Level I
<strong><h3>Fall 2023 Level I Graduates</h3></strong>
“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!” –Tracy Wallace, LGPC
“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.” –Kamilah Smiley, LCSW-C
“Lisa’s trauma curriculum should be a requirement for all aspiring clinicians.” –Timothy Nowicki, LMSW
“This was the most informative and interactive training that I have ever attended. I would recommend this training to anyone.” –Angel Harp-Witherspoon, LCPC
“Lisa embodies the social work value of lifelong learning. She’s an amazing teacher and is also incredibly willing to learn from others in the room.” –Maria Tolbert, LCSW-C
“This training provided so much quality information. All of it was immediately useful with my caseload. This was so beneficial!” –Dawn Gomez, LCSW-C
“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!” –Shelby Mitchem, LCSW-C
“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.” –Katy Kropff, LPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC
“The Level 1 training was invaluable to my journey of providing trauma-informed therapy and doing deeper work with clients. I recommend new and older clinicians to invest in this program, to inform, and to re-spark passion for the very important and sensitive work that we do.” –Nicholas Harmer, LMSW
“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!” –Ainigriv Crockett, LCPC
“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!” –Jami Margolis, LCPC
“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.” –Rebecca Gibson, LCSW-C
“I gained immensely from Lisa’s level one trauma training, and I am really looking forward to continue learning from her.” –Tamar Livingstone, LMSW
“This course was incredibly impactful on my practice and for my clients. Thank you for being so amazing!” –Susan Goldberg, LMSW
“This is the first training I completed that I genuinely looked forward to attending because I recognized the impact it had in my clinical work.” –Elizabeth Holtz, LCPC
<strong><h3>Previous Level I Graduates</h3></strong>
“Lisa is amazing at taking theoretical and evidence-based research and translating it into easy to use, practical interventions and approaches with clients. This training has definitely made me a better trauma-informed clinician.” —Myra Kaplan, Ph.D.
“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!” —Sara Bounds, LCSW-C
“Trauma 1 Program was beyond beneficial as the core of my patients have been affected by trauma and not only did this program validate what I am already doing but also provided me with a wealth of knowledge to take my sessions to the next level and help my patients process through their trauma in a safe and effective way.”
—Jenn Ungham, CAC-AD
“Lisa is a wonderful instructor and her course will mark a turning point in your practice.”
—Jordan Klebanow, LICSW
“Lisa did an incredible job of making the training feel as close to an in-person training as possible. I loved the online chat. This certificate was the best investment I have made in my professional career. Thank you!”
—Kristina Worton, LMSW
“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.”
—Lisa Sloyer, LCSW-C
“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.”
—Carrie Schurtz, LCSW-C
“She’s [Lisa’s] such a wonderful teacher AND a seasoned clinician- it’s hard to get both in one person! —Krista Dhruv, LCSW-C
“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!” —Diane Harden, LGPC
“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.” —Caroline Hinkley, Victim Advocate
“This program has profoundly changed the way in which I see trauma and interact with clients who are still living with and coping with trauma. Honestly, I feel like I have grown as a therapist and I know that patients I see, now and in the future, will benefit from the work I did in this training. I strongly recommend it to all professionals! Thank you, Lisa!” —Tim Sebian-Lander, LCPC
“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! —Grace Wright, LMSW
“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.” —Natalie O’Neil, LCPC
“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!” —Erin Wical, NCC
“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.” —Danielle Crystal, LGPC
“The Trauma Certificate program was extremely valuable and has contributed immensely to my work with clients. It has been the best investment I have made in regards to my clinical practice.” —Judy Cohen, LCSW-C
“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.” —Shannon Wilson-Murray, LCSW-C
“Lisa is an amazing educator. I am thrilled to be able to apply all of the knowledge acquired in this program to better help my clients.” —Emma Pyle, LCSW
“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!” —Julia Caruana, LCMFT
“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.” —Sara Ries, LCSW-C
“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.” —Christen Dressel, LCPC
“As a new therapist this has helped solidify my foundation and increased my confidence.” —Lindsay Cole, LMSW
“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.” —David Facenda, LICSW
“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!” —Claire Bernstein, LICSW, LCSW-C
“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.” —Jessica Palmen, LCSW-C
“Powerful training full of knowledge, caring, and compassion.” —LaTisha Diggs, MA
“This training gave me new insight as an advocate and really put things in a new light.” —Royshonda Boulden, Victim advocate
