Event Image

Level I: Part One: Class 1 – Understanding Trauma and its Reverberating Effects: The Strengths-Based Perspective

Registration Fee:
Date:
Tuesday,
September 2, 2025

Registration & Breakfast:
Log Into Zoom:
Registration:
8:15 AM (ET)
Training:
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Place:
Virtual Training on Zoom
CEUs:
6
Type of CEUs*:
No items found.
Register Now
A picture of this speaker.
Lisa Ferentz
LCSW-C, DAPA

This class is only open to participants of the Level I program.

For information about the Level I Trauma Certificate Program, click here.

Workshop Description:

In this 6-hour workshop we will set the stage for a clinical and philosophical approach to trauma informed treatment, which will include an in-depth exploration of a strengths-based, de-pathologized approach to assessing and treating clients. We will process the features of therapy and the therapeutic relationship that promote an emphasis on clients’ resiliency and courage, while learning ways to help clients re-frame and “make sense” out of their long-term struggles and destructive coping strategies.

Participants will learn about the power of clients’ “meaning-making” in response to threatening or abusive life events, and how those cognitions either intensify or lessen the long-term effects of trauma. We will also process the new diagnostic criteria for PTSD including: exposure; intrusive symptoms; avoidance; and negative alterations in cognitions and mood. We will look at the factors that make it more or less likely for a traumatized person to develop PTSD and weave those dynamics into the assessment phase of treatment. We will explore the potential biological responses to perceived threat including: social engagement; fight or flight; fawn; and freeze. Participants will learn about the physiological reactions that are set in motion when we are confronted with life threatening scenarios, the hierarchy of how we want to respond, and the inevitable ways in which we are often forced to respond in order to stay safe.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and describe the four precepts of a strengths-based approach to treating clients with histories of trauma, abuse, and neglect.

2. Provide at least five reasons why the strengths-based approach builds a trusting therapeutic alliance and is more effective with traumatized clients.

3. Describe the meaning making that either exacerbates or mitigates the self-blame and shame felt by traumatized clients.

4. Identify the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as well as the changes that have been made to the DSM regarding the diagnosis.

5. Identify at least four risk factors that increase the possibility of developing PTSD after a traumatic experience.

6. Distinguish between and describe the possible biological reactions to threat and trauma: social attachment, fight, flight, or freeze

7. Describe the manifestation of the fawning response as a reaction to childhood abuse.

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM

- Introduction and orientation

- The strengths-based perspective: normalizing and universalizing clients’ “symptoms” and struggles

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- The power of de-pathologizing the sequelae of trauma

- The overdiagnosis of clients

- Understanding the trauma survivor’s self-perception and its impact on shame and self-blame

- The importance of cognitive re-framing

- The advantages of a strengths-based approach

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:30 PM

- Defining trauma and the impact of loss

- When client’s meaning-making exacerbates or mitigates the impact of trauma

- The long-term effects of negative meaning making and the personalization of trauma

- The healing effects of positive meaning-making

- Processing examples of potentially traumatizing events

- Exploring the new DSM diagnostic criteria for PTSD

- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after trauma

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

- Understanding social engagement versus the fight or flight responses

- Understanding fawning and freeze responses

- Video: Peter Levine: freeze in the animal kingdom

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM

- Introduction and orientation

- The strengths-based perspective: normalizing and universalizing clients’ “symptoms” and struggles

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- The power of de-pathologizing the sequelae of trauma

- The overdiagnosis of clients

- Understanding the trauma survivor’s self-perception and its impact on shame and self-blame

- The importance of cognitive re-framing

- The advantages of a strengths-based approach

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:30 PM

- Defining trauma and the impact of loss

- When client’s meaning-making exacerbates or mitigates the impact of trauma

- The long-term effects of negative meaning making and the personalization of trauma

- The healing effects of positive meaning-making

- Processing examples of potentially traumatizing events

- Exploring the new DSM diagnostic criteria for PTSD

- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after trauma

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

- Understanding social engagement versus the fight or flight responses

- Understanding fawning and freeze responses

- Video: Peter Levine: freeze in the animal kingdom

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Event Image

Level I: Part One: Class 1 – Understanding Trauma and its Reverberating Effects: The Strengths-Based Perspective

Registration Fee:
Date:
Tuesday,
September 2, 2025
Registration & Breakfast:
8:15 AM (ET)
Training:
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Place:
Virtual Training on Zoom
CEUs:
6
Type of CEUs*:
No items found.
Register Now
Lisa Ferentz
LCSW-C, DAPA
Presenter

This class is only open to participants of the Level I program.

