Relationships Archives | The Ferentz Institute

Breaking the Silence: Recognizing and Healing Coercive Control in Relationships

Coercive control is a hidden pattern of controlling and manipulative behaviors that strips away an individual's freedom and autonomy in a relationship.

The Power of Secure Attachment

Drawing inspiration from the arrival of her newest grandson, Jonah Avery, Lisa explores the fundamental role of attachment in shaping a child's future. From understanding the consequences of insecure attachment to the reparative power of the therapeutic relationship, this insightful read offers a deeper understanding of the experiences that can impact and shape your clients' lives.

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.

Asking for Forgiveness

This is an important time of year for the Jewish people. It’s our New Year and a time when we look back and take ownership of our behaviors, with honesty...

Highlighting Our Clients’ Resiliency

Everyone faces adversity at some point in their lives. Sometimes it feels like a bump in the road and sometimes it feels like we are forced to climb Mount Everest...

Staying Sensitive to Cultural Differences

As I travel with my family through Italy, this trip abroad continues to highlight the importance of being sensitive to cultural differences. It’s amazing (and a little embarrassing) how we...

Helping a Partner Who Engages in Self-Destructive Behaviors

As Valentine’s Day approaches couples become more mindful of the ways in which they can show their love through caring gestures and gifts. Flowers, cards, candy, and jewelry often communicate...

It’s So Easy to Blame the Victims

I have to be totally honest- when I heard about Janay Rice’s decision to stay with and marry Ray Rice, after being brutally knocked unconscious by him and then dragged...

Connecting to and Honoring the Past

If you’ve listened to any of my radio shows or read some of my newsletters, you know that I have an incredible grandmother who has always been a special source...

Acts of Kindness That Heal the World

My husband shared this remarkable story with me, and I wanted to pass it on to all of you. One of his employees, we’ll call her Sally, was shopping in...

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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.