
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.
This workshop will explore the integration of expressive art modalities into daily practice to help clients learn to regulate their nervous system and reconnect with their bodies.
This workshop will equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to support the developmental and relational success of students with ADHD.
This workshop will focus on ethical issues that can arise in therapy when treating traumatized clients, as well as issues related to termination.
I really enjoyed the case examples and breakout groups and her lived experience.
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.
Enjoyed the energy, enthusiasm, knowledge that Dr. Evans shared about a complex and potentially transformative therapeutic tool. Thanks for offering this to our community.
She [Lisa] is both a teacher and a practitioner- she is clearly not just an academic.
Lisa has a way to make the information accessible and reducing imposter syndrome.
Sabrina is Very focused on connecting the group with each other.
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.
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!
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.
I enjoy Lisa�s ability to connect with anyone.
This program is an extraordinary interpretation of several therapeutic modalities and an interesting and heartfelt alternative to the manualized, mechanical CEU offerings elsewhere.
Rev. Chase was knowledgeable and easy to follow. Rev. Chase welcomed questions and discussions throughout the presentation.
Sabrina led with her heart throughout the entire training. Powerful experience with tangible take-aways.
I have been eager to strengthen my knowledge base and skill level in trauma informed care. My clients and I will benefit from the hands on approach that Lisa shares with care and attention for all of her program participants. I am now much more aware of the importance of both mind (brain) and body when it comes to the impact and significance of trauma histories and clients' current level of functioning and satisfaction with life.
It's rare that a workshop grabs my attention and holds it from start to finish. [Trauma Informed Collage Methods was] Informative and engaging!
Lisa encourages everyone to find their own way of working whilst giving them amazing resources.
[In Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] Lisa Ferentz offers light to all counselors who place their clients first & foremost, in a field that has become mired and one which I barely recognize after 35 years. Given that grief & trauma encapsulate our daily lives and most definitely, in the lives of our clients, I remain befuddled as to why grief & trauma education is not placed at the foremost and a basic requirement of any counseling/social work program.
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!
This program gave me, as a seasoned clinician, so much insight about how to be trauma informed in every aspect of treatment: intake environment, parts work, and termination. Thank you!
Tim was a wise and conscientious presenter with a clear mastery of his subject matter.
Jonah had a depth of knowledge and understanding of the material and was a clear communicator.
She [Susan] was [a] great [facilitator], very informed on the topic [of Effectively Treating Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder].
Lisa is smart, capable, decisive, caring and is a great example of asserting boundaries and values kindly.
The presenter was an expert in the field who provided real-life, relatable examples that I can apply to my practice as a therapist.
Peggy was personable and knowledgeable in teaching her subject; her ethical guidance was gentle yet authoritative, and she was well prepared to help students learn more about multiple forms of art media.
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.
[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.
Holding class attention throughout an ethics seminar [like Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice] is quite a feat, something Lisa accomplished with apparent ease.
She demonstrated enthusiasm and compassion for the people she works with.
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 loved the trainer!
I especially loved Lisa's energy and passion for the subject despite feeling unwell. Her depth of knowledge and experience.
I feel more alive in my practice that I ever have. Digging in and learning has been rejuvenating. Feeling like I am aware of the latest trauma research has made me look at my practice with “new eyes.” I can't imagine working with eating disordered clients without what I have learned.
This program helped me grow so much, not just as a clinician, but also as an individual.
The way she [Lisa Maistri] involved us but never made us feel uncomfortable.
Lisa was wonderful - as always. Her ability to retain engagement for 8 hours is a true talent and skill! So much gratitude for her expertise and skills to educate.
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.
Jonah was knowledgeable, engaged, responsive, and modeled strengths-based language and teaching. He did really well responding to chatbox comments immediately and respectfully.
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.
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.
Already I'm benefiting greatly from Lisa's excellent, thoughtful engagement and presentation based on her decades of work serving trauma survivors field. Her information is both practical and nuanced.
Lisa is a breath of fresh air. She exudes compassion and understanding, She is the model of the perfect therapist.
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.
What I appreciated most about Patricia Papernow as a presenter was how genuinely she embodied the qualities she encouraged us to arouse in our clients - caring, compassion and empathy. Throughout the workshop, her warmth and presence enlivened the concepts she shared, making her guidance on supporting blended family members feel practical, human and relatable.
As a Black woman, this seminar spoke to me on so many levels. It was relatable to both my personal and my professional life. This was an amazing experience that I highly recommend to others.
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.
[Sabrina is] Engaging, dynamic, thought provoking and fun!
Healing Leadership...that will be my new tagline as I embark on my journey from school social worker to being a school administrator. This training helped me focus my view on my internal self instead of worrying so much about how others interpret my vision and passion.
