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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
A man sitting and reading about a workshop.

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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April 21, 2026
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Presenter:
Jill Penaloza
LCPAT, ATR-BC, CGP

In this experiential interactive workshop you'll learn and practice easy-to-use tools to support autonomic nervous system regulation and self-mastery.

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April 22, 2026
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Location:
In-Person at The Hilton Garden Inn • Owings Mills, MD
Presenter:
Presenter:
Sabrina N’Diaye
PHD, LCSW-C

Join us for a warm, experiential workshop that invites you to explore your own inner guidance while gaining creative techniques to help clients tap into theirs. Through meditation, imagery, reflective writing, and simple art-making, you’ll uncover new ways to foster calm, clarity, and connection.

A picture that represents this event.
April 23, 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 explore creative ways to empower clients to continue their work outside of therapy by introducing “invitations” to be accomplished in between their sessions.

What people are saying about The Ferentz Institute:

Mary Vansickle
LCSW-C

A wonderful experience. This will certainly enhance my skills in working with traumatized children.

Nancy Meyer
LICSW, LCSW-C

Lisa is such a dynamic teacher who uses real life examples to teach. Treats DID with compassion and de-pathologizes it.

Stephanie

I really appreciated the applicability of the material.

Joy Paul
LCSW-C

Lisa’s knowledge is so impressive, and her presentations are so warm and her ability to connect with everyone is amazing. Leaning from her is so wonderful.

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.

Nancy Lynch Gibson
LCPC

The presenter [Dee] was knowledgeable, creative, and highly engaging.

Anne Neuenschwander
LCPC MD; LPC PA

She was very knowledgeable about the topic and was open about her own personal experiences. The training brought hope for clients with an often seemingly debilitating diagnosis.

Betsy Nichols
LPC, NCC

This has been, by far, the most useful and high quality training I have ever attended! I recommend this to any mental health professional and really anyone in a helping/health profession.

Nancy Lynch Gibson
LCPC

Dr. Evans is a very engaging and creative clinician and presenter.

Michael Schlein
LCPC

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.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

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

Alison Forger
LGSW

Ms. Kolodny was extremely knowledgeable and brought a ton of interesting and informative anecdotes from her practice. I appreciate your expertise!

Antoinette Moon
LCSW-C

Authentic, clinical use of self and how she incorporated theroy with realistic strategies you can use.

Angela Bach
LPC

Engaging and responsive to audience. Kept me engaged with little gems of wisdom when speaking about medications to clients and medical providers.

Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

Lisa’s ability to clearly and comprehensively communicate current research on the causal effects of social media on teens, incorporate attachment theory to the discussion and share her own experience with presenting the information is awesome. I will be able to use this information.

Megan Robison
LCSW-C

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

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.

Susan S.

Vivien was open, accepting, non-judgmental, centered, calm and humble.

Amy L. Whitesel
PHD, LCSW-C

Patricia was very engaging and offered a truly interactive experience. She is clearly very knowledgeable on this topic.

Jessica P.
LCSW-C

Lisa's training was amazing! Lisa was able to connect the material to real life practice, she was super knowledgeable and passionate about the topic and willing to answer all questions the group had! I cannot wait until I can take another one of her training sessions!

Jess Maier
LCPC

[Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom] was highly interactive and engaging. It was a true, in-person, demonstration of how dream work can be a useful took in therapy.

Amy S.
PHD, Counseling Psychology

Lisa is a vibrant, organized, compassionate speaker who has deepened my understanding and given me the tools I needed to break through with my most challenging trauma and abuse cases.

Michael Schlein
LCPC

An awesome workshop! I left inspired and better equipped to help my clients.

Sarah Conn
LCSW

I found [Evolving Treatment in the Face of the Opioid Epidemic] very informative. The presenter was very knowledgeable about the topic and I found it helpful to hear real life experiences with addiction.

Nia Foggy
LPC

Lisa is like a “therapist mother” that helps other therapist recognize their own strengths and encourages them to continue to do great work. You are guaranteed to take something from her training to use directly in your practice.

Myra Kaplan
Ph.D

Lisa has the ability to frame theory, concepts, and interventions in applicable terms.

Brinley Holmes
LCSW-C

The presenter was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. I learned a lot about the topic and how to apply the concepts to a broader population of clients. I highly recommend this training for those looking to use a perspective that encompasses cultural and familial contexts in supporting clients to change what no longer services them in pursuit of their goals.

