
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.

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

Earn valuable CEUs through informative and experiential workshops that strengthen your professional skills and enhance your personal growth.
Discover trainings and keynote addresses that Lisa can offer your professional community at your clinical setting or conference.
Boost your professional knowledge and expand your expertise with our in-person and online trainings.
This workshop is designed for therapists new to the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model or those with a basic understanding seeking to expand their knowledge and application in clinical practice.
This workshop will give you creative opportunities to explore your underdeveloped talents, as well as deepen your listening skills: an essential attribute for being able to provide effective supervision.
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.
What I find most helpful is Lisa's ability to provide complicated information with easy to understand examples in a clear manner.
This program should be a part of every clinician's repertoire. The compassion and knowledge Lisa has is invaluable and I am confident I am a better clinician because of this training and the investment in myself and clients.
Not only do I appreciate the material she presents, I also really enjoy her overall presence. I always leave feeling more confident in my skills from the material presented, but also feeling welcomed and safe. I love learning from her.
Sabrina is extremely knowledgeable. Her way of teaching helps you see yourself from a different prospective. Helps identify your strengths and what you need to work on. She provides real world examples and how to work through real challenges.
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.
Dr. Dee is always amazing! The workshop [Master Class: Sand Therapy and the Therapeutic Relationship] was everything I needed and more. And thank you for the awesome breakfast!!
Aliza spoke in a calm, regulating manner. She was encouraging and knowledgeable.
Lisa presented an exceptionally well-researched overview of the risks, myths, and ethical dilemmas surrounding cannabis use in clinical practice. What stood out most was her ability to translate complex scientific studies into clear, practical takeaways for mental health providers. She didn’t just present data—she helped us think critically about how to apply this knowledge in our work with clients. The presentation was not only informative but passionate.
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.
[Staying Within the Window of Tolerance] was one of the best workshops I have attended. The Ferentz Institute consistently provides talented, experienced, engaging speakers, who track the newest innovations in their fields, within a very welcoming, comfortable milieu.
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.
Dr. Sabrina is a genuine, authentic and compassionate teacher. I appreciate her ability to teach holistic wellness by sharing her knowledge and wisdom. I am grateful for her taking the time to address the importance of utilizing an integrative-approach with clients, as well as empowering clinicians to use healing practices to take care of ourselves as healers.
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.
Lisa is always on point, covers all of the necessary material, and manages to involve everyone in the training. She has a great sense of humor, along with compassion and caring.
This workshop was very insightful. I learned so much about how to make clinical supervision effective utilizing a holistic approach. Dr. Sabrina provided a lot of relatable information. She was real and present throughout the entire workshop.
Helpful art prompts to use in session with clients. Lisa was warm, compassionate, understanding and flexible.
I loved the overview of the couples IFIO. The presenter was approachable, engaging, and made the information easily digestible.
This program helped me grow so much, not just as a clinician, but also as an individual.
Mr. Ferentz had an excellent grasp of current information in the field and shared both the theory and practice. He included the whole group in his presentation.
Denise's material was informative, and she provided relevant examples.
She [Susan] connects with her audience with warmth and humor.
TJ was relaxed, easy to listen to, and knowledgeable about her topic.
I enjoyed this workshop [Using Expressive Modalities to Connect With and Soothe Traumatized Parts]. I feel like this and other offerings at the Ferentz Institute are the only time I receive continuing education that really, really speaks to these matters in a substantive manner. I hope to be able to attend more workshops in the near future. This particular one was impressive at the depth we went to in a relatively short amount of time.
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!
Lisa is well informed on the subject of trauma informed treatment and was able to offer great insight as well as real world examples. I left [Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] with concrete ideas that I could implement right away.
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.
She [ Arrielle Seidler] was funny and down to earth.
The presenter [Dr. Carter] was personable but knowledgeable. He made the information clear and interesting while giving us tangible interventions for use with clients.
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.
[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.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to take this course!
Lisa is smart, capable, decisive, caring and is a great example of asserting boundaries and values kindly.
