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A group of clinicians sitting in a circle having a discussion.

Our Mission:

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.

Four people attending a workshop for The Ferentz Institute.

Trauma Certificate Programs

Learn how to incorporate effective and creative trauma treatment strategies that promote self-compassion and healing.

Get Started
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Discover our Inspiring Workshops

Earn valuable CEUs through informative and experiential workshops that strengthen your professional skills and enhance your personal growth.

Learn More
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Bring Lisa to You

Discover trainings and keynote addresses that Lisa can offer your professional community at your clinical setting or conference.

Upcoming Classes

Boost your professional knowledge and expand your expertise with our in-person and online trainings.

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February 19, 2026
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Location:
In-Person at The Hilton Garden Inn • Owings Mills, MD
Presenter:
Presenter:
Lisa Ferentz
LCSW-C, DAPA

In this 6-hour workshop we will set the stage for a clinical and philosophical approach to trauma informed treatment.

A picture that represents this event.
February 26, 2026
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Location:
In-Person at The Hilton Garden Inn • Owings Mills, MD
Presenter:
Presenter:
Lisa Ferentz
LCSW-C, DAPA

In this workshop, participants will connect the fawn response to insecure attachment, and process why it is a necessary and inevitable childhood response to trauma, abuse or neglect.

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March 2, 2026
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Presenter:
Wayne Evans
PHD

Explore strategies to help Black men navigate racism and trauma, replacing 'just surviving' with thriving, meaningful lives rooted in resilience and self-worth.

What people are saying about The Ferentz Institute:

Grace Wright
LMSW

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!

Amy Kopel
LCSW-C

Lisa is always informative and shares her own client experiences which is a great help.

Paris Grigsby
LGPC

She was thoughtful and considerate of our experiences in addition to client experiences.

Melissa Brown
LCPC

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.

Wayne E. Evans
PHD

Lisa is a master teacher who wisdom, expertise, and commitment to the craft invites her participants to enjoy the process of participating in continuing education. She makes learning fun!

Talecia Frazier
LCPC

The presenter was excellent, easy to understand and knowledgeable.

Tara F.
LCPC

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.

Elizabeth Berman
CSC-AD

I absolutely loved this training. How to illicit hope, how and when to use spirituality as a vehicle for change and the difficulties and possibilities therein. The training was more of a conversation then a lecture, I am still thinking about this days after the training and have followed up on some reading suggestions that have also been inspiring. Thank you!

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.

Nancy Meyer
MSW. LCSW-C

The case examples were extremely helpful. Lisa is an extremely knowledgeable, clear, organized, engaging, and approachable presenter.

Timothy Vail
PSYD

[Creative Techniques for Managing Traumatic Stress: Grounding, Containment, and Resourcing was a] great introduction to some art therapy techniques specifically aimed for individuals who've experienced trauma.

Leah Schwartz
LCSW-C

Sabrina is a force to be reckoned with! She is inspirational, encouraging, and truly cares about this work! Sabrina took the time to get to know each and every one of us in her class, to hear our responses, and respond with care and curiosity. It was a pleasure to learn from her and I look forward to building on my skills based off of what I took from the past couple of days! Thank you!

Amy Heilman
LCSW-C

I especially liked looking at supervision from a framework of 4 archetypes and their shadow sides; using heart, hand and mind to encompass all aspects of supervision; viewing supervision as engaging, fun, supportive and as a relationship, not just as a teaching experience.

Shyrielane Watson
PHD, LCPC

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

Bethany B.
LGSW

This workshop was unbelievably informative. The facilitator was extremely engaging and presented in a way that could be easily implemented into one's practice.

Kathleen Killeen
LCSW

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

Katie Richa
MS, LCPC

The presenter was knowledgeable and professional.

Karen Kochen Silverman
LCSW-C

[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.

Nicole Tolson
LGPC

The presenter [for Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was awesome. I have been to ethics trainings and it made your mind wonder away to other areas and all you could think about is leaving. Lisa is a passionate presenter and she keeps you interested. She was very respectful to the people asking questions. I really love her.

Hana Perkey
LPC, CPCS, CCTP

I especially liked the presenter's [Dee's] style and the modeling of how to apply what she taught to one's practice.

Brian Edwards
LCPC

TJ was very genuine and down to earth.

Carole Elizabeth Miller
LCSW-C

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!!

Laura Ballard
LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C

[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!)

Natalie O'Neil
LCPC

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.

Brenda May
LCSW-C, BCD, LLC

As always, Lisa's preparation, information, and presentation [for Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was superb. She delivers material and sources in a way that keeps participants interested and engaged. Her ethics workshops are never boring and always informative.

Nancy J. Frank
LCPC

I found that the online format was an excellent way to attend the program, no stress, no travel, great timing of information and breaks. I felt that it worked wonderfully. Thank you so much for your knowledge, your insights, your delivery and your absolute Unconditional Positive Regard!!