“I had the privilege of witnessing one of my clients become fully integrated recently thanks to Lisa’s DID trainings. My client reports feeling “strong and calm” for the first time in over fifty years. Lisa’s classes were absolutely instrumental in allowing me to feel competent enough to work with this client and my other DID clients.” —Melissa Brown, LCPC
“Wonderful wonderful thanks able to use many things with clients learning in class”— Kathleen Killeen, LCSW
“The training was absolutely wonderful! I learned lots of valuable information that I could use both in my daytime job and my non-profit.”— Angela Wharton, VAS II
“The Level I Trauma Certification Program has totally transformed my practice! The conceptual framework and immediately-applicable clinical tools gave me the confidence to work with any client who has experienced trauma. Lisa and her team are phenomenal! ”— Dorothy Adamson Holley, PhD, LCSW-C
“Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Amazing training!”— Carmen Cecilla Alvarez Diaz, VAS II/p>
“Lisa’s program is an invaluable resource. I ended every class eager to implement the new tools she shared. It was amazing to see the responses from my clients. I have not been able to stop talking with my colleagues about the program. Truly, everyone should attend Lisa’s program!”— Jessica Dent, LPC
“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! ”— Julia Caruana, LCMFT
“I really enjoyed the material, interaction, and overall experience. I felt that I learned more in that class than I did in graduate school! The information was so rich and exciting to learn!”— Katherine Todd, LCSW-C
“I loved the training. Very informative.”— Traci Brautigan, LMSW
“I feel like my work is taking a new direction. Thank you for all of the ideas I could use immediately after each session.”— Angela Webster, MEd. School Counseling
“I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend Lisa Ferentz’ Level I Trauma Program Training. The training will allow me to assist our Judy Center Program, and the partnering Title I school in utilizing Trauma Informed practices school wide! I learned so much by attending the sessions. I benefited in many ways personally and professionally. I would highly recommend others attend the Level I Trauma Training Program conducted by the Ferentz Institute. Lisa is amazing!!”— Carole Elizabeth Miller, LCSW-C
“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!”— Meredith Braden, MA, NCC, LGPC
“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.”— Erin Smith, LCSW-C
“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.”— Lisa Zimmerman, LICSW
“Lisa Ferentz’s Level I trauma training program is a gift for the clinician as well as their clients. Trauma informed care, I am learning, invites the therapist to use their whole self- mind, body, soul, spirit, and heart- to accompany clients on their journeys of healing.”— Teresa Doniger, LPC
“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.”— Janniece Phillips, M. Ed.
“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.”— Shanez Jenkins, LCSW-C
“From the start, I knew a made a great choice in investing my time and emotions in this program. I’ve learned so many tools and strategies to help my patients cope with their trauma and I’ve learned a lot about myself and how I can best support and guide my patients.”— Jennie Strauss, LCSW-C
“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.” — Wendy Velazco-Weiss, LCSW-C
“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!” — Kara Smith, LCSW-C
“This has been the most beneficial training that I have attended. I knew nothing about Lisa Ferentz before registering, but this training has exceeded my expectations and I have encouraged co-workers to participate. I came away with a wealth of information and knowledge and started incorporating what I learned in my sessions. I have also been able to inform, family members, school teachers, and partners what to expect from one who has experienced trauma. Can’t wait to take Level II!”— Torri Mills, LCSW-C
“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.”— Michael Lockman, LCPC
“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.” —Eileen Thompson, ACRPS, SCAC
“As a clinician, one of the most important tools we have is our self. Lisa helped me find my own internal wisdom and see my blind spots.” —Cara Nazereth, LCMFT
“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.” —Sara Murry, LGSW
“This training is amazing and provides a thorough foundation to work with clients with trauma. Everything learned helped my growth as a clinician.” —Molly Jakubek, LMFT
“Great resource provided by a gifted teacher & clinician.” —Elizabeth Mohler, LCSW
“Lisa’s style of teaching and material were so enlightening. I feel much more prepared to work with client’s than I did before the course. I highly recommend the training.” —Miriam Blau, LGSW
“There’s no way you can leave a class you taught, Lisa, without learning new strategies and examples of how to encourage others.” — Stephanie Marinelli, PhD, JD, LCPC
“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.” —Catherine Peterson, LCSW
“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.” —Susan B. Blair, LCMFT, CCDP
“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.” —Jennifer Thocher,
LGSW
“Lisa’s training’s 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.” —Katina Callan, LCSW
“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.” —Kathleen Traversari, LGSW
“This program is an extraordinary interpretation of several therapeutic modalities and an interesting and heartfelt alternative to the manualized, mechanical CEU offerings elsewhere.” —Karen Ross Taylor, LCSW-C
“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.” —Janet Glover Kirkvliet, LCPC
