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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.

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.

A picture that represents this event.
May 1, 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 process the inherent challenges of working with traumatized clients in a variety of practice settings.

A picture that represents this event.
May 5, 2026
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Location:
Virtual Training on Zoom
Presenter:
Salicia Mazero
Presenter:
Peggy Kolodny
MA, ATR-BC, LCPAT

Unlock the power of creativity in therapy by blending art therapy techniques with Internal Family Systems (IFS) to deepen emotional awareness and foster self-leadership. Through experiential collage and clay activities, guided practice, and case demonstrations, participants will gain practical tools to apply these approaches in both individual and group therapy.

What people are saying about The Ferentz Institute:

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

Lisa encourages everyone to find their own way of working whilst giving them amazing resources.

Sasha W.
LCSW-C

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!

Michael Schlein
LCPC

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

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.

Cynthia R.
LCMFT

I look forward to the trainings at the Ferentz institute because I learn meaningful approaches that enhance clinical work. Lisa is a dynamic teacher utilizing researched trauma approaches, she invites participants into experiential exercises that solidify interventions in a whole brain fashion, both cognitive and emotional experiences create deep learning in a nurturing and caring environment. Lisa is attuned and models compassion to the participants.

Luisa Aguilar-Salazar
LCSW

Very knowledgeable speaker, discussions are open and foster growth.

Justin Shea
LCSW-C

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.

Leonard Guedalia
PHD

The facilitator [Sabrina] of the workshop was able to artfully and compassionately develop a wonderful learning environment. The information and experiential learning enhanced my personal growth and professional development.

Sabrina Bowen
LCMFT

I like the presenter’s warmth, willingness to address questions, flexibility, and knowledge.

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.

Samantha G
LICSW, LCSW

Dr. Evans was a wonderful and inspirational education and practitioner. His authenticity created a safe space and allowed for an environment where we could really experience our time with him.

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.

Karen Reed
LICSW

I appreciated our collaborating with peers and faculty, discussing cases and hearing feedback.

Alisha Epps
LCSW-C

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

Amy Waldron
LCPC

[Lisa] kept the audience very engaged in the discussion [during Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice].

Traci Brautigan
LMSW

I loved the training. Very informative.

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.

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!

Shannon Maple
LCSW-C

Dr. Papernow was awesome! Used dialogue the whole training that modeled appropriate use of the teachings in our practices.

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.

Karen Kochen Silverman
LCSW-C

[Individualizing Treatment for Children and Adolescents with Complex Trauma and Dissociation] was a very informative training and I learned a lot. I was very happy that I attended this training and hope to attend future trainings with the institute.

Ashley D.
LCSW-C

This workshop was helpful to get past the places that I often get 'stuck' with my clients. Creative modalities were introduced and Lisa was great at answering specific questions for numerous case scenarios.

Paris Grigsby
LGPC

The case conceptualizations and experiential components were great for identifying tangible strategies to use with clients. Lisa was lively, funny, charismatic, and intelligent, so grateful!

Mimi Thomas
LCSW-C

Jonah was organized, articulate and knowledgeble.

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.

Kathleen Traversari
LGSW

Invaluable program; by the 2nd class you can bring your clients interventions that will make profound differences in their therapeutic journey and by the end you feel confident and competent to treat clients with trauma.

Tracy Ambos
LCSW-C, LICSW

If you are a clinician Lisa Ferentz's trauma training is one you cannot miss!!

Sara Bounds
LCSW-C

When I learned that my agency was going to sponsor me to take the Trauma Certificate, Level I Course, I was ecstatic. I was eager to learn as much as I could from Lisa's expertise, and she absolutely delivered. I have already used several of the recommended clinical tools; clients have been very receptive, even surprised, by how helpful they found the method(s) to be. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn invaluable clinical knowledge and skills!

Brenda May
LCSW-C, BCD, LLC

As always, Lisa's preparation, information, and presentation [for Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was superb. She delivers material and sources in a way that keeps participants interested and engaged. Her ethics workshops are never boring and always informative.