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.
This training has been a priceless investment which I believe will change my practice for many years to come.
Authentic, clinical use of self and how she incorporated theroy with realistic strategies you can use.
Jill created a calm, comfortable environment. She welcomed questions and feedback from attendees.
Janina is magic! Skilled, communicative, comfortable, safe energy.
Appreciated the updated information and the direct and comprehensive way it was presented and discussed.
Patricia was very engaging and offered a truly interactive experience. She is clearly very knowledgeable on this topic.
Susan was in command of her subject but also had a great sense of humor.
Lisa was responsive, welcoming and cared for participants. Her vast experience provided for very concrete examples of how the material translates to practice.
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations} was a rewarding workshop with a more macro view on ethical treatment of clients. Like all of Lisa's work (and trauma work in general) the workshop emphasizes the importance of relationship and pacing to ensure the safety of the client. The workshop provided specific ways to give clients a safe intake and assessment experience that does not trigger the client and is still informative for the therapist.
Jonah was organized, articulate and knowledgeble.
Her experience and the way she presents is with warmth, and she is so engaging.
I appreciated Susan’s expertise, personal sharing of cases, and her personality.
An awesome workshop! I left inspired and better equipped to help my clients.
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.
Susan was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of concrete, usable strategies while also providing a clear framework in a way that was understandable for me and that I can use with clients.
Great! Lisa is a knowledgable and entertaining speaker. I learned a lot [in Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Telemental Health]!
Jill’s knowledge about her material is extraordinary. Her style focused on compassionate care of her clients married with sharp minded knowledge of both the art and science of her subject. Her pacing was excellent. She gave ample space for us to respond, ask questions and process. Her humanity and humility, I am sure, is basic to her nature.
Dr. Evans is a very engaging and creative clinician and presenter.
The presenter [Patricia] conveyed a strong commitment to this very important material through the information she shared as well as appropriate self-disclosure.
Lisa paid attention and engaged with all participants consistently and respectfully. I am deeply grateful that it was offered online at this time.
Patricia Papernow is clearly knowledgeable in "blended families" and it felt like she was very excited to share her knowledge and happy to answer any questions. I didn't feel like I was being lectured but encouraged to ask questions and get involved. I felt like I took a lot a way without feeling overwhelmed by the information provided. Also, I was given resources that I was encouraged to share with other clinicians or clients, which I don't feel I often get in a training (usually I feel like I given resources that are mostly applicable to clinicians). Amazing workshop!
Lisa is a dynamic speaker and seasoned therapist and she is able to cover difficult material in a way that is easy to follow.
Learning about the way she has handled some of her cases and her amazing experience treating clients with complex PTSD.
Dr. Carter managed to make a Zoom training feel like it was taking place in person. He covered a great deal of material while also making time for questions throughout the presentation. Thank you!
This program is an absolute must for any clinician who is serious about providing the best therapeutic care to all clients.
The training was absolutely wonderful! I learned lots of valuable information that I could use both in my daytime job and my non-profit.
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).
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!
I just loved how approachable Peggy was. There’s something so admirable about a brilliant professional who is so confident and doesn’t need to ACT brilliant. I also enjoyed the content of her course and really respected how she was neither defensive nor condescending when people asked questions in class. I hope I can do that when I teach.
[Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom was a] very powerful and experiential workshop! We were constantly engaged in experiential learning, even while taking in theory. Awesome!
What I appreciated most about Patricia Papernow as a presenter was how genuinely she embodied the qualities she encouraged us to arouse in our clients - caring, compassion and empathy. Throughout the workshop, her warmth and presence enlivened the concepts she shared, making her guidance on supporting blended family members feel practical, human and relatable.
Very knowledgeable and authentic persona.
Lisa Ferentz is amazing! Because of her dedication to mental health, compassion for clients, and experience, I am more confident in myself as a therapist. I have been able to apply all techniques and tools to my practice.
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.
Timothy provided a safe and open space to learn and grow together!
Denise is very articulate and personable. She presented a very well organized and informative training. Thank you!
Peggy was personable and knowledgeable in teaching her subject; her ethical guidance was gentle yet authoritative, and she was well prepared to help students learn more about multiple forms of art media.
