Event Image

Level I: Part One: Class 1 – Understanding Trauma and its Reverberating Effects: The Strengths-Based Perspective

Registration Fee:
Date:
Wednesday,
March 5, 2025

Registration & Breakfast:
Log Into Zoom:
Registration:
8:15 AM (ET)
Training:
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Place:
In-Person at The Hilton Garden Inn • Owings Mills, MD
CEUs:
6
Type of CEUs*:
No items found.
Register Now
A picture of this speaker.
Lisa Ferentz
Presenter
Presenter

This class is only open to participants of the Level I program.

For information about the Level I Trauma Certificate Program, click here.

Workshop Description:

In this 6-hour workshop we will set the stage for a clinical and philosophical approach to trauma informed treatment, which will include an in-depth exploration of a strengths-based, de-pathologized approach to assessing and treating clients. We will process the features of therapy and the therapeutic relationship that promote an emphasis on clients’ resiliency and courage, while learning ways to help clients re-frame and “make sense” out of their long-term struggles and destructive coping strategies.

Participants will learn about the power of clients’ “meaning-making” in response to threatening or abusive life events, and how those cognitions either intensify or lessen the long-term effects of trauma. We will also process the new diagnostic criteria for PTSD including: exposure; intrusive symptoms; avoidance; and negative alterations in cognitions and mood. We will look at the factors that make it more or less likely for a traumatized person to develop PTSD and weave those dynamics into the assessment phase of treatment. We will explore the potential biological responses to perceived threat including: social engagement; fight or flight; fawn; and freeze. Participants will learn about the physiological reactions that are set in motion when we are confronted with life threatening scenarios, the hierarchy of how we want to respond, and the inevitable ways in which we are often forced to respond in order to stay safe.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and describe the four precepts of a strengths-based approach to treating clients with histories of trauma, abuse, and neglect.

2. Provide at least five reasons why the strengths-based approach builds a trusting therapeutic alliance and is more effective with traumatized clients.

3. Describe the meaning making that either exacerbates or mitigates the self-blame and shame felt by traumatized clients.

4. Identify the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as well as the changes that have been made to the DSM regarding the diagnosis.

5. Identify at least four risk factors that increase the possibility of developing PTSD after a traumatic experience.

6. Distinguish between and describe the possible biological reactions to threat and trauma: social attachment, fight, flight, or freeze

7. Describe the manifestation of the fawning response as a reaction to childhood abuse.

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM

- Introduction and orientation

- The strengths-based perspective: normalizing and universalizing clients’ “symptoms” and struggles

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- The power of de-pathologizing the sequelae of trauma

- The overdiagnosis of clients

- Understanding the trauma survivor’s self-perception and its impact on shame and self-blame

- The importance of cognitive re-framing

- The advantages of a strengths-based approach

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:30 PM

- Defining trauma and the impact of loss

- When client’s meaning-making exacerbates or mitigates the impact of trauma

- The long-term effects of negative meaning making and the personalization of trauma

- The healing effects of positive meaning-making

- Processing examples of potentially traumatizing events

- Exploring the new DSM diagnostic criteria for PTSD

- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after trauma

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

- Understanding social engagement versus the fight or flight responses

- Understanding fawning and freeze responses

- Video: Peter Levine: freeze in the animal kingdom

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM

- Introduction and orientation

- The strengths-based perspective: normalizing and universalizing clients’ “symptoms” and struggles

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- The power of de-pathologizing the sequelae of trauma

- The overdiagnosis of clients

- Understanding the trauma survivor’s self-perception and its impact on shame and self-blame

- The importance of cognitive re-framing

- The advantages of a strengths-based approach

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:30 PM

- Defining trauma and the impact of loss

- When client’s meaning-making exacerbates or mitigates the impact of trauma

- The long-term effects of negative meaning making and the personalization of trauma

- The healing effects of positive meaning-making

- Processing examples of potentially traumatizing events

- Exploring the new DSM diagnostic criteria for PTSD

- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after trauma

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

- Understanding social engagement versus the fight or flight responses

- Understanding fawning and freeze responses

- Video: Peter Levine: freeze in the animal kingdom

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Event Image

Level I: Part One: Class 1 – Understanding Trauma and its Reverberating Effects: The Strengths-Based Perspective

Registration Fee:
Date:
Wednesday,
March 5, 2025
Registration & Breakfast:
8:15 AM (ET)
Training:
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Place:
In-Person at The Hilton Garden Inn • Owings Mills, MD
CEUs:
6
Type of CEUs*:
No items found.
Register Now
Lisa Ferentz
Presenter
Presenter

This class is only open to participants of the Level I program.

For information about the Level I Trauma Certificate Program, click here.

Workshop Description:

In this 6-hour workshop we will set the stage for a clinical and philosophical approach to trauma informed treatment, which will include an in-depth exploration of a strengths-based, de-pathologized approach to assessing and treating clients. We will process the features of therapy and the therapeutic relationship that promote an emphasis on clients’ resiliency and courage, while learning ways to help clients re-frame and “make sense” out of their long-term struggles and destructive coping strategies.

