
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.
In this 6-hour workshop participants will learn about the etiology, epidemiology and diagnostic criteria for all of the affective and anxiety disorders in DSM-5.
In this workshop, participants will look at the Code of Ethics for guidance as it relates to issues of termination, therapist safety, and best practices.
In this experiential interactive workshop you'll learn and practice easy-to-use tools to support autonomic nervous system regulation and self-mastery.
Timothy Elliott was an excellent presenter. He did an excellent job of welcoming the group and of framing the entire training with encouraging clinician self-care (which I know is part of the Ferentz Institute Brand!). He made it a safe space by maintaining the time, encouraging interaction while also being fine when there wasn't any, and keeping a good pace of the lecture while also including space for questions/comments both in the chat and video. Highly recommend it!
Dr. Papernow was awesome! Used dialogue the whole training that modeled appropriate use of the teachings in our practices.
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.
I encourage every clinician to attend this course. The course's focus on client strengths and creativity encourages you to expand your empathy and see client's in a more complete way. After having taken this training, I feel competent in my interactions with trauma survivors and assist them in a more thoughtful way.
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.
The Trauma Informed Assessments and Treatment training was nearly life changing for me as a clinician. Lisa was empowering, direct and willing to answer any question thrown her way. I took information from this training that I started using in my own practice immediately.
The workshop was very informative. I was able to walk into my office the next day with a clear understanding of parts work and utilize new expressive modalities right away. I'm excited to take more trainings on the topic and deepen my knowledge!
He [Dr. Evans] was effective and innovative in his teachings, and was enthusiastic about the subject matter. I appreciated his way of modernizing theory and stories to make current work relevant and insightful.
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.
I especially liked the belief that Heidi has in her mission and her ability to help others participate in our collective life and death journey.
It is truly an honor and privilege to attend Lisa Ferentz's workshops. Lisa is a dynamic and masterful presenter and therapist specifically trained in trauma therapy. Her trauma workshop provides a high level of education with up to date practical application of assessments, treatments and creative techniques. [Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] provides guaranteed take home tools will enhance your clinical practice. I am always inspired by her enthusiasm and dedication to trauma therapy. I walk away with renewed energy and excitement.
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.
I feel more alive in my practice that I ever have. Digging in and learning has been rejuvenating. Feeling like I am aware of the latest trauma research has made me look at my practice with “new eyes.” I can't imagine working with eating disordered clients without what I have learned.
I loved her energy and enthusiasm. Such a wealth of knowledge and wisdom! One of the best trainings I've been to yet.
I found [Understanding and Working with Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)] to be extremely useful when working with my Clients who present with Trauma based history, to include appreciating how Lisa gave a totally new perspective for Borderline Personality Disorder, which we Clinicians tend to shy away from. I am considering looking into the entire Trauma program that Lisa started. Great job, and will future/other Workshops presented.
The open discussion was most useful, also information about what to look for across the lifespan.
Facility was convenient and comfortable. Process was organized. Presenter was knowledgeable and helpful. Content [for Effectively Treating Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder] was great!
Dr. Papernow brings the perfect balance of warmth, knowledge, and skill to the topic of stepfamilies. Her care for this population is clearly evident, and she instills the confidence needed to tackle these complex issues with sensitivity and compassion.
She's just wonderful - authentic, experienced and clearly cares a lot about everyone she works with (including us!)
[Trauma Informed Collage Methods] greatly refreshed my knowledge as an art therapist, but perhaps more importantly, I recognized the value of collage in working with difficult to reach populations. While the collage experiencials we completed were fun and relaxing, in a new way I could more confidently apply the powerful intuitive processes of collage with people who have lost everything.
Lisa would address all questions, gave lots of case examples and was so knowledgeable and kind.
Lisa is an authentic, passionate, and highly gifted trauma informed therapist and educator! Thank you for this amazing opportunity!
Learned so much information [in Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice]. It also confirmed that current practices are ethical as measured with current standards.
Lisa has the ability to frame theory, concepts, and interventions in applicable terms.
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.
Once again, Lisa facilitated a top notch and very relevant seminar [with Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations]. The presentation was very engaging and time flew by quickly.
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.
[Susan is] Very informative and made the training interesting and interactive.
Very informative. Learned a lot in a short amount of time. The presenter was organized and kept the workshop on schedule.
I love learning the body movement and have been using it every day!
Very engaging and creative facilitator.
Lisa [Ferentz] has a unique ability to breathe life into an important but dry, dull and boring topic - Ethics! You simply can not fall asleep in Lisa's workshop [Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice].
I was ambivalent about the utility of teletherapy. Lisa presented information focusing on the individual, therapist, and relationship. [Navigating the Ethical Challenges of Telemental Health was] highly useful.
Advanced Trauma Training was an amazing experiential and educational experience that advanced my skills, knowledge and support for doing the work I love.
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.
She [ Arrielle Seidler] was funny and down to earth.
Dr. Sabrina was an amazing presenter and I will definitely take another class with her when one is offered.
She [Susan] connects with her audience with warmth and humor.
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.
Susan was very knowledgeable, shared her own experiences, shared a little about herself, approachable, very authentic, obviously loves what she's doing.
From the start, I knew a made a great choice in investing my time and emotions in this program. I've learned so many tools and strategies to help my patients cope with their trauma and I've learned a lot about myself and how I can best support and guide my patients.
