiences to solidify learning from each other.
The session on [Evolving Treatment in the Face of the Opioid Epidemic] was informative especially for someone who is not in the field of substance abuse.
Presenter had a great depth of knowledge on grief that will serve my future clients well!
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.
Dr. Evans' energy was contagious. It was obvious he truly enjoys the topic and is very knowledgeable. The course flew by yet I would have stayed to learn more.
Susan was incredibly engaging and knowledgeable about anxiety and OCD disorders. I normally dislike group activities but these made sense and were fun!
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.
Great! Lisa is a knowledgable and entertaining speaker. I learned a lot [in Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Telemental Health]!
This training has been a priceless investment which I believe will change my practice for many years to come.
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 :)
Timothy provided a safe and open space to learn and grow together!
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.
The workshop was very informative. I was able to walk into my office the next day with a clear understanding of parts work and utilize new expressive modalities right away. I'm excited to take more trainings on the topic and deepen my knowledge!
I truly enjoyed Dr. Sabrina and found the information she presented to be helpful...
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!
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.
[Creative Techniques for Managing Traumatic Stress: Grounding, Containment, and Resourcing] was, by far the most effective CEU training I've attended regarding experiential interventions for Trauma. [The presenter] wonderfully balanced between the theory and practice of grounding, containment, and resourcing all the while leading and modelling by example her practical interventions via affording us all the opportunity to experience them. Well worth the time and memorable.
The Trauma Informed Assessments and Treatment training was nearly life changing for me as a clinician. Lisa was empowering, direct and willing to answer any question thrown her way. I took information from this training that I started using in my own practice immediately.
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.
Attending this training was such a positive and meaningful experience. I've gained an essential and vast amount of knowledge related to trauma and its impact that offers a new lens from which to view clients.
Dr. Dee is always amazing! The workshop [Master Class: Sand Therapy and the Therapeutic Relationship] was everything I needed and more. And thank you for the awesome breakfast!!
The training was amazing. Although I wanted to learn more about Parts Work to be able to help my clients, I learned that and more. I now understand the importance of practicing what I preach. How can I talk to my clients about compassion for self, when I lack my own self compassion. I want to learn even more about Parts work not only for professional development, but for personal development as well.
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!
[Susan is] Very positive, warm, and open and made it a safe space for discussion and learning.
[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!)
Susan was easy to follow & understand; and, she was especially honest if she didn't know something.
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.
Vivien was open, accepting, non-judgmental, centered, calm and humble.
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.
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.
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations was] very helpful. Material relevant and has broad application. Physical environment was comfortable. Audience was engaged and conversant with material.
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 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.
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.
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].
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.
Dr. Wayne's personality is so real and authentic. He was warm, welcoming, greeted us each personally and engaged with us in relatable and understandable ways. Not 'academic' or 'stuffy' as some can be when presenting.
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.
Invaluable investment in myself and career. I learned what I wish I had in school and feel that I am a better clinician for attending.
Tim was a wise and conscientious presenter with a clear mastery of his subject matter.
Most of the presenters were amazing. I learned a lot from the experiential techniques.
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.
Denise was excellent all around. Her use of real case examples to illustrate her narrative allowed her to present a very complex subject.
Salicia was amazing and I would attend another training with her.
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!
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 Ferentz Institute Level I and II has changed the way I practice. These experiences have provided me with effective strategies to assist clients in moving through their trauma experiences safely.
This program is an incredibly wise investment for anyone who is interested in becoming more trauma informed. The information is priceless, digestible, comprehensive, and delivered in an engaging way. I cannot endorse Lisa and the Institute enough- it is worth your time to enhance your skills.
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.
Timothy was thoughtful, compassionate and extremely knowledgeable on the topic and provided excellent tools and resources to engage in the work with gender expansive youth more meaningfully and with greater intention.
Susan was very knowledgeable and personable - a good combination!
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.
Thank you, Lisa, and everyone at the Ferentz Institute, for putting together such an amazing program. I am a better clinician for attending each class. She is a gift on so many levels to those of us in the field. I gained a greater knowledge base as a result I now have new colleagues and new tools to continue learning, growing, and have a renewed passion for what we do.
[Staying Within the Window of Tolerance] was one of the best workshops I have attended. The Ferentz Institute consistently provides talented, experienced, engaging speakers, who track the newest innovations in their fields, within a very welcoming, comfortable milieu.
I loved her accessibility. I was able to ask questions and make comments throughout the talk. I appreciated that the size was small and intimate, that was truly a bonus!
Lisa's personality and presentation skills added entertainment and engagement for participants. The experience was well worth the investment of time and money.
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.
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.
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was wonderful in terms of really considering the effects of trauma and how to identify the respond to them in the therapy session. Lisa's knowledge, warmth and enthusiasm keep me motivated in my growth as a clinician.
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.
[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] created a beautiful working environment that fostered participation and great discussion. [Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice] was well prepared and went over the necessary information holding everyone's interest and attention.
[Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom had] great information with experiential exercises. I really enjoyed connecting with the other participants.
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!
I learned so much in this program. Lisa is so knowledgeable and understanding. There is so much time to connect with other clinicians and share different techniques.
[Trauma Informed Collage Methods featured a] wonderful combination of theory, practical art prompts, and a chance to experience methods and materials. Allowed for new learning, and refinement, across a spectrum of trauma therapy and artmaking experience in the room. Thank you!
Great information with experiential exercises. I really enjoyed connecting with the other participants.
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.
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] overall was well organized and useful. I found much of the presentation had a clinical focus and much less emphasis on the ethical considerations and dilemmas we face in practice. Most of us know that it's our ethical responsibility to provide trauma informed care, but how that plays out in group practices and agencies can be very challenging to navigate and effectively advocate.
Sabrina has such a fun, engaging, and therapeutic presence during the training! She integrates self-reflection and challenges us to grow!
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] has enlightened my perspective on being able to gather imperative information in a safe matter that does not harm or re-traumatized a survivor. Her [Lisa] assessment questions are designed to allocate the client's ability to tell their story without partaking in a reenactment phenomenon. Great information for anyone who works with traumatized population.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
The presenter had a good grasp of the material and was exceptionally well prepared.
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 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.
Lisa is a wonderful instructor and her course will mark a turning point in your practice.
Lisa Ferentz's program in Advanced Trauma Treatment level I is the must-have for every clinician, no matter their population or therapeutic approach. Not only can this training help inform your work with trauma clients, it can provide another layer of therapeutic empathy that can be applied to all clients, and modalities that can be used with any client.
I gained immensely from Lisa's level one trauma training, and I am really looking forward to continue learning from her.
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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