Trauma Archives | The Ferentz Institute

Making the Case for the Complex PTSD Diagnosis

When clients witness or directly experience events that are subjectively traumatic or life threatening and they are unable to process, metabolize, or heal those experiences, they are likely to develop symptoms associated with PTSD.

The Transformative Power of Post Traumatic Growth

A Podcast with Lisa Ferentz and Ginny Priem Lisa and Ginny delve into the different facets of post-traumatic growth including re-accessing personal strengths, a belief in new possibilities, and a...

Transforming Your Clients’ Inner Critic: The Power of Positive Self-Talk

As a therapist, I am constantly reminded of the importance of our inner monologue and how it impacts our sense of self-worth, self-confidence, and self-esteem. Our thoughts and beliefs about...

Understanding the Dynamics of Intimate Partner Violence and Coercive Control

Approximately 1 in 4 adult women and 1 in 7 adult men report having experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How Our Understanding of Trauma Shapes Us

Dive into how prevalent trauma really is, and how it can manifest in the present where we least expect it. We also hear Lisa's advice on what to watch for when prior trauma may be bubbling below the surface, and how to better cope with our unique experiences.

Spotlighting Sexual Assault Awareness Month

When "Take Back The Night" was first launched, I knew that something important to help victims of sexual abuse was beginning to take shape.

Using CARESS to Work with Self-Destructive Behaviors

Many adolescent and adult clients with histories of trauma, abuse, neglect and other pain narratives are vulnerable to using self-destructive behaviors to self-soothe or dissociate from unresolved pain. By incorporating CARESS into the therapeutic process, you can give clients meaningful things to do when they get the impulse to self-harm.

Trauma, Eating Disorders, and Other Self-Destructive Behaviors

I was delighted to participate in a podcast with Jodie Gale, a clinician practicing in Australia who is passionate about promoting healing, self-development, and spiritual growth for women. In this...

The Importance of Trauma Informed Assessments

Many years ago, when I was in graduate school, I was taught the assessment phase of treatment should take place in the first one to three sessions, followed by six...

Connecting Trauma and Spirituality

Learn why it’s important to view clients through a bio-psychosocial and spiritual lens, and how to how to assess for spiritual resources.

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Lisa Ferentz, LCSW

Lisa Ferentz, LSCW-C DAPA, is a recognized expert in the strengths-based, de-pathologized treatment of trauma and has been in private practice for over 33 years. She presents workshops and keynote addresses nationally and internationally and is a clinical consultant to practitioners and mental health agencies worldwide. She has been an Adjunct Faculty member at several Universities and is the Founder of The Ferentz Institute.

Lisa is the author of “Treating Self-Destructive Behaviors in Traumatized Clients: A Clinician’s Guide,” “Letting Go of Self-Destructive Behaviors: A Workbook of Hope and Healing,” and “Finding Your Ruby Slippers: Transformative Life Lessons From the Therapist’s Couch.” She also is a contributing writer for mental health-related blogs and websites, including Psychologytoday.com.

To learn more about Lisa, click here.