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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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May 29, 2026
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Presenter:
Hetty Barnett
LCSW-C

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.

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June 4, 2026
8:45 AM - 12:00 PM (ET)
Location:
In-Person at The Hilton Garden Inn • Owings Mills, MD
Presenter:
Presenter:
TJ Matton
LCSW-C

Explore a fresh, playful approach to mindfulness that goes beyond stillness and silence, helping clinicians integrate movement, curiosity, and joy to support nervous system regulation and deepen client engagement.

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

Dive into a hands-on day of movement, art, and mindful creativity designed to help you bring powerful, trauma-informed tools into your clinical practice.

What people are saying about The Ferentz Institute:

Laurey Richmond
LCPC

Jonah was knowledgeable, engaged, responsive, and modeled strengths-based language and teaching. He did really well responding to chatbox comments immediately and respectfully.

Naomi Taffet
LCSW-C, VAS-III

Thank you, Lisa, and everyone at the Ferentz Institute, for putting together such an amazing program. I am a better clinician for attending each class. She is a gift on so many levels to those of us in the field. I gained a greater knowledge base as a result I now have new colleagues and new tools to continue learning, growing, and have a renewed passion for what we do.

Venus Simms
LCSW-C

Sabrina provided a safe space that allows everyone to open up which in turns creates this instant connection with the other trainees.

Kamilah Smiley
LCSW-C

This program was extraordinary. Lisa is phenomenal. I learned a lot that will help me be a better clinician while normalizing and embracing care for myself.

Amy Sherbin
LCPC

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

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

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

Brian Edwards
LCPC

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

Grace Lee
LMSW

I appreciate Lisa�s no-nonsense stance on this huge issue of media/social media affecting our children (all children).

Patti Renko
LCSW-C

Appreciated the updated information and the direct and comprehensive way it was presented and discussed.

Andrea Regenberg
LCSW-C

[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was wonderful in terms of really considering the effects of trauma and how to identify the respond to them in the therapy session. Lisa's knowledge, warmth and enthusiasm keep me motivated in my growth as a clinician.

Laura Block
LCSW-C

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.

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.

Hillel Zeitlin
LCSW-C

Lisa [Ferentz] is an extraordinarily skilled presenter, who combines personal warmth with refined clinical acumen, and a great capacity for inclusion and compassion.

Mariangela Weiskopf
LCPC

Lisa is always phenomenal to learn from she's a master at the clinical art of counseling and teaching.

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!

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.

Eileen Stanzione
LCSW-C, PHD

I enjoyed the presenters [in Individualizing Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Complex Trauma and Dissociation]; they were engaging, informative, current, and had a perspective which I believe broadened my own. They offered breakfast, snacks, and all day coffee. What could be better than being nurtured and informed!

Shannon Waliser
MSW, MPA, LICSW

Sabrina is knowledgeable, personable and authentic. When I sign up to take a training with Sabrina, I know I will grow as a clinician and as a human. I always get my money's worth and more.

Joanna Sonnekalb
LMFT

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.

Elizabeth Kopta
LMSW

I thought the presenter was knowledgeable and had the perfect calming presence for this workshop.

Michelle Market
LPC, CEDS

I loved 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!

Caitlin McGuire
LCSW-C

Jill is just such a calming presence. Her strategies are very effective, and she gives great insight into the function of each intervention. I loved all of the interventions!

Angel Harp Witherspoon
LCPC

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

Brian Wesley
Accredited SW, AASW

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.

Rochelle Sullivan
LGPC

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

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!

Amanda Whitlow
LCSW

Sabrina radiates knowledge, love, compassion, and empathy. I love that she shows up as herself and makes others feel more comfortable being themselves.

Shannon Harris
LMSW

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

Caitlin Tromiczak
LICSW-C, LCSW-C

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

Caitlin McGuires
LCSW-C

Sabrina has such amazing knowledge and really encouraged participation, creating a safe and connected space to share and learn.

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.

Nancy Simard
NCC

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

Lisa Bartlett-Kliever
LCSW-C

The Ferentz Institute Level I and II has changed the way I practice. These experiences have provided me with effective strategies to assist clients in moving through their trauma experiences safely.