For information about the Level I Trauma Certificate Program, click here.

Workshop Description:

In this 6-hour workshop we will set the stage for a clinical and philosophical approach to trauma informed treatment, which will include an in-depth exploration of a strengths-based, de-pathologized approach to assessing and treating clients. We will process the features of therapy and the therapeutic relationship that promote an emphasis on clients’ resiliency and courage, while learning ways to help clients re-frame and “make sense” out of their long-term struggles and destructive coping strategies.

Participants will learn about the power of clients’ “meaning-making” in response to threatening or abusive life events, and how those cognitions either intensify or lessen the long-term effects of trauma. We will also process the new diagnostic criteria for PTSD including: exposure; intrusive symptoms; avoidance; and negative alterations in cognitions and mood. We will look at the factors that make it more or less likely for a traumatized person to develop PTSD and weave those dynamics into the assessment phase of treatment. We will explore the potential biological responses to perceived threat including: social engagement; fight or flight; fawn; and freeze. Participants will learn about the physiological reactions that are set in motion when we are confronted with life threatening scenarios, the hierarchy of how we want to respond, and the inevitable ways in which we are often forced to respond in order to stay safe.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and describe the four precepts of a strengths-based approach to treating clients with histories of trauma, abuse, and neglect.

2. Provide at least five reasons why the strengths-based approach builds a trusting therapeutic alliance and is more effective with traumatized clients.

3. Describe the meaning making that either exacerbates or mitigates the self-blame and shame felt by traumatized clients.

4. Identify the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as well as the changes that have been made to the DSM regarding the diagnosis.

5. Identify at least four risk factors that increase the possibility of developing PTSD after a traumatic experience.

6. Distinguish between and describe the possible biological reactions to threat and trauma: social attachment, fight, flight, or freeze

7. Describe the manifestation of the fawning response as a reaction to childhood abuse.

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM

- Introduction and orientation

- The strengths-based perspective: normalizing and universalizing clients’ “symptoms” and struggles

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- The power of de-pathologizing the sequelae of trauma

- The overdiagnosis of clients

- Understanding the trauma survivor’s self-perception and its impact on shame and self-blame

- The importance of cognitive re-framing

- The advantages of a strengths-based approach

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:30 PM

- Defining trauma and the impact of loss

- When client’s meaning-making exacerbates or mitigates the impact of trauma

- The long-term effects of negative meaning making and the personalization of trauma

- The healing effects of positive meaning-making

- Processing examples of potentially traumatizing events

- Exploring the new DSM diagnostic criteria for PTSD

- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after trauma

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

- Understanding social engagement versus the fight or flight responses

- Understanding fawning and freeze responses

- Video: Peter Levine: freeze in the animal kingdom

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM

- Introduction and orientation

- The strengths-based perspective: normalizing and universalizing clients’ “symptoms” and struggles

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- The power of de-pathologizing the sequelae of trauma

- The overdiagnosis of clients

- Understanding the trauma survivor’s self-perception and its impact on shame and self-blame

- The importance of cognitive re-framing

- The advantages of a strengths-based approach

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:30 PM

- Defining trauma and the impact of loss

- When client’s meaning-making exacerbates or mitigates the impact of trauma

- The long-term effects of negative meaning making and the personalization of trauma

- The healing effects of positive meaning-making

- Processing examples of potentially traumatizing events

- Exploring the new DSM diagnostic criteria for PTSD

- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after trauma

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

- Understanding social engagement versus the fight or flight responses

- Understanding fawning and freeze responses

- Video: Peter Levine: freeze in the animal kingdom

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Event Image

Level I: Part One: Class 1 – Understanding Trauma and its Reverberating Effects: The Strengths-Based Perspective

Registration Fee:
Date:
Tuesday,
September 2, 2025
Registration & Breakfast:
8:15 AM (ET)
Training:
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Place:
Virtual Training on Zoom
CEUs:
6
Type of CEUs*:
No items found.
Register Now
Lisa Ferentz
LCSW-C, DAPA
Presenter

This class is only open to participants of the Level I program.