Lisa Ferentz is a captivating and engaging speaker. [In Understanding and Working with Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)] she provided worksheets and techniques for immediate use. I am looking forward to taking another training from her in the future.
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).
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.
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 is always incredible - you learn from minute one to the end of the day. She's engaging, funny and breaks down the concepts in such an accessible way.
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.
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.
Denise was so knowledgeable and able to pull examples to answer questions and use case examples fluidly.
Wonderful wonderful thanks able to use many things with clients learning in class.
An awesome workshop! I left inspired and better equipped to help my clients.
Lisa is an expert on this subject. She makes every session interactive and creates a safe environment to learn and grow.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Amazing training!
I loved her [Denise's] knowledge, understanding & ability to communicate with the audience. Her passion was demonstrated by her presentation.
Patricia delivers the reality of step-parenting life in a way that lands honestly and gently. She breaks through old school expectations and provides insightful strategies for creating a successful family life that can actually work, no matter the timing, shape, or form your family takes place in. Understanding this information is everything when you're working with or experiencing these dynamics. I couldn't be more grateful for this training.
I especially liked the level of knowledge and comprehensiveness of both the workshop and the presenter [Peggy].
Timothy Elliott was an excellent presenter. He did an excellent job of welcoming the group and of framing the entire training with encouraging clinician self-care (which I know is part of the Ferentz Institute Brand!). He made it a safe space by maintaining the time, encouraging interaction while also being fine when there wasn't any, and keeping a good pace of the lecture while also including space for questions/comments both in the chat and video. Highly recommend it!
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.
Sabrina was extremely engaging, welcoming, personable, knowledgeable. Her real-life experiences in the field integrated into the training helped to support the concepts she was teaching. Unforgettable!
I am a seasoned professional and always leave trainings feeling like there was no new take away. However, after [Understanding and Working with Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)] I left feeling recharged with new knowledge and skills. Can't wait to get back to work to use use them. Thanks!!
I really appreciated Lisa's openness to all feedback and questions.
Sabrina presents her heart and spirit in the training. Genuine and sincere, while grounded in theory and experience.
I loved the training. Very informative.
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.
As always, Lisa is very knowledgeable about her subject matter and funny and enjoyable to listen to. also very relevant topic matter.
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.
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.
This program has helped me to become a more competent and confident clinician. I have begun using the skills and interventions from this program with current clients, and the shift in my practice and the progress of my clients has been amazing to witness. I recommend this program to every clinician who wants to develop or strengthen skills and knowledge of trauma informed care.
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.
I was especially appreciative of Lisa�s ability to break down her extensive knowledge and experience into understandable components for clinicians to immediately begin to use.
Susan was in command of her subject but also had a great sense of humor.
Lisa's offers her expertise in a style that invites the learner into the learning experience in a way that is open and supportive.
Clearly well-thought out presentation, she told helpful stories (old clients/hospice), nice blend of theory and take-aways can use right away.
[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.
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.
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.
Dr. Evans was very personable, engaged in and encouraged dialogue. He was enthusiastic and offered so many good references to drive home understanding of the material.
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.
[Susan is] Very informative and made the training interesting and interactive.
As a new therapist this has helped solidify my foundation and increased my confidence.
This is an awesome training with all the qualities and more of a very excellent postdoctoral course! Lisa is a wonderful, generous mentor, lecturer, teacher and clinician.
This course was incredibly impactful on my practice and for my clients. Thank you for being so amazing!
Heidi brought her strong background in grief work and helped create not only a training but an experience on furthering the depth of my understanding of grief. There were practical exercises and interactive strategies to help engage participants virtually. Highly recommend!
[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.
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.
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.
Sabrina is a great educator and speaker. She is a real person and keeps it real!
Lisa is energetic, fully present and engaged, allowing for in depth impromptu conversations as part of the presentation, which is helpful.
Dr. Wayne was able to skillfully weave teaching strategies so successfully, from referencing comic books, graphic novels, movies, tv shows, biblical stories, personal stories, humor, songs/music. All of these teaching modalities helped drive home his points not just on an intellectual level, but also a visceral level. His optimism and refusal to reside in a 'I'm trapped and so are you' mode was so hopeful and inspiring.
This training allowed me to transform the way I work with clients. I feel much more confident and competent in my work thanks to Lisa's help in expanding my knowledge.
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.
Susan was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of concrete, usable strategies while also providing a clear framework in a way that was understandable for me and that I can use with clients.
Susan was very knowledgeable and experienced in working with clients struggling with OCD.
In [Master Class – Case Consultation: Treating Post-Partum Mood Disorders Through a Trauma Lens] Robyn did a beautiful job of bridging the gap between two important and highly intertwined areas of clinical focus, which too often aren't talked about intersectionally. I'd highly recommend this training!
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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