Participants will learn about the power of clients’ “meaning-making” in response to threatening or abusive life events, and how those cognitions either intensify or lessen the long-term effects of trauma. We will also process the new diagnostic criteria for PTSD including: exposure; intrusive symptoms; avoidance; and negative alterations in cognitions and mood. We will look at the factors that make it more or less likely for a traumatized person to develop PTSD and weave those dynamics into the assessment phase of treatment. We will explore the potential biological responses to perceived threat including: social engagement; fight or flight; fawn; and freeze. Participants will learn about the physiological reactions that are set in motion when we are confronted with life threatening scenarios, the hierarchy of how we want to respond, and the inevitable ways in which we are often forced to respond in order to stay safe.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and describe the four precepts of a strengths-based approach to treating clients with histories of trauma, abuse, and neglect.

2. Provide at least five reasons why the strengths-based approach builds a trusting therapeutic alliance and is more effective with traumatized clients.

3. Describe the meaning making that either exacerbates or mitigates the self-blame and shame felt by traumatized clients.

4. Identify the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as well as the changes that have been made to the DSM regarding the diagnosis.

5. Identify at least four risk factors that increase the possibility of developing PTSD after a traumatic experience.

6. Distinguish between and describe the possible biological reactions to threat and trauma: social attachment, fight, flight, or freeze

7. Describe the manifestation of the fawning response as a reaction to childhood abuse.

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM

- Introduction and orientation

- The strengths-based perspective: normalizing and universalizing clients’ “symptoms” and struggles

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- The power of de-pathologizing the sequelae of trauma

- The overdiagnosis of clients

- Understanding the trauma survivor’s self-perception and its impact on shame and self-blame

- The importance of cognitive re-framing

- The advantages of a strengths-based approach

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:30 PM

- Defining trauma and the impact of loss

- When client’s meaning-making exacerbates or mitigates the impact of trauma

- The long-term effects of negative meaning making and the personalization of trauma

- The healing effects of positive meaning-making

- Processing examples of potentially traumatizing events

- Exploring the new DSM diagnostic criteria for PTSD

- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after trauma

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

- Understanding social engagement versus the fight or flight responses

- Understanding fawning and freeze responses

- Video: Peter Levine: freeze in the animal kingdom

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM

- Introduction and orientation

- The strengths-based perspective: normalizing and universalizing clients’ “symptoms” and struggles

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- The power of de-pathologizing the sequelae of trauma

- The overdiagnosis of clients

- Understanding the trauma survivor’s self-perception and its impact on shame and self-blame

- The importance of cognitive re-framing

- The advantages of a strengths-based approach

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:30 PM

- Defining trauma and the impact of loss

- When client’s meaning-making exacerbates or mitigates the impact of trauma

- The long-term effects of negative meaning making and the personalization of trauma

- The healing effects of positive meaning-making

- Processing examples of potentially traumatizing events

- Exploring the new DSM diagnostic criteria for PTSD

- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after trauma

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

- Understanding social engagement versus the fight or flight responses

- Understanding fawning and freeze responses

- Video: Peter Levine: freeze in the animal kingdom

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Event Image

Level I: Part One: Class 1 – Understanding Trauma and its Reverberating Effects: The Strengths-Based Perspective

Registration Fee:
Date:
Wednesday,
March 5, 2025
Registration & Breakfast:
8:15 AM (ET)
Training:
8:45 AM - 4:15 PM (ET)
Place:
In-Person at The Hilton Garden Inn • Owings Mills, MD
CEUs:
6
Type of CEUs*:
No items found.
Register Now
Lisa Ferentz
Presenter
Presenter

This class is only open to participants of the Level I program.

For information about the Level I Trauma Certificate Program, click here.

Workshop Description:

In this 6-hour workshop we will set the stage for a clinical and philosophical approach to trauma informed treatment, which will include an in-depth exploration of a strengths-based, de-pathologized approach to assessing and treating clients. We will process the features of therapy and the therapeutic relationship that promote an emphasis on clients’ resiliency and courage, while learning ways to help clients re-frame and “make sense” out of their long-term struggles and destructive coping strategies.

Participants will learn about the power of clients’ “meaning-making” in response to threatening or abusive life events, and how those cognitions either intensify or lessen the long-term effects of trauma. We will also process the new diagnostic criteria for PTSD including: exposure; intrusive symptoms; avoidance; and negative alterations in cognitions and mood. We will look at the factors that make it more or less likely for a traumatized person to develop PTSD and weave those dynamics into the assessment phase of treatment. We will explore the potential biological responses to perceived threat including: social engagement; fight or flight; fawn; and freeze. Participants will learn about the physiological reactions that are set in motion when we are confronted with life threatening scenarios, the hierarchy of how we want to respond, and the inevitable ways in which we are often forced to respond in order to stay safe.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and describe the four precepts of a strengths-based approach to treating clients with histories of trauma, abuse, and neglect.