Marilyn Murphy
LMSW

Patricia is Fantastic. Her energy is Beautiful!

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.

Caroline Hinkley
Victim Advocate

The Level I training was easily the most valuable training I've ever had. Not only was it professionally helpful, but personally. This class was so emotionally refreshing. I feel as if I have a bright new outlook on my profession and I am eternally grateful.

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.

Edward Diamond
Registered Psychology Associate

The presenter had a good grasp of the material and was exceptionally well prepared.

Jannatul Ferdous
LCSW-C

Lisa explains complicated subjects in very simple and interesting ways.

Kim McCalpin
Psychologist

I loved the trainer!

Danielle Crystal
LGPC

Invaluable investment in myself and career. I learned what I wish I had in school and feel that I am a better clinician for attending.

Ray Lee Peterson
LMSW

Dee kept us engaged throughout and provided not only very concrete strategies to incorporate into our practice but also resources and information for us to explore later to continue building our knowledge and skills!

Christine Barnes
LCSW-C

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

Terry Lynn Manning
LMFT

Sabrina as a trainer is outstanding. I loved the breakout sessions.

Kathy Sullivan
LCSW-C

The class provided a great understanding of OCD and treatment. Susan was so personable and knowledgeable�delightful!

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

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.

Nicholas Harmer
LMSW

The Level 1 training was invaluable to my journey of providing trauma informed therapy and doing deeper work with clients. I recommend new and older clinicians to invest in this program to inform, and to re-spark passion for the very important and sensitive work that we do.

R. Denise Roberson
LPC

What I liked best is that Susan provided strategies specifically geared to treat OCD treatment with both children and adults.

Katie Richa
LCPC

Dr. Evan’s is a phenomenal, engaging educator. He is knowledgeable and fun to listen to. I appreciate the experience he brought and his gift of teaching. I will be looking for his trainings in the future.

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.

Brittney Hack
LCPC, LPC, NCC

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.

Laura Willard
LCSW-C

Sabrina was very knowledgeable and offered new content in a way that was inspiring and easy to digest.

Grace Wright
LMSW

The trauma certificate Level I program led by Lisa is transformational. Lisa's expertise and experience is woven into the curriculum in a way that is engaging and fascinating. This program offers practitioners concrete skills and knowledge that expand clinical work with clients tremendously. Thank you!

Michale Lockman
LCPC

I deeply appreciate the blend of theoretical and practical knowledge that Lisa's Trauma I course afforded me. I strongly recommend this course and the consummate professional who teaches it.

Katherine Todd
LCSW-C

I really enjoyed the material, interaction, and overall experience. I felt that I learned more in that class than I did in graduate school! The information was so rich and exciting to learn!

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.

Danielle Deckard
LCSW-C

Lisa's trainings are enlightening and engaging. [Ethical Dilemmas in Clinical Practice] included a good amount of discussion with the other clinicians attending which offers opportunities to learn from the other attendees as well as the speakers.

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.

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…

Sarah Boone
LCPC

Jonah had a depth of knowledge and understanding of the material and was a clear communicator.

Rita Etter
LCSW-C

Lisa is the BEST! Truly the BEST! Thank you!

Roberta Omin
LCSW

Very real and authentic, human and relatable, thoughtful and shared everything she has with us.

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.

Shanez Jenkins
LCSW-C

This program has helped me to become a more competent and confident clinician. I have begun using the skills and interventions from this program with current clients, and the shift in my practice and the progress of my clients has been amazing to witness. I recommend this program to every clinician who wants to develop or strengthen skills and knowledge of trauma informed care.

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!

Jessica Prentice
LCSW-C

Sabrina was a wealth of knowledge and experience and her presentation style is comforting, making it easy to be engaged even through zoom. I appreciated her and the training immensely!