Ellen Mazer
LICSW

The presenter [Patricia] conveyed a strong commitment to this very important material through the information she shared as well as appropriate self-disclosure.

Amy Mazer
LCSW-C

Denise's material was informative, and she provided relevant examples.

Rosa Kang
LGSW

She was so knowledgeable and insightful. I appreciated her intentionality and ability to weave interventions and art into the training.

Rachel Schultz
LICSW, LCSW-C

Lisa shared so much incredible wisdom.

Corinne Heiliger
LCPC

Dr. Evans was an engaging storyteller full of practical wisdom and deep knowledge of the content. Really enjoyed this workshop and would seek out this presenter again!

Mariangela Weiskopf
LCPC

I loved his energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of the subject matter. It was evident that this subject is one of his passions, and it was wonderful to learn from his expertise and clinical case vignettes.

Laurey Richmond
LCPC

Janina has a high level of experience and knowledge.

Tamar Livingstone
LMSW

I gained immensely from Lisa's level one trauma training, and I am really looking forward to continue learning from her.

Kelly Allmon
LCPC

Presenter had a great depth of knowledge on grief that will serve my future clients well!

Elizabeth Berman
CSC-AD

I absolutely loved this training. How to illicit hope, how and when to use spirituality as a vehicle for change and the difficulties and possibilities therein. The training was more of a conversation then a lecture, I am still thinking about this days after the training and have followed up on some reading suggestions that have also been inspiring. Thank you!

Brittany Bell
LPCMH, NCC

The trainer [Lisa] was very knowledgeable and also engaging.

Kaitlin Phillips
LCSW-C

Lisa Ferentz is a great speaker, she gives ample time for questions, and her material is relevant with new research findings.

Gracie G.
LGSW

I got so much out of this training! and the case studies really helped things come to life. The only problem was there was so much information, I found it hard to integrate everything!

Anna Davis
MSW, LCSW, LSATP

Lisa is a talented presenter who uses presence and attunement to ensure that participants feel empowered and connected. Thank you so much!

Ronda (Rosie) Behr
LCSW-C

I learned a lot [in Trauma Informed Collage Methods] and had fun doing it.

Kathy Haerian

[Peggy] is highly experienced and provided trauma informed care regarding incorporating collage into your practice. [Trauma Informed Collage Methods] also focused on the importance of art belonging to the client, and reminded about the importance of this being one of the true principles of the experiential work.

Hetty Barnett
LCSW-C

Lisa was competent, prepared, disclosive and honest about her perspective, engaging with the group.

MaryAnn Niclas
LCSW-C

Dr. Wayne was able to skillfully weave teaching strategies so successfully, from referencing comic books, graphic novels, movies, tv shows, biblical stories, personal stories, humor, songs/music. All of these teaching modalities helped drive home his points not just on an intellectual level, but also a visceral level. His optimism and refusal to reside in a 'I'm trapped and so are you' mode was so hopeful and inspiring.

R. Denise Roberson
LPC

Wonderful presentation, perfectly paced and full of information I will implement into my practice.

Timothy E.
LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C

Sabrina led with her heart throughout the entire training. Powerful experience with tangible take-aways.

Sharazad Haimanchandra
LMSW

Aliza spoke in a calm, regulating manner. She was encouraging and knowledgeable.

Kathy Sullivan
LCSW-C

The class provided a great understanding of OCD and treatment. Susan was so personable and knowledgeable�delightful!

Cherise Fowlkes
LCSW-C

Sabrina was inviting, engaging, and extremely knowledgeable. She was able to connect with each of the participants in some way. The connection made me feel like I mattered. You can really see that she loves the work she does.

Jennifer Z.
LCSW-C

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!

R. Denise Roberson
LPC

What I liked best is that Susan provided strategies specifically geared to treat OCD treatment with both children and adults.

Susan Oliff
LSCW

I liked how passionate she was about IFS, and the energy and care she brought to the workshop.

Terry Lynn Manning
LMFT

Sabrina as a trainer is outstanding. I loved the breakout sessions.

Sarah Boone
LCPC

Jonah had a depth of knowledge and understanding of the material and was a clear communicator.

Jill Minsky
LCSW-C

[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was very informative. Lisa always does an outstanding job making it fun and interesting.

Kimberly P.
LCSW-C

I truly enjoyed Dr. Sabrina and found the information she presented to be helpful...

Ryan M.
LGPC

The workshop 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.

Naomi Haber
LMSW

This presenter understands delivery!

Karen Reed
LICSW, LCSW

Lisa�s knowledge on the subject matter is incredible.

Tim Sebian-Lander
LCPC

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!

Amy Sherbin
LCPC

Lisa is an authentic, passionate, and highly gifted trauma informed therapist and educator! Thank you for this amazing opportunity!

Amy Heilman
LCSW-C

[Sabrina is] Very engaging and passionate about supervision! Very relatable and encouraged self-reflection.