For information about the Level I Trauma Certificate Program, click here.

Workshop Description:

In this 6-hour workshop we will set the stage for a clinical and philosophical approach to trauma informed treatment, which will include an in-depth exploration of a strengths-based, de-pathologized approach to assessing and treating clients. We will process the features of therapy and the therapeutic relationship that promote an emphasis on clients’ resiliency and courage, while learning ways to help clients re-frame and “make sense” out of their long-term struggles and destructive coping strategies.

Participants will learn about the power of clients’ “meaning-making” in response to threatening or abusive life events, and how those cognitions either intensify or lessen the long-term effects of trauma. We will also process the new diagnostic criteria for PTSD including: exposure; intrusive symptoms; avoidance; and negative alterations in cognitions and mood. We will look at the factors that make it more or less likely for a traumatized person to develop PTSD and weave those dynamics into the assessment phase of treatment. We will explore the potential biological responses to perceived threat including: social engagement; fight or flight; fawn; and freeze. Participants will learn about the physiological reactions that are set in motion when we are confronted with life threatening scenarios, the hierarchy of how we want to respond, and the inevitable ways in which we are often forced to respond in order to stay safe.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and describe the four precepts of a strengths-based approach to treating clients with histories of trauma, abuse, and neglect.

2. Provide at least five reasons why the strengths-based approach builds a trusting therapeutic alliance and is more effective with traumatized clients.

3. Describe the meaning making that either exacerbates or mitigates the self-blame and shame felt by traumatized clients.

4. Identify the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as well as the changes that have been made to the DSM regarding the diagnosis.

5. Identify at least four risk factors that increase the possibility of developing PTSD after a traumatic experience.

6. Distinguish between and describe the possible biological reactions to threat and trauma: social attachment, fight, flight, or freeze

7. Describe the manifestation of the fawning response as a reaction to childhood abuse.

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM

- Introduction and orientation

- The strengths-based perspective: normalizing and universalizing clients’ “symptoms” and struggles

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- The power of de-pathologizing the sequelae of trauma

- The overdiagnosis of clients

- Understanding the trauma survivor’s self-perception and its impact on shame and self-blame

- The importance of cognitive re-framing

- The advantages of a strengths-based approach

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:30 PM

- Defining trauma and the impact of loss

- When client’s meaning-making exacerbates or mitigates the impact of trauma

- The long-term effects of negative meaning making and the personalization of trauma

- The healing effects of positive meaning-making

- Processing examples of potentially traumatizing events

- Exploring the new DSM diagnostic criteria for PTSD

- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after trauma

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

- Understanding social engagement versus the fight or flight responses

- Understanding fawning and freeze responses

- Video: Peter Levine: freeze in the animal kingdom

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM

- Introduction and orientation

- The strengths-based perspective: normalizing and universalizing clients’ “symptoms” and struggles

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- The power of de-pathologizing the sequelae of trauma

- The overdiagnosis of clients

- Understanding the trauma survivor’s self-perception and its impact on shame and self-blame

- The importance of cognitive re-framing

- The advantages of a strengths-based approach

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:30 PM

- Defining trauma and the impact of loss

- When client’s meaning-making exacerbates or mitigates the impact of trauma

- The long-term effects of negative meaning making and the personalization of trauma

- The healing effects of positive meaning-making

- Processing examples of potentially traumatizing events

- Exploring the new DSM diagnostic criteria for PTSD

- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after trauma

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

- Understanding social engagement versus the fight or flight responses

- Understanding fawning and freeze responses

- Video: Peter Levine: freeze in the animal kingdom

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Additional Information:
- For more information on the Hilton Garden Inn in Owings Mills, Maryland, click here.

- Registration for each workshop closes one day before the workshop date. If you want to sign up for this course and missed the registration deadline, please don't worry. You can still contact Gerri Baum at gerrib@theferentzinstitute.com or call 410-409-7061 to inquire about joining the class. We will do our best to accommodate you.

- The Ferentz Institute does not offer refunds for paid workshops. If you cancel or miss a workshop for any reason, we will be happy to offer you a credit to use towards any current or future training with the Institute.

- Workshops may be canceled by the Institute due to low registration, presenter emergencies, or inclement weather. Participants will be notified, usually one week in advance. Paid registrants can choose a full refund or apply the payment to another class. Additionally, all participants will receive a $25 discount on a future session as compensation for any inconvenience.