Wow. What better way to learn about healing leadership than by witnessing it and being healed by it throughout the workshop? I feel so much gratitude to Sabrina for modeling what healing leadership looks like, and giving so freely of her wisdom so that we may continue to share with others. I am blown away.
[Sabrina is] Very engaging and passionate about supervision! Very relatable and encouraged self-reflection.
The presenter [Dee] was knowledgeable, creative, and highly engaging.
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.
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.
This program boosted my confidence and confidence as a therapist a TON. The information is so well organized and presented. Lisa is inspiring, motivating, and grounding all at once.
I especially liked Jill's style, calmness, and pacing of the material.
Although I recently attended another CEU about IFS (internal family systems) therapy, I did not hesitate to attend [Using Expressive Modalities to Connect With and Soothe Traumatized Parts] as I knew she would add depth and knowledge to the subject. I was not disappointed, and I was happy to gain insights that have helped me personally and professionally.
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.
Sabrina was very personable and allowed you to discuss situations that often made you feel vulnerable if you were to share it with other leaders/supervisors. I liked how she allowed you to feel safe and reflect on how to best address supervisory issues. I love the questions to ask Supervisees on what they will find helpful out of supervision, being better at focusing on my own self-care prior, during, and after supervision, and exercising Supervision as a ritual.
The Trauma Informed Treatment, Ethical considerations workshop was interesting, clear, informative and useful throughout. Lisa's authenticity is refreshing, her genuine dedication and advocacy for both the client and practitioner are unparalleled. I am glad I had the chance to attend this unique workshop.
I liked Dr. Evans' passion for his topic, the handouts and journaling at the end; his ability to engage the room, with 5 of the 17 participants not being African American or brown skinned; his not shying away from anger in a very articulate participant; and his willingness to share out of his own life, practice, and his faith.
[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] overall was well organized and useful. I found much of the presentation had a clinical focus and much less emphasis on the ethical considerations and dilemmas we face in practice. Most of us know that it's our ethical responsibility to provide trauma informed care, but how that plays out in group practices and agencies can be very challenging to navigate and effectively advocate.
This was an awesome workshop that gave me the very unique opportunity to learn from the wisdom of a seasoned Rabbi, Priest and therapist. I left the workshop better equipped and more inspired to help my clients.
Janina consistently redefined pathology to befriending and honoring a child’s adaptive strategies, that now might be less useful as an adult.
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.
Sabrina leads with her heart and invites us all to do the same. This approach coupled with her immense experience and insight allowed me to both learn new skills and ways of conceptualizing the work as well as tap deeper into my own wisdom and expertise.
This was an awesome workshop that gave me the very unique opportunity to learn from the wisdom of a seasoned Rabbi, Priest and therapist. I left the workshop better equipped and more inspired to help my clients.
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!
The facilitator is engaging and inspiring! She is easy to understand and teaches for every learning style!!!!
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.
Susan connects with her audience with warmth and humor.
I really liked the presenters knowledge and helpful answers throughout the training.
Kory was super authentic, very knowledgeable, and easy to engage with! I appreciated hearing Kory’s own experiences and how this has also shaped her understanding of autism.
I really appreciated Sabrina's authenticity as well as her ability to have participants explore traits about themselves that can be used as unique gifts as supervisors. She has amazing energy and insight!
I like the presenter’s warmth, willingness to address questions, flexibility, and knowledge.
Jill was fantastic. Interactive, engaging and loved her entire approach to movement and art.
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.
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.
The presenter gave clear explanations and had lots of expertise.
[Individualizing Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Complex Trauma and Dissociation] was a very informative training and I learned a lot. I was very happy that I attended this training and hope to attend future trainings with the institute.
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.
Join interactive lessons, get expert feedback, and explore your creativity in a supportive community.

"...a magical guide to conquering our fears, phobias and emotional pain...”
—Janina Fisher, PhD
“… a real treasure trove of tools for healing..."
— Dusty Miller

“…a rich resource which helps empower the client and facilitate recovery..."
— Joyanna Silberg, PhD

"...a dynamic and strengths-focused approach to treating challenging trauma-based behaviors..."
—Nancy Napier, LMFT
Mailing Address:
3701 Old Court Road, Suite #5
Baltimore, MD 21208
For more information:


