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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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September 14, 2026
12:45 PM - 4:00 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Presenter:
Aliza Scharf-Bendov
LCSW-C, MSW

In this workshop, participants will examine therapist narratives and clinical case examples to deepen understanding of the emotional and professional challenges associated with addressing antisemitism in practice.

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September 16, 2026
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Presenter:
Lisa Ferentz
LCSW-C, DAPA

In this six-hour workshop we will look at the ways in which our brains are adversely impacted by trauma and how the concept of neuroplasticity can reverse that impact.

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September 18, 2026
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Presenter:
Dee Preston-Dillon
PHD

In this workshop, participants will explore the therapist's grief, including their experience and process of personal grief and how grief enters the therapeutic process. We will address the client's grief, what is spoken, unseen, and what they are ready to share.

What people are saying about The Ferentz Institute:

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.

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!

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Rev. Chase was knowledgeable and easy to follow. Rev. Chase welcomed questions and discussions throughout the presentation.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

I'm benefitting greatly from the way Lisa presents information - a strong reasearch-based foundation combined with numerous practical applications. Thank you.

Yasmin Meyers
LCSW-C

Lisa is a fantastic presenter. Knowledgeable, charismatic, and friendly!

Susan Stork
LCPC

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!

Brooke Jones
CoParent Coach

Patricia delivers the reality of step-parenting life in a way that lands honestly and gently. She breaks through old school expectations and provides insightful strategies for creating a successful family life that can actually work, no matter the timing, shape, or form your family takes place in. Understanding this information is everything when you're working with or experiencing these dynamics. I couldn't be more grateful for this training.

I Marie Henderson Sima
LCSW-C

Susan was easy to follow & understand; and, she was especially honest if she didn't know something.

Jami Margolis
LCPC

This program gave me, as a seasoned clinician, so much insight about how to be trauma informed in every aspect of treatment: intake environment, parts work, and termination. Thank you!

Stephanie Barbara Perry
LCSW-C

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

Kathy Sullivan
LCSW-C

Denise had great examples and scenarios, and she's a presentable, knowledgeable expert.

Maria Tolbert
LCSW-C

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.

April M.
LMSW

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

Stephanie Marinelli
PHD, JD, LCPC

There's no way you can leave a class you taught, Lisa, without learning new strategies and examples of how to encourage others.

Timothy E.
LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C

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

Beverly Burwell
LMHC

Dr. Papernow is passionate about her subject, [provides] evidence-based research, [is] well-organized, very relational and responsive.

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!

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.

Gale Ann Bellucci
LCSW-C

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].

Wayne Evans
PHD

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.

Amanda Whitlow
LCSW

Sabrina feels like a safe space! She leads with care and compassion while showing up as herself.

Caroline
Coffill, LCSW

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

Melissa Brown
LCPC

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.

Alexandra Clarysse
RP, MSW, RSW

I always benefit from learning with Lisa. Her experience is invaluable and the compassionate way she teaches concepts have become part of the way I interact and communicate with my own clients. The practical strategies will be invaluable in my work with them

Emily Perrin
LMSW

I would love Father Ray to know that he was an absolute joy. Im sitting here smiling and almost tearful as I write this. From his enthusiasm, smiles, humor to his courages and beautiful empathy and compassion.. he was truly a joy. It was clear that he truly loves what he does and is so beyond skilled at it. The compassion he exudes is truly inspiring. Thank you Father Ray!

Susan Goldberg
LMSW

This course was incredibly impactful on my practice and for my clients. Thank you for being so amazing!

Lisa A. Early
LCPC

Lisa is energetic, fully present and engaged, allowing for in depth impromptu conversations as part of the presentation, which is helpful.

Sharazad Haimanchandra
LMSW

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

Timothy E.
LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C

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

Kimberly Riopelle
LCSW-C

I loved her energy and enthusiasm. Such a wealth of knowledge and wisdom! One of the best trainings I've been to yet.

Dawn Gomez
LCSW-C

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

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.

M. Margaret Higgins
LCSW-C

What I find most helpful is Lisa's ability to provide complicated information with easy to understand examples in a clear manner.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

She's just wonderful - authentic, experienced and clearly cares a lot about everyone she works with (including us!)

Eileen Thompson
ACRPS, SCAC

Lisa is a presenter who embodies competence and warmth and grace!. The workshop itself taught me new and wonderful ways to navigate clients through trauma with dignity and a wonderfully varied choice of modalities! Lisa's use of her personal journey with trauma patients was a wonderful and captivating way to learn.

Carmen Cecilia Alvarez Diaz
VAS II

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! Amazing training!

Angela Wharton
VAS II

The training was absolutely wonderful! I learned lots of valuable information that I could use both in my daytime job and my non-profit.

Nancy Lynch Gibson
LCPC

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

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.

Jacqueline Cleland
PsyD

I especially appreciated Salicia's authenticity and presence.

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.

Renée Myrie
LMSW, LPN

As a Black woman, this seminar spoke to me on so many levels. It was relatable to both my personal and my professional life. This was an amazing experience that I highly recommend to others.

Julia Caruana
LCMFT

It's hard to explain what an impact Lisa's training has had not only in how I see myself as a therapist but how much more equipped I am to help my clients. I have already seen a tremendous change in the work I do with my clients. It will change the way you see/do therapy. I can't recommend it highly enough!

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!

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.