We appreciate your interest in our workshops and look forward to seeing you soon!
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What people are saying about this workshop:

There are no testimonials for this training yet. Please check back later!
Lisa A. Early
LCPC

Lisa is energetic, fully present and engaged, allowing for in depth impromptu conversations as part of the presentation, which is helpful.

Karen Reed
LICSW, LCSW

Lisa�s knowledge on the subject matter is incredible.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Lisa provides a comfortable learning environment. The presentations are clear and thoughts, feedback and questions are always welcome.

Brian Edwards
LCPC

I really appreciated Lisa's openness to all feedback and questions.

Cassandra Ekstrom
LCSW-C

She believes what she presents and cares about helping us to be the best therapists we can be.

Emily Perrin
LMSW

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.

Karen Reed
LICSW, LCSW

I really appreciated Lisa's abilities to explain concepts.

Adesuwa Osemwegie
LCPC

Lisa has vast and commendable command in the subject area. Awesome!!

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Lisa provides a comfortable learning environment. The presentations are clear and thoughts, feedback and questions are always welcome.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Jill created a calm, comfortable environment. She welcomed questions and feedback from attendees.

Lisa A. Early
LCPC

Jill was engaging, enthusiastic, knowledgeable.

David Facenda
LICSW

I especially liked Jill's style, calmness, and pacing of the material.

Lori Pasch
LCSW-C

Jill was fabulously engaging, supportive, and protective of the space she created for us.

Lisa A. Early
LCPC

Jill was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.

Emily Perrin
LMSW

Jill was fantastic. Interactive, engaging and loved her entire approach to movement and art.

Brian Edwards
LCPC

Jill is a wonderful teacher!

Karen Reed
LICSW

Jill is an excellent presenter and she made herself available to advise on case material from the students.

Adesuwa L. Osemwegie
LCPC

Jill is approachable and warm. She's always willing to spend time to discuss privately, and is a wonderful person.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Jill created a calm, comfortable environment. She welcomed questions and feedback from attendees.

Cassandra Ekstrom
LCSW-C

Jill is so invested and connected to the work and this is apparent in her teaching.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Rev. Chase was knowledgeable and easy to follow. Rev. Chase welcomed questions and discussions throughout the presentation.

Emily Perrin
LMSW

I would love Father Ray to know that he was an absolute joy. Im sitting here smiling and almost tearful as I write this. From his enthusiasm, smiles, humor to his courages and beautiful empathy and compassion.. he was truly a joy. It was clear that he truly loves what he does and is so beyond skilled at it. The compassion he exudes is truly inspiring. Thank you Father Ray!

Cassandra Ekstrom
LCSW-C

TJ brought us something that adults and therapist working with adults forget about which is the importance of play. The class gave me a lot of aha moments in thinking about my client population. Additionally, the way that TJ embraces the topic with such passion and connection pulled me in and left me wanting more.

Jenniver Crooks
LCSW-C

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.

David Facenda
LICSW

TJ was relaxed, easy to listen to, and knowledgeable about her topic.

Emily Perrin
LMSW

I thought TJ was awesome. I loved her energy. I would have loved to hear / see more of the games / play activates she uses with clients! Everything else was wonderful.

Brian Edwards
LCPC

TJ was very genuine and down to earth.

David Facenda
LICSW

I especially liked Peggy's level of knowledge and her working with the art therapy and the IFS modalities.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

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).

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Lisa teaches relevant and effective interventions and makes learning fun!

Jamie Christy
LCSW-C

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.

Karen Reed
LICSW

I appreciated our collaborating with peers and faculty, discussing cases and hearing feedback.

Brian Edwards
LCPC

Lisa allowed me to feel open express my ideas and ask questions.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Level II helped deepen my understanding of trauma and parts work. Each class provided an opportunity to learn creative, expressive approaches that clinicians can immediately put into practice. Lisa and her faculty provided a supportive learning environment and I enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with other clinicians.

Emily Perrin
LMSW

I've completed my Level 1 and Level 2 with Lisa and I can hands down say you will learn more in this course than you do in all of grad school. Level 2 was not only extremely beneficial from a clinician and learning standpoint but one of the most profound experiences I've had personally as well. The integration of both parts and expressive modalities (alongside her incredible staff) provided one of the best educational experiences I've ever had. If you are wanting to grow personally, expand your knowledge and competence as a trauma clinical, Level 2 is a must!

