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.
Susan was incredibly engaging and knowledgeable about anxiety and OCD disorders. I normally dislike group activities but these made sense and were fun!
As a new therapist this has helped solidify my foundation and increased my confidence.
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.
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.
Denise is a true expert in issues related to trauma and addiction and has a great way of sharing her knowledge as a presenter.
Great information with experiential exercises. I really enjoyed connecting with the other participants.
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.
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.
Most of the presenters were amazing. I learned a lot from the experiential techniques.
Very helpful and gave me new perspective and skills to enhance peace building skills. Opened my eyes to actions I could take where before I felt helpless.
Learned so much information [in Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice]. It also confirmed that current practices are ethical as measured with current standards.
Dr. Evans was a wonderful and inspirational education and practitioner. His authenticity created a safe space and allowed for an environment that we could really experience our time with him.
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.
The Level I training was easily the most valuable training I've ever had. Not only was it professionally helpful, but personally. This class was so emotionally refreshing. I feel as if I have a bright new outlook on my profession and I am eternally grateful.
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].
The presenter of the workshop had a calming energy about her, and genuinely seemed interested in what was being discussed.
[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.
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!
I did not hesitate to attend Lisa's workshop 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.
The training framed supervision as relational, ethical, and helpful as compared to simply policing and gatekeeping.
Susan was personable and good-natured. Combined with her being informed that made the workshop valuable.
Susan was very knowledgeable and personable - a good combination!
Dr. Sabrina's approach to healing leadership offers inspiration and practical tools to tap into our whole selves - and thereby grow leadership that can join with and nurture the whole selves of those we supervise. Invaluable!
Susan connects with her audience with warmth and humor.
Sabrina has such a fun, engaging, and therapeutic presence during the training! She integrates self-reflection and challenges us to grow!
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!
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.
The training was absolutely wonderful! I learned lots of valuable information that I could use both in my daytime job and my non-profit.
Denise is very articulate and personable. She presented a very well organized and informative training. Thank you!
Sabrina lead with her heart throughout the entire training. Powerful experience with tangible take-aways.
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!
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.
Lisa is a gem. I have learned so many wonderful techniques and gained a fresh perspective on my work with trauma survivors.
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.
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.
[Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Telemental Health] was excellent. Well organized, very informative. Of course, Lisa is always a superb presenter as she did that day!
Enjoyed the energy, enthusiasm, knowledge that Dr. Evans shared about a complex and potentially transformative therapeutic tool. Thanks for offering this to our community.
When I learned that my agency was going to sponsor me to take the Trauma Certificate, Level I Course, I was ecstatic. I was eager to learn as much as I could from Lisa's expertise, and she absolutely delivered. I have already used several of the recommended clinical tools; clients have been very receptive, even surprised, by how helpful they found the method(s) to be. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn invaluable clinical knowledge and skills!
There's no way you can leave a class you taught, Lisa, without learning new strategies and examples of how to encourage others.
Holding class attention throughout an ethics seminar [like Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice] is quite a feat, something Lisa accomplished with apparent ease.
She [Susan] connects with her audience with warmth and humor.
Sabrina did an incredible job presenting material and keeping us engaged.
[Using Expressive Modalities to Connect With and Soothe Traumatized Parts] was phenomenal. I already see a change in the way I conceptualize and treat clients' presenting concerns. Learning and applying several expressive techniques first-hand in the workshop gave me the confidence to put it into practice. It also helped that the venue and workshop set-up were *amazing* and very conducive to learning.
Powerful training full of knowledge, caring, and compassion.
This program helped me grow so much, not just as a clinician, but also as an individual.
Sabrina is great- very real. Great interactive activities. Looked forward to part 2.
The materials were comprehensive and easy to follow. The instruction style was engaging and supportive.
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.
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.
The presenter was excellent, easy to understand and knowledgeable.
Great! Lisa is a knowledgable and entertaining speaker. I learned a lot [in Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Telemental Health]!
[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.
If you are a clinician Lisa Ferentz's trauma training is one you cannot miss!!
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.
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!
Wonderful teacher - the training was informative, clear, interactive, and very applicable to a range of clinical situations involving blended families.
I was extremely impressed with Sabrina and her [Therapists as Peacebuilders: Using Your Gifts for Global Impact] workshop. It correlated very well the combined existence of both therapy skills engaged with transforming power for mutual consideration of others.
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!
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.
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.
I loved the training. Very informative.
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!
I truly appreciated her integrated approach, her authenticity and the sharing of personal examples. She [Sabrina] made the virtual space feel welcoming and comfortable.
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.
The program was incredibly informative. The way Lisa structured and presented the information was great!
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] kept the audience very engaged in the discussion [during Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice].
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!
This workshop was a unique and inspiring sharing of wisdom, knowledge and support for each of us as clinicians and as humans. Dr. Sabrina is an amazing presenter with an abundance of knowledge and inspiration for every one of us!
[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.
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.
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.
Lisa is a vibrant, organized, compassionate speaker who has deepened my understanding and given me the tools I needed to break through with my most challenging trauma and abuse cases.
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 feel so much more resourced and capable to work as a trauma informed therapist. This class has given me the confidence and renewed my passion for this work.
An awesome workshop! I left inspired and better equipped to help my clients.
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.
This training was a very thorough and effective look at trauma treatment. Lisa's intentionality and creativity made this training very valuable. I am leaving with many useful strategies, skills, and language to utilize with my clients. I felt challenged through this program to reflect on my clinical practice!
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.
Getting to utilize and incorporate various expressive therapies in practice has allowed me to better meet the needs of all clients I see, but to especially address the unique needs of the adolescent. Thank you, Lisa, for your passion and mission of equipping all providers with the knowledge and means to address trauma from a safe, strengths-based approach.
[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.
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!
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 program is an extraordinary interpretation of several therapeutic modalities and an interesting and heartfelt alternative to the manualized, mechanical CEU offerings elsewhere.
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.
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.
Lisa made a complex topic (inner parts work) easier to understand through her dynamic training. I am excited to implement the modalities learned in my work with clients.
This was an awesome workshop that gave me the very unique opportunity to learn from the wisdom of a seasoned Rabbi, Priest and therapist. I left the workshop better equipped and more inspired to help my clients.
Lisa's trauma training has brought me to a new level as a clinician. This should be required education for anyone in the clinical care or educational setting. The knowledge and resources gained through this course are invaluable.
Heidi made me feel safe to ask questions and responded in a concise and understandable manner.
[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.
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.
[Sabrina is] Very engaging and passionate about supervision! Very relatable and encouraged self-reflection.
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!
The presentation was very informative. The presenter was mindful of the technology.
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.
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.
Advanced Trauma Training was an amazing experiential and educational experience that advanced my skills, knowledge and support for doing the work I love.
I enjoyed the presentation and insights. It was nice to connect more intimately with participants 1:1...
The classes for level two were extremely informative and helpful to me as a therapist. I always left with tools to use with clients. I became more confident in my ability to counsel with the help of this institute.
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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