Sharazad Haimanchandra
LMSW

The discussion on how to use IFS informally in sessions, and the concrete tools for parts mapping was very useful. The presenter had a calm presence and was clearly very knowledgeable on the topic.

Caroline
Coffill, LCSW

The presenters were knowledgeable and provided psycho-education along with experiential activities.

Cyndi Wagner
LPC, LCPC

I understand ADHD better and how it impacts individuals.

Shannon Haley
LCSW-C

This program provides the essential necessary for effective practice. I've been a licensed social worker for 17 years and this program was more beneficial than any graduate class or training I have ever taken. Thank you, Lisa!

Sara Chaves
LCSW-C

This was an amazing experience that helped me connect with my inner creative side. Dee did an incredible job engaging the audience and guiding us to think outside the box.

Gail Guttman
LCSW-C

Lisa is accessible, smart and kind.

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.

Christen Dressel
LCPC

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.

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!

Chelsey H.
LICSW

Lisa is a gem. I have learned so many wonderful techniques and gained a fresh perspective on my work with trauma survivors.

Amy S. Mazer
LCSW-C

Lisa is a dynamic speaker and seasoned therapist and she is able to cover difficult material in a way that is easy to follow.

Ilene Gallner-Toller
LCSW-C

Very powerful and experiential workshop! We were constantly engaged in experiential learning, even while taking in theory. Awesome!

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.

Sean P. Daughtry
LICSW

Patricia offers a succinct and engaging presentation and teaching style. I appreciated her articulate presentation and deep knowledge about such a crucial topic.

Michelle Market
LPC

I appreciated Susan's approachability with asking questions and how well she explained things providing us with stories of what she would share with her own clients.

Mariangela Weiskopk
LCPC

The instructor’s way of presenting and conveying the material was fantastic. She was able to clearly demonstrate how she uses IFS and parts work in her therapy.

Amina Wells
LCSW-C

He's [Dr. Evans] passionate, personable and very knowledgeable and his creative lens offers a lot to the training experience.

Jenna Adler
LCSW-C

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

Shannon Maple
LCSW-C

Timothy provided a safe and open space to learn and grow together!

Salvatore D'Amore
Psychotherapist

Thank you very much, Patricia, for this wonderful day. I learned so much, both from a clinical perspective and from the human dimension you brought to our work. It was incredibly enriching to learn not only techniques but also the spirit and heart behind them, both from you and from all my colleagues.

Amy Searcey
LCSW-C

This program reinforced and strengthened my confidence and skills. I have noticed clinically significant results in my clients through implementing the tools provided in this training.

Shannon Maple
LCSW-C

[Susan is] Very positive, warm, and open and made it a safe space for discussion and learning.

Michelle Market
LPC, CEDS

I loved [Salicia's] her accessibility. I was able to ask questions and make comments throughout the talk. I appreciated that the size was small and intimate, that was truly a bonus!

Sarah Parad Rowen
LCSW

Dr. Papernow's knowledge and understanding of the material is so notable. Knowledge that once shared helps therapists to avoid making the easy mistakes. Knowledge that she can share in a way that was easy to absorb.

Karen Reed
LICSW, LCSW

I really appreciated Lisa's abilities to explain concepts.

Emma P.
LCSW

Lisa is a gifted and energized speaker who speaks with a passion for the difficult work with trauma survivors. The workshop had immediate practical applications for day to day sessions with clients.

Julie Morton
LCSW-C

Susan and Heather were a great team [in Couples Work and Why it Matters in Modern Times]. They worked together to highlight where their modalities overlapped and differed. They were both very knowledgable.

Edward Diamond
Registered Psychology Associate

The presenter had a good grasp of the material and was exceptionally well prepared.

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!

Shyrielane Watson
PHD, LCPC

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

Michale Lockman
LCPC

I deeply appreciate the blend of theoretical and practical knowledge that Lisa's Trauma I course afforded me. I strongly recommend this course and the consummate professional who teaches it.

Ashley D.
LCSW-C

This workshop was helpful to get past the places that I often get 'stuck' with my clients. Creative modalities were introduced and Lisa was great at answering specific questions for numerous case scenarios.

MaryAnn Niclas
LCSW-C

Lisa has a wonderful combination of warmth and efficiency. I believe all her workshop attendees feel seen and heard by her.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

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

Elaine Edge
LCPC

Her knowledge and practical experience make it impossible not to glean from her trainings. Shane and Guilt are also realities that go hand-in-hand with therapy and especially trauma treatment. These are “must have experiences for all clinicians.

Alysha Warren
LMHC, LPC

Very engaging and creative facilitator.

Shannon Harris
LMSW

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

Sarah Lawson
LICSW

Peggy was extremely knowledgable about art therapy and interweaving ethics issues, she gave so many great examples from clients.

Barbara Robertson
LCPAT, ATR-BC

Clear, meaningful presentation connects well with other approaches that I use, presenter [Arielle Seidler] was excellent in energy, openness, flexibility, good vibes all around…

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.