Samantha Russell
LCSW-C

Lisa is extremely knowledgable, but still approachable. She made the training engaging and enjoyable.

Megan Robison
LCSW-C

I appreciate Lisa's realness. She isn't selling anything. She made me feel positive about myself as a therapist.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

I had heard a lot about Lisa and have watched her webinars and read her books; so I was extremely excited about the training. Lisa is an absolute delight in person - approachable, knowledgeable, engaging and compassionate. I cannot wait for the rest of the sessions!

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

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.

Yasmin Meyers
LCSW-C

Lisa is very dynamic, compassionate and uses humor while presenting material that may be challenging.

Shannon Harris
LMSW

Lisa is warm, knowledgeable, dynamic, and engaging. She�s pretty funny too!

Megan Robison
LCSW-C

Lisa has great energy and remains engaging throughout the day. She also provides information in a way that is understandable and relatable.

Jenna Adler
LCSW-C

Lisa is outstanding at teaching. She can make complicated topics easy to understand. She is also very warm and welcoming.

Kristin Morton
LCPC

I really appreciate Lisa�s expertise and humility.

Shyrielane Watson
PHD, LCPC

Lisa is easy to be with, welcoming, and approachable.

Emily Scott
LCSW-C

Lisa was responsive, welcoming and cared for participants. Her vast experience provided for very concrete examples of how the material translates to practice.

Alexa Julius
LCSW-C

Lisa is extremely knowledgeable, funny, kind, and encouraging.

Rebecca Steen
LPC

Lisa shared her wealth of knowledge and experience in an engaging and down to earth way.

Shannon Harris
LMSW

Lisa is very intentional in how she teaches the information. It�s helpful that she reinforces previous information by integrating it with new information.

Kristin Morton
LCPC

I appreciate Lisa�s perfect balance of expertise, humility and humor. She is caring and careful as a presenter and has honed her years of practice and wisdom into a training that is full of critical and immediately usable information.

Samantha Russell
LCSW-C

Lisa is open, approachable, knowledgeable and warm.

Shyrielane Watson
PHD, LCPC

The presenter.is clear, organized, thoughtful, and sensitive to the needs of the participants.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

What I find most helpful is Lisa's ability to provide complicated information with easy to understand examples in a clear manner.

Kristin Morton
LCPC

Lisa has a beautiful blend of expertise in practice, compassion and humility that is enhanced by her skill in teaching what she knows to enhance the abilities of the learner.

Yasmin Meyers
LCSW-C

Lisa is a fantastic presenter. Knowledgeable, charismatic, and friendly!

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

I'm benefitting greatly from the way Lisa presents information - a strong reasearch-based foundation combined with numerous practical applications. Thank you.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

Lisa was an empathic, normalizing, supportive and experienced facilitator.

Megan Robison
LCSW-C

Lisa has a way to make the information accessible and reducing imposter syndrome.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

Gosh, it's hard to limit. There is so much to admire. I think I'd have to say what I like best is Lisa's ability to organize the wealth of her knowledge/concepts in such an organized fashion and her openness to generously share the wealth and specifics of her practical experience and knowledge with others. By doing so, she is spreading her important concepts and compassion for others to more effectively serve clients.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

Lisa is smart, capable, decisive, caring and is a great example of asserting boundaries and values kindly.

Jenna Adler
LCSW-C

Lisa would address all questions, gave lots of case examples and was so knowledgeable and kind.

Kristin Morton
LCPC

Lisa's offers her expertise in a style that invites the learner into the learning experience in a way that is open and supportive.

M Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

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.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

I appreciated how well all of the extensive information is organized and presented.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

The compassion, empathy, knowledge and humor shines through in both Lisa and Dr. Ferentz.

Shyrielane Watson
PHD, LCPC

I really liked the presenters knowledge and helpful answers throughout the training.

Rochelle Sullivan
LGPC

I am so grateful to have the opportunity to take this course!

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

She's just wonderful - authentic, experienced and clearly cares a lot about everyone she works with (including us!)

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

I greatly appreciate Lisa's approach of comprehensive information backed by research intermingled with concrete, practical application and discussion.

Megan Robison
LCSW-C

This ethics workshop was awesome! It allowed for so much time to ask questions and explore concerns that attendees currently had. Lisa made it interesting and engaging.