Kim B.
LGPC

The training was amazing. Although I wanted to learn more about Parts Work to be able to help my clients, I learned that and more. I now understand the importance of practicing what I preach. How can I talk to my clients about compassion for self, when I lack my own self compassion. I want to learn even more about Parts work not only for professional development, but for personal development as well.

Karen Reed
LICSW

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

Tiffany Smith
LCSW-C

Dr. Wayne's personality is so real and authentic. He was warm, welcoming, greeted us each personally and engaged with us in relatable and understandable ways. Not 'academic' or 'stuffy' as some can be when presenting.

Anne E.
LCSW-C, LICSW

Dr. Sabrina's approach to healing leadership offers inspiration and practical tools to tap into our whole selves - and thereby grow leadership that can join with and nurture the whole selves of those we supervise. Invaluable!

Traci Brautigan
LMSW

I loved the training. Very informative.

Timothy Mewmaw
LCPC

Sabrina is Very focused on connecting the group with each other.

Mary Ngugi
LCMFT

Lisa was knowledgeable and able to effectively communicate the information; I appreciate how recent the research findings provided were.

Shaneika Lovelace
LCPC

Very informative!

Viven Deitz
LCSW-C, BCD

Listening to one of the most talented and gifted therapists was an absolute treat!

Sharon Sprecher
LICSW, LCSW-C, DCSW

[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.

Alexa Julius
LCSW-C

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

Ryan Muffi
LGPC

[Using Expressive Modalities to Connect With and Soothe Traumatized Parts] 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.

Alisha Epps
LCSW-C

I loved Dr. Evans' energy, his knowledge of the topic discussed, his book recommendations.

Julie Bivins
LCSW

Susan was very knowledgeable and personable - a good combination!

Vivien Deitz
LCSW-C, BCD

She was very engaged with the entire group as well as each individual participant. Her presentation was flawless and offered the self-regulation and healing on a felt sense. Well done!!

Jessica LeTourneau
LCPC

[Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom had] great information with experiential exercises. I really enjoyed connecting with the other participants.

Anne Eckman
LGSW

[Trauma Informed Collage Methods featured a] wonderful combination of theory, practical art prompts, and a chance to experience methods and materials. Allowed for new learning, and refinement, across a spectrum of trauma therapy and artmaking experience in the room. Thank you!

TJ Matton
LCSW-C

[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.

Victoria Stubbs
LICSW, LCSW-C

I truly appreciated her integrated approach, her authenticity and the sharing of personal examples. She [Sabrina] made the virtual space feel welcoming and comfortable.

Sarah Boone
LCPC

Aliza was approachable, affirming, validating, and compassionate.

Terry M.
LCSW-C

Sabrina is great- very real. Great interactive activities. Looked forward to part 2.

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.

Maria Haltom
LCSW

She [Sabrina] was down to earth, knowledgeable, affirming, inspiring and open.

Debra Zatkin
LCSW-C

Lisa is thorough and committed to making sure that we as clinicians are informed of this significant and life changing news. Her compassion and her faith in us reassures us that we can make a difference.

Susan B. Blair
LCMFT

Timothy clearly explained ways to work with gender expansive youth in a professional and compassionate way. His gentle spirit came alongside us to expand our knowledge and understanding.

Ariel Jacobs
LCPC

I haven’t stopped thinking about the “myth of multitasking experience!”

Venus Simms
LCSW-C

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.

Lindsey McDaniel
LCSW-C

Denise was so knowledgeable and able to pull examples to answer questions and use case examples fluidly.

Vicki Rahenkamp
LCPC

I am a seasoned professional and always leave trainings feeling like there was no new take away. However, after [Understanding and Working with Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)] I left feeling recharged with new knowledge and skills. Can't wait to get back to work to use use them. Thanks!!

Debra Rezendes
Ph.D, LMFT

The presenter gave clear explanations and had lots of expertise.

Stephanie Barbara Perry
LCSW-C

She demonstrated enthusiasm and compassion for the people she works with.

Melanie Levine
LCSW-C

As always, Lisa is very knowledgeable about her subject matter and funny and enjoyable to listen to. also very relevant topic matter.

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!

Christina Jay
LCPC

Learned so much information [in Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice]. It also confirmed that current practices are ethical as measured with current standards.

Barbara Roth
LCSW-C

Enjoyed [Effectively Treating Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder]. Presenter very knowledgeable, especially about OCD treatment of which I knew basically nothing. Experiential exercise really gave me a “felt sense” of what it is like to have OCD. Very challenging.

Sarah Vayda
LCPC

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.