Laurey Richmond
LCPC

Janina has a high level of experience and knowledge.

Dawn Gomez
LCSW-C

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

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.

Molly Jakubek
LMFT

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

Jenn Ungham
CAC-AD

Trauma 1 Program was beyond beneficial as the core of my patients have been affected by trauma and not only did this program validate what I am already doing but also provided me with a wealth of knowledge to take my sessions to the next level and help my patients process through their trauma in a safe and effective way.

Christine Barnes
LCSW-C

She created a safe space for us all. Was very kind and personable. Extremely knowledgeable and confident. Stayed on schedule.

Laurey Richmond
LCPC

Jonah was knowledgeable, engaged, responsive, and modeled strengths-based language and teaching. He did really well responding to chatbox comments immediately and respectfully.

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.

N. Faye Powell
PHD, LCPC-S

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.

Lydia Santiago
LCSW

The presenter for [Evolving Treatment in the Face of the Opioid Epidemic] was energetic, knowledgeable and brought in a different perspective to such a sensitive topic. He brought in great speakers, and added human perspective to our Opiate epidemic. I liked his approach and teaching style.

Edward Diamond
Registered Psychology Associate

The presenter [for Working with Dreams: Tapping into an Inner Wisdom] had a good grasp of the material and was exceptionally well prepared.

Shannon Maple
LCSW-C

Loved his use of quotes that inspire and how he modeled how to use the tools he was sharing.

Megan Robison
LCSW-C

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

Dorothy Adamson Holley
PHD, LCSW-C

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!

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!

Karen Ross Taylor
LCSW-C

[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.

Gail Guttman
LCSW-C

Lisa is accessible, smart and kind.

Cecelia Parker
LCSW-C

The open discussion was most useful, also information about what to look for across the lifespan.

Timothy Elliott
LCSW-C

Sabrina presents her heart and spirit in the training. Genuine and sincere, while grounded in theory and experience.

Mariangela W.
LCPC

The presenter [Dr. Evans] was dynamic, engaging and thought provoking. I imagine he's a remarkable therapist. I appreciated how he combined his clinical knowledge with his love of archetypal storytelling to bring about healing with his clients.

Elizabeth Holtz
LCPC

This is the first training I completed that I genuinely looked forward to attending because I recognized the impact it had in my clinical work.

Nia Foggy
LPC, LCPC

The classes for level two were extremely informative and helpful to me as a therapist. I always left with tools to use with clients. I became more confident in my ability to counsel with the help of this institute.

Lindsey McDaniel
LCSW

[I especially liked] Dr. Evan's incredible breadth and depth of knowledge; and, his ability to use familiar stories as examples.

Keltie Hawkins
LICSW, LCSW-C

Clearly well-thought out presentation, she told helpful stories (old clients/hospice), nice blend of theory and take-aways can use right away.

Kim McCalpin
Psychologist

I loved the trainer!

Annette Schlossnagle
LCSW-D

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.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

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

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.

Tara Falcone
LCPC

I love learning the body movement and have been using it every day!

Julia Caruana
LCMFT

This training has made me realize who I am as a therapist! I have learned so much and I see a huge difference in how I work with my clients. Thank you!

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!

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.

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.

Joseph Rollo
LCSW-C

[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations was] very helpful. Material relevant and has broad application. Physical environment was comfortable. Audience was engaged and conversant with material.

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.

Kathryn Davis
PsyD, LP

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.

David Facenda
LICSW

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

Natalie Franz
PHD, R.Psych.

Patricia is an excellent presenter: clear, well-informed, and personable. I also appreciate that she provided extensive materials ahead of time. It made following her presentation that much easier and I have valuable resources to use with my clients.

Elizabeth Chaudry
LMSW

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.

Miriam Blau
LGSW

Lisa's style of teaching and material were so enlightening. I feel much more prepared to work with client's than I did before the course. I highly recommend the training.

Katina Callan
LCSW

Lisa's trainings validate a lot of the work that we do and provides new formulations, techniques, and a level of confidence to apply these techniques. What a powerful experience.