Rochelle Sullivan
LGPC

Lisa is an expert on this subject. She makes every session interactive and creates a safe environment to learn and grow.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

This was a phenomenal training which helped me develop significant personal and professional insights. I left every session feeling energized and excited about sharing new ideas and approaches with clients. Being in a room with Lisa and so many other therapists has been an incredibly normalizing, reassuring and encouraging space. Lisa has been a consistent model of compassion and client-centered care throughout and I can't wait to learn from her again in the future.

M. Margaret Higgin
LCSW-C

What a powerful comprehensive training! Lisa does a phenomenal job thoughtfully addressing multiple aspects of trauma-informed work with clients along with consistently providing specific, concrete practical applications. Her expertise and talent in communication provided me a solid foundation and that will enhance my work with clients. I'm grateful for the experience. Thank you!

Megan Robison
LCSW-C

This training was the best I have attended! Lisa makes the subject matter engaging and accessible. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have gained. As I use the knowledge and modalities in session, I see how much it is benefiting from clients.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

Lisa encourages everyone to find their own way of working whilst giving them amazing resources.

Emily Scott
LCSW-C

I walked away with more applicable knowledge in 9 classes than in any formal education setting. I have a framework in which to view many, if not most, of my client's symptoms, and language now to use to express and explore these inevitable manifestations of trauma. I simultaneously was able to begin to put together some of my own story in a coherent and non-pathological manner as to why I was drawn to the field as well as how I can better care for myself and by extension care for my clients.

Kathleen Killeen
LCSW

Wonderful wonderful thanks able to use many things with clients learning in class.

Sara Bounds
LCSW-C

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!

Jenn Ungham
CAC-AD

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.

Caitlin Tromiczak
LICSW-C, LCSW-C

This training brought me invaluable information on how trauma is experienced and taught me new treatment options that allow me to respond to my clients, and teach my staff, accordingly. The fact that this was done in such a caring, humorous, and insightful manner serve to enhance my learning experience.

Chaim Wolfish
LCPC

This program is an absolute must for any clinician who is serious about providing the best therapeutic care to all clients.

Katie O'Mailey
LGSW

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.

Shannon Wilson-Murray
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.

Angel Harp Witherspoon
LCPC

This was the most informative and interactive training that I have ever attended. I would recommend this training to anyone.

Lyndsay Soeder
LCSW-C

This was one of the best trainings I've ever taken and certainly the most informative. Lisa does an excellent job presenting the material in a way that is really interesting and applicable to a wide array of clinical settings. Anyone working in the mental health field should take this training. Most importantly, Lisa really did a wonderful job of making sure that we as clinicians felt taken care of and appreciated. I truly felt like I mattered.

Shelby Mitchem
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!

Kara Smith
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!

Elizabeth Holtz
LCPC

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.

Jennifer Thocher
LGSW

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.

Crystel Britto
LGMFT

This training was invaluable. I was able to use this knowledge and the techniques to help almost every single client I serve.

Claire Bernstein
LICSW, LCSW-C

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!

Lisa Zimmerman
LICSW

This training was a game-changer for me. The strength-based approach Lisa takes has transformed the way I see my clients and the range of practical tools we were given has revitalized my work with them.

Allyson Wozniak
LMSW

This training transferred well to an online platform. Lisa did a great job keeping everyone active and keeping the training lively and engaging.

Dawn Gomez
LCSW-C

This training provided so much quality information. All of it was immediately useful with my caseload. This was so beneficial!

Molly Jakubek
LMFT

This training is amazing and provides a thorough foundation to work with clients with trauma. Everything learned helped my growth as a clinician.

Nancy Simard
NCC

This training has truly changed my practice in the way I view both the students and my colleagues in my school. I have completely redesigned the school counselor office lighting to create a warmer more welcoming environment. I look at my most difficult students through a different lens, often picturing them as babies in the trauma he must've endured. I am a patient, more attentive and excited to use the myriad of strategies thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Julia Caruana
LCMFT

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!

Linda Beck
LCSW-C

This training has been a priceless investment which I believe will change my practice for many years to come.

Royshonda Boulden
Victim Advocate

This training gave me new insight as an advocate and really put things in a new light.

Susan B. Blair
LCMFT, CCDP

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.

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.