Elaine Edge
LCPC

All aspects were helpful, especially when sharing the neurobiology associated with trauma and the sharing of the actual execution of the TIST model and the nuances regarding unblending parts.

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.

Erin Wical
NCC

The program was extremely helpful and has taught me so much about trauma informed care within the mental health field. I would highly recommend this training, it is worth every penny!

Esther Ungar
LCSW-C

Dr Carter is an engaging presenter who took complex topics and explained them in ways that were clear and concise. He offered concrete strategies for continued professional growth and techniques to use with clients. I highly recommend his trainings!

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!

Adesuwa Osemwegie
LCPC

Lisa has vast and commendable command in the subject area. Awesome!!

Jenna Adler
LCSW-C

Lisa is outstanding at teaching. She can make complicated topics easy to understand. She is also very warm and welcoming.

Lisa Pearson
LCPC

Denise was passionate about her work in trauma, which is hard to do.

Ivy Edelstein
LMSW

I cannot adequately express how much I gained from Lisa's training. I am tuned into my clients on a much deeper level, always mindful of safety, attunement, body language, and their ability to be fully present in session. Lisa is a very generous teacher as well. I encourage other clinicians to take the trauma training, it will give you so many new tools to help your clients.

Alice O'Donnell
LCSW-C

Dr. N'Diaye brings warmth and expertise to this training. She inspires, models, and teaches effective technique within a well developed theoretical frame.

Liza Baker
MAAT

[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.

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.

Julie Bivins
LCSW

Susan was very knowledgeable and personable - a good combination!

Seritha Evans
MPA

Dr. Evans is an amazing speaker. His delivery and command of the subject matter 'Superwoman Schema in Black Women' was truly life changing for me. The information gained will be shared with others to help restore and transform their lives, as well.

Shannon Harris
LMSW

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

Mariangela Weiskopf
LCPC

The discussions of clinical case analysis in regards to ethics was super beneficial. Lisa shares the wealth of her clinical skills and knowledge in every workshop she teaches.

Jamie Christy
LCSW-C

Lisa was wonderful - as always. Her ability to retain engagement for 8 hours is a true talent and skill! So much gratitude for her expertise and skills to educate.

Allison Pearlman Sax
LCSW-C

Dr. Sabrina did a fabulous job engaging us for 12 hours. I loved the format, her knowledge, and the real-life tips and experiences to help us grow.

Mary Randall Ingate
LCSW-C

I find Lisa Ferentz very well informed but down to earth, energetic, and passionate about the work.

Kumba Baryoh
LCSW-C

The experiential exercises were most useful.

Kristin Morton
LCPC

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.

Katja Engel-Hughes
LCPC

Denise is very articulate and personable. She presented a very well organized and informative training. Thank you!

Amy Greenberg
LCPC

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!

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.

Cassandra Ekstrom
LCSW-C

She believes what she presents and cares about helping us to be the best therapists we can be.

Linda Hellman
MSW-C

Janina consistently redefined pathology to befriending and honoring a child’s adaptive strategies, that now might be less useful as an adult.

Grace Lee
LMSW

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

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!

Susan B. Blair
LCMFT, CCDP

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.

Janniece Phillips
MED

There are so many aspects of this training that will benefit your work as a clinician or if you are developing a program to serve survivors. This knowledge is imperative to the success and healing of trauma survivors.

Stephanie

I really appreciated the applicability of the material.

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.

Crystel Britto
LGMFT

This training was invaluable. I was able to use this knowledge and the techniques to help almost every single client I serve.

Robert Bangert
LICSW

This program has completely transformed my clinical practice. Using the skills and knowledge I gained through this program has benefited my clients, and makes me a more confident, competent clinician. I recommend this program to all of my colleagues!

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.

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!

Myra Kaplan
Ph.D

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

Karen Reed
LICSW

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

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.

Maria Haltom
LCSW

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

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.

Joan H.W.
LGSW

Virtual trainings can be hit or miss if the presenter doesn't hold court, but Dr. Evans was fantastic. I was laughing and engaged the entire day.

Camille Espinoza
LCSW

The teacher was excellent!

Janie Howsare
LICSW, CEAP

Lisa is such a great communicator, connecting research and evidence-based practice in a deeply empathic way.

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.

Mario F.
LCSW-C

I enjoyed the presentation and insights. It was nice to connect more intimately with participants 1:1...

Stephanie Barbara Perrry
LCSW-C

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.

Chaim Wolfish
LCPC

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

Neisha Price
LCPC

Sabrina was so warm and open that I did not feel I was in a role of just teacher and student, but in a place where I am learning from a place as peer seeking wisdom from more advanced peer who is also always in a place of learning and growth.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

Level II helped deepen my understanding of trauma and parts work. Each class provided an opportunity to learn creative, expressive approaches that clinicians can immediately put into practice. Lisa and her faculty provided a supportive learning environment and I enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with other clinicians.

Shyrielane Watson
PHD, LCPC

I really liked the presenters knowledge and helpful answers throughout the training.

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.

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

I had heard a lot about Lisa and have watched her webinars and read her books; so I was extremely excited about the training. Lisa is an absolute delight in person - approachable, knowledgeable, engaging and compassionate. I cannot wait for the rest of the sessions!

Monick Conway
LCSW-C

I especially liked the level of knowledge and comprehensiveness of both the workshop and the presenter [Peggy].

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.

Sylvana M Vigezzi
LPC

Learning about the way she has handled some of her cases and her amazing experience treating clients with complex PTSD.

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.