Judy Cohen
LCSW-C

The Trauma Certificate program was extremely valuable and has contributed immensely to my work with clients. It has been the best investment I have made in regards to my clinical practice.

Morgan Gross
MSW, LICSW

In [Master Class – Case Consultation: Treating Post-Partum Mood Disorders Through a Trauma Lens] Robyn did a beautiful job of bridging the gap between two important and highly intertwined areas of clinical focus, which too often aren't talked about intersectionally. I'd highly recommend this training!

Kimberly Gillette
LCSW-C

Clear, succinct, lively, personable.

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.

Jessica Dent
LPC

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!

Katy Kropff
LPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC

I learned so much in this program. Lisa is so knowledgeable and understanding. There is so much time to connect with other clinicians and share different techniques.

Marni McGarry
LCSW-C

Sabrina creates an authentic and accessible learning space for everyone.

Emily Perrin
LMSW

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

Camille Espinoza
LCSW

The teacher was excellent!

Laura B.
LCPC

I enjoyed this workshop. 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.

Katharine Hart
LGSW

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!

Bruce Snyder
Pastoral Crisis Counselor

The Expressive Modalities Program provides a quality connection of didactic information with sensory experience, for a more complete understanding of beneficial client treatment concepts.

Bernadette Wendel
LCSW-C

[What I liked best was] Susan's abundance of knowledge and understanding of OCD, as well as her enthusiasm and warm style towards presenting this training.

Lisa Zimmerman
LICSW

I've done numerous advanced trainings but this one was head and shoulders above the rest. Lisa's passion and non-pathologizing stance transformed the way I view my clients and inspired me to more creative in my work.

Jenniver Crooks
LCSW-C

TJ Matton was knowledgeable and easy to follow in the area of utilizing play in trauma therapy. I liked the balance of slides/learning and utilizing play breaks to get up and move around. The presenter provided great handouts and ideas to take back and use with clients.

Rita Etter
LCSW-C

Susan was very knowledgeable, shared her own experiences, shared a little about herself, approachable, very authentic, obviously loves what she's doing.

Chaim Wolfish
LCPC

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

Kit MacFarlane

This is the best class I have ever attended (and I have two Master's degrees) and Lisa is the most organized, most compassionate, most detailed oriented and the most aware of the process than I have ever encountered. She is very well grounded and rounded in all her presentations.

Barbara Crawford
LMSW

[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] has enlightened my perspective on being able to gather imperative information in a safe matter that does not harm or re-traumatized a survivor. Her [Lisa] assessment questions are designed to allocate the client's ability to tell their story without partaking in a reenactment phenomenon. Great information for anyone who works with traumatized population.

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.

Jasmine Scott
LCPC, NCC

Dr. Carter was very passionate about the material he was teaching and seemed genuinely happy to take questions and talk with participants which helped more people open up.

Mary Liz Austin
LCPC

Tim was a wise and conscientious presenter with a clear mastery of his subject matter.

Patti Amsel
LCSW-C

I have been practicing for 42 years and I work with individuals who have been plagued with the suffering and consequences of trauma. I do consider myself “trauma informed." I have not experienced such clarity and integration of traumatic clinical processes and treatment [found in Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations]. In addition to strategic interventions offered to manage the journey without re-traumatization, Lisa Ferentz is a very gifted clinician and my wish is for younger professionals to be trained and influence their skills forever.

Carrie Schurtz
LCSW-C

The Trauma Level I course increased both my confidence and competence as a clinician. The online learning format afforded convenience without sacrificing the quality of this dynamic course. The resources and connection with other clinicians through the online format have proven to be incredibly helpful in my day to day practice.

Katie Richa
LCPC

Lisa is the epitome of a leader and educator. She is wise, warm, and well versed in each topic she presents, and this one was no different. I especially appreciated the dialogue around how to dispel myths associated with Marijuana/THC/CBD. The research, websites, and statistics were also helpful. I am always thankful for her willingness to share!

Sarah P. Lewis
MSW LCSW

The materials were comprehensive and easy to follow. The instruction style was engaging and supportive.

Lisa Greenberg
School Counselor

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.

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.