Lisa's program is an invaluable resource. I ended every class eager to implement the new tools she shared. It was amazing to see the responses from my clients. I have not been able to stop talking with my colleagues about the program. Truly, everyone should attend Lisa's program!
Sabrina was engaging, direct, warm and above all, AUTHENTIC. I could feel her spirit through her tone, use of words and teaching.
[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.
Dr. Sabrina is inspiring, calming, and full of wisdom. This was a great way to start my journey as a supervisor.
I truly enjoyed Dr. Sabrina and found the information she presented to be helpful...
Lisa is a wonderful instructor and her course will mark a turning point in your practice.
Dr. Papernow is passionate about her subject, [provides] evidence-based research, [is] well-organized, very relational and responsive.
Sabrina has such amazing knowledge and really encouraged participation, creating a safe and connected space to share and learn.
Lisa shared so much incredible wisdom.
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.
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.
Sabrina is a genuine, warm and comforting presence. It was a much needed perspective shift in these times of instability and division. I learned, I laughed, I felt deeply.
I especially liked Jill's style, calmness, and pacing of the material.
She [Susan] provided great ideas and suggestions given her expertise... it felt safe to ask questions, learn, and even be wrong because she was supportive and warm.
I think Lisa brings such an experienced and knowledgeable level of awareness. She is unlike any other presenter I've had in how well she goes beyond the subject and is able to relate the topic to theory on a deeper level, and then individually to each of our cases/situations/questions.
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.
She [Susan] was very knowledgeable, very organized and it interactive and informative. Loved the real life case studies.
I truly appreciated her integrated approach, her authenticity and the sharing of personal examples. She [Sabrina] made the virtual space feel welcoming and comfortable.
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.
The training was absolutely wonderful! I learned lots of valuable information that I could use both in my daytime job and my non-profit.
Sabrina did an incredible job presenting material and keeping us engaged.
[Creative Techniques for Managing Traumatic Stress: Grounding, Containment, and Resourcing] was, by far the most effective CEU training I've attended regarding experiential interventions for Trauma. [The presenter] wonderfully balanced between the theory and practice of grounding, containment, and resourcing all the while leading and modelling by example her practical interventions via affording us all the opportunity to experience them. Well worth the time and memorable.
It was an amazing training! I learned so much which will help me in my clinical practice. Lisa is a spectacular, engaging, knowledgeable, dynamic and wonderful presenter. Thank you so much!
Jake's personality is amazing. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the topic, he was respectful of time, involved the audience which kept everyone engaged, created a safe space for sharing, professional, prepared, and he was warm and entertaining as well.
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).
I absolutely loved Level I. Lisa's smart, caring approach conveyed knowledge essential to treating trauma survivors, focusing on their strengths, sharing practical coping skills, and protecting them through the process of therapy. I feel more confident as a young clinician because of this training. It was fun too!
Lisa was real and well informed! Not stuffy and smart, but Sassy and Smart! Thank you!
Denise is a true expert in issues related to trauma and addiction and has a great way of sharing her knowledge as a presenter.
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.
The Expressive Modalities Program provides a quality connection of didactic information with sensory experience, for a more complete understanding of beneficial client treatment concepts.
Susan was in command of her subject but also had a great sense of humor.
I liked that the presenter made the material easy to understand. She was able to cover a lot of material in the time of the workshop. I also really liked to hear specific examples that will help with our future clients.
I appreciate Lisa�s no-nonsense stance on this huge issue of media/social media affecting our children (all children).
I loved her [Denise's] knowledge, understanding & ability to communicate with the audience. Her passion was demonstrated by her presentation.
Sabrina as a trainer is outstanding. I loved the breakout sessions.
Timothy provided a safe and open space to learn and grow together!
Jill is approachable and warm. She's always willing to spend time to discuss privately, and is a wonderful person.
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.
[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!
Sabrina lead with her heart throughout the entire training. Powerful experience with tangible take-aways.
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!
Lisa provides a comfortable learning environment. The presentations are clear and thoughts, feedback and questions are always welcome.
I believe the most positive take away from the workshop was the opportunity to interact with other participants. I do believe the workshop was well-planned and facilitated.
Lisa Ferentz's Level I trauma training program is a gift for the clinician as well as their clients. Trauma informed care, I am learning, invites the therapist to use their whole self - mind, body, soul, spirit, and heart - to accompany clients on their journeys of healing.
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.
Lisa was responsive, welcoming and cared for participants. Her vast experience provided for very concrete examples of how the material translates to practice.
Jill was fantastic. Interactive, engaging and loved her entire approach to movement and art.
Janina was knowledgeable, and welcomed discussion during the training.
Sabrina creates training experiences that are spiritually nourishing and intellectually edifying. She is an amazing teacher who elevates the consciousness of every room she walks into. It is both a pleasure and blessing to learn from her.
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.
This is the stuff I wish we had in college! Lisa is an excellent teacher! Taking this course is something I have dreamed of since I first heard Lisa teach at another training. Every class I went away with immediately applicable teaching and resources. I immediately felt more confident and comfortable in my practice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lisa “holds a space” for her students in a way that is restorative, empowering, comforting, and grounding. I highly valued all of my time in Level I and Level II with Lisa and her faculty. If you live within driving distance of an event provided by Lisa- make the time to attend! Soul altering work!
Lisa is warm, knowledgeable, dynamic, and engaging. She�s pretty funny too!
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
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