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…

Lisan Martin
LCSW-C, LICSW

Robyn was a stellar presenter [for Master Class – Case Consultation: Treating Post-Partum Mood Disorders Through a Trauma Lens] and it is the rare workshop when I can say just one day later the material has changed my approach to cases and enhanced the array of techniques. I highly recommend her as a presenter and would certainly attend future workshops with her.

Kimberly Gillette
LCSW-C

Clear, succinct, lively, personable.

Amy Shulkin
PhD

What I most liked about Lisa and her training was the clarity on her opinions/biases, transparency, organization, presentation style, knowledge based on both research and clinical experience.

Stephanie Durnford
LCPC

Not only was I able to leave [Creative Techniques for Managing Traumatic Stress: Grounding, Containment, and Resourcing} with skills I could use the next day in session, [the presenter] made the workshop interactive, engaging, and I was able to take concrete items for my own personal self-care toolbox!

Tiffany O'Hara
LCPC

I appreciated the way the presenter [Lisa] didn't just read from the slides but added to them with her own experience and knowledge base. It was clear that she was passionate and knowledgeable of the information.

Stephanie Crockett
LGPC

Lisa Ferentz's program in Advanced Trauma Treatment level I is the must-have for every clinician, no matter their population or therapeutic approach. Not only can this training help inform your work with trauma clients, it can provide another layer of therapeutic empathy that can be applied to all clients, and modalities that can be used with any client.

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!

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!

Krista Dhruv
LCSW-C

She's [Lisa's] such a wonderful teacher AND a seasoned clinician- it's hard to get both in one person!

Rebecca Gibson
LCSW-C

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.

Jacqueline Cleland
PsyD

I especially appreciated Salicia's authenticity and presence.

Miesha Scott
LCSW-C

Very knowledgeable and engaging.

Sarah Boone
LCPC

Nancy was a seasoned “pro” and spoke clearly and compassionately about the topic.

Meghan Edwards
LGPC

Susan was incredibly engaging and knowledgeable about anxiety and OCD disorders. I normally dislike group activities but these made sense and were fun!

Wendy Pitts
LCSW-C

Dr. Sabrina was an amazing presenter and I will definitely take another class with her when one is offered.

Jessica LeTourneau
LCPC

Great information with experiential exercises. I really enjoyed connecting with the other participants.

Alexis Bruce
LCSW-C

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.

Angela Key
LCSW-C

Lisa’s wealth of knowledge and experience as a therapist and trainer are second only to how she validates, encourages, and often highlights contributions from participants.

Karen Ross Taylor
LCSW-C

Trauma Informed Collage Methods was a very valuable workshop as I have always had a personal affinity for collage activities and love to find ways to incorporate it into my practice. It's also a kinder and less threatening modality for those of us who minimize or deny having artistic abilities. The facilitator Peggy and her assistant Hanna were organized and accommodating. Having minimally structured experiential components to the workshop was a smart choice. I highly recommend :)

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.

Lisa Sloyer
LCSW-C

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.

Brian Shird
MS, LBSW

I was moved by the dialogue, and I now have a better understanding of the benefits of balancing spirituality and psycho-therapy. The therapist [Lisa] was awesome and one could get sense as to why she is so sought after. The feedback from the Rabbi [Goldberger] and the Priest [Father Ray] offered for me a unique look into the both perspectives and how each saw how the inclusion of spiritually can help ones clients achieve post recovery.

Sharazad Haimanchandra
LMSW

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

Caitlin Tromiczak
LICSW-C

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.

April M.
LMSW

The presentation was very informative. The presenter was mindful of the technology.

Patti Amsel
LCSW-C

Very helpful and gave me new perspective and skills to enhance peace building skills. Opened my eyes to actions I could take where before I felt helpless.

Renee Drehmer
LCPC

The entire program was interesting and thought-provoking. It is change the way I work with all my clients no matter what issues they present with. I wish a class of this nature had been part of my graduate program back in the day. Lisa presented the material same fashion she encourages us with clients. I plan to take Level II.

Jenna Adler
LCSW-C

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

David Facenda
LICSW

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

Kathleen Killeen
LCSW

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

Amy Heilman
LCSW-C

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

Brian Edwards
LCPC

Jill is a wonderful teacher!

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.

Michele S.
LCSW-C, CAC-AD

Dr. Evans' energy was contagious. It was obvious he truly enjoys the topic and is very knowledgeable. The course flew by yet I would have stayed to learn more.

Shereen Ghori
LMSW

The session on [Evolving Treatment in the Face of the Opioid Epidemic] was informative especially for someone who is not in the field of substance abuse.

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.

Cara Nazereth
LCMFT

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.

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.