Leila Hamidi
MS, LGPC, NCC

I believe the Trauma Program taught by the wonderful Lisa Ferentz should be a requirement for all mental health practitioners. I can't thank the Institute enough for offering this course!

Lindsey McDaniel
LCSW

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

Lisa Pearson
LCPC

Great energy and passionate about the topic of attachment as well as her clients.

Emily Scott
LCSW-C

Lisa was responsive, welcoming and cared for participants. Her vast experience provided for very concrete examples of how the material translates to practice.

Laura Malone
LMSW

The program was incredibly informative. The way Lisa structured and presented the information was great!

Michael Lockman
LCPC

I highly recommend this program to any therapist who wishes to take their professional game to the next level.

Jan Brewer
LCSW-C

Personable, approachable presenter whose knowledge was self evident.

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.

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.

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.

Ilene Gallner-Toller
LCSW-C

Very powerful and experiential workshop! We were constantly engaged in experiential learning, even while taking in theory. Awesome!

Rona Levi
LCSW-C

Lisa is a terrific therapist, a terrific teacher, a terrific presenter!

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.

Sumi Holman
LCSW-C

Helpful art prompts to use in session with clients. Lisa was warm, compassionate, understanding and flexible.

Adesuwa L. Osemwegie
LCPC

Jill is approachable and warm. She's always willing to spend time to discuss privately, and is a wonderful person.

Joy Paul
LCSW-C

Sabrina was very engaging and there was good participant interaction.

Justine Muyu
LCPC

Lisa is an exceptional trainer. Knowledgeable, clinically experienced and very good at breaking down research in accessible and practical ways. I walked away with a greater understanding of the problem and strategies to help my clients deal with it immediately.

Timothy Elliott
LCSW-C

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

Jennifer Thocher
LGSW

This training was worth the investment. It increased my confidence as well as my competence and my ability to both maintain and model healthy boundaries and work-life balance. Lisa is a very inspiring mentor.

Nancy Lynch Gibson
LCPC

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

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!

Maria Haltom
LCSW

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

Katherine Cochran
LMSW

I especially loved Lisa's energy and passion for the subject despite feeling unwell. Her depth of knowledge and experience.

Corinne Heiliger
LCPC

One of the best trainings I�ve been to in quite a while. Instructor was kind, personable, knowledgeable and loved how applicable the techniques are to my practice. Also, thank you to Lisa for having magazines for collages that centered people of color-really appreciated this.

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.

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.

Sarah Lawson
LGSW

Salicia was amazing and I would attend another training session with her.

Ariel Jacobs
LCPC

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

Malley K. Hester Everngam
LCSW-C

I so appreciated Lisa's genuine nature and investment in our learning. Her teaching style is inviting, insightful, thought provoking and welcoming. I've taken Trauma Level I, Dissociation/Trauma and now C-PTSD training with Lisa. I've never heard her say to someone that they are "wrong." This is so encouraging and valuable when your mind feels jumbled after a long day of training. Thank you so much!

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.

Rachel Wills
LCPC

I really valued [Understanding and Working with Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB)]. Lisa allowed me to more fully understand that my challenging clients are not trying to be resistant or difficult but are struggling with trauma and deeply ingrained, albeit ineffective coping mechanisms. Lisa also supported and solidified for me, what I had already been mulling over — that restructuring our treatment model for high risk and chronic relapsing individuals (substance use) to incorporate more skills training.

Jennifer Crooks
LCSW-C

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

Rebecca Chandler
LMSW

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

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.

Sylvana M Vigezzi
LPC

I especially liked learning about the way she has handled some of her cases and her amazing experience treating clients with complex PTSD.

Ryan Malphrus
LCSW-C

[Trauma Informed Assessment and Treatment: Ethical Considerations] was well paced and delivered in a good conversational manner.

Nia Foggy
LPC, LCPC

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.

Caitlin McGuires
LCSW-C

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

Janie Howsare
LICSW, CEAP

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

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.