2. Provide at least five reasons why the strengths-based approach builds a trusting therapeutic alliance and is more effective with traumatized clients.

3. Describe the meaning making that either exacerbates or mitigates the self-blame and shame felt by traumatized clients.

4. Identify the diagnostic criteria for PTSD as well as the changes that have been made to the DSM regarding the diagnosis.

5. Identify at least four risk factors that increase the possibility of developing PTSD after a traumatic experience.

6. Distinguish between and describe the possible biological reactions to threat and trauma: social attachment, fight, flight, or freeze

7. Describe the manifestation of the fawning response as a reaction to childhood abuse.

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM

- Introduction and orientation

- The strengths-based perspective: normalizing and universalizing clients’ “symptoms” and struggles

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- The power of de-pathologizing the sequelae of trauma

- The overdiagnosis of clients

- Understanding the trauma survivor’s self-perception and its impact on shame and self-blame

- The importance of cognitive re-framing

- The advantages of a strengths-based approach

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:30 PM

- Defining trauma and the impact of loss

- When client’s meaning-making exacerbates or mitigates the impact of trauma

- The long-term effects of negative meaning making and the personalization of trauma

- The healing effects of positive meaning-making

- Processing examples of potentially traumatizing events

- Exploring the new DSM diagnostic criteria for PTSD

- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after trauma

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

- Understanding social engagement versus the fight or flight responses

- Understanding fawning and freeze responses

- Video: Peter Levine: freeze in the animal kingdom

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM

- Introduction and orientation

- The strengths-based perspective: normalizing and universalizing clients’ “symptoms” and struggles

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

- The power of de-pathologizing the sequelae of trauma

- The overdiagnosis of clients

- Understanding the trauma survivor’s self-perception and its impact on shame and self-blame

- The importance of cognitive re-framing

- The advantages of a strengths-based approach

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:30 PM

- Defining trauma and the impact of loss

- When client’s meaning-making exacerbates or mitigates the impact of trauma

- The long-term effects of negative meaning making and the personalization of trauma

- The healing effects of positive meaning-making

- Processing examples of potentially traumatizing events

- Exploring the new DSM diagnostic criteria for PTSD

- Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTSD after trauma

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM
BREAK
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM

- Understanding social engagement versus the fight or flight responses

- Understanding fawning and freeze responses

- Video: Peter Levine: freeze in the animal kingdom

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
8:45 AM - 10:15 AM
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
BREAK
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Agenda:

Time
Topics
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
2:15 PM - 2:30 PM
BREAK
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Additional Information:
- For more information on the Hilton Garden Inn in Owings Mills, Maryland, click here.

- Registration for each workshop closes one day before the workshop date. If you want to sign up for this course and missed the registration deadline, please don't worry. You can still contact Gerri Baum at gerrib@theferentzinstitute.com or call 410-409-7061 to inquire about joining the class. We will do our best to accommodate you.

- The Ferentz Institute does not offer refunds for paid workshops. If you cancel or miss a workshop for any reason, we will be happy to offer you a credit to use towards any current or future training with the Institute.

- Workshops may be canceled by the Institute due to low registration, presenter emergencies, or inclement weather. Participants will be notified, usually one week in advance. Paid registrants can choose a full refund or apply the payment to another class. Additionally, all participants will receive a $25 discount on a future session as compensation for any inconvenience.

We appreciate your interest in our workshops and look forward to seeing you soon!
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What people are saying about this workshop:

There are no testimonials for this training yet. Please check back later!
Kathleen Killeen
LCSW

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

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!

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.

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.

Chaim Wolfish
LCPC

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

Katie O'Mailey
LGSW

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.

Shannon Wilson-Murray
LCSW-C

This was the most non-triggering, emotionally safe and supportive training on trauma I've ever experienced. Given the nature of this important content, the way the material was presented was truly masterful and informative.

Angel Harp Witherspoon
LCPC

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

Lyndsay Soeder
LCSW-C

This was one of the best trainings I've ever taken and certainly the most informative. Lisa does an excellent job presenting the material in a way that is really interesting and applicable to a wide array of clinical settings. Anyone working in the mental health field should take this training. Most importantly, Lisa really did a wonderful job of making sure that we as clinicians felt taken care of and appreciated. I truly felt like I mattered.

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!

Kara Smith
LCSW-C

This was by far the best training I have attended. I learned that I was actually doing a lot correctly, but also learned a lot of things I could be doing. I look forward to Level II!

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.

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.

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.

Claire Bernstein
LICSW, LCSW-C

This training was a very thorough and effective look at trauma treatment. Lisa's intentionality and creativity made this training very valuable. I am leaving with many useful strategies, skills, and language to utilize with my clients. I felt challenged through this program to reflect on my clinical practice!

Lisa Zimmerman
LICSW

This training was a game-changer for me. The strength-based approach Lisa takes has transformed the way I see my clients and the range of practical tools we were given has revitalized my work with them.

Allyson Wozniak
LMSW

This training transferred well to an online platform. Lisa did a great job keeping everyone active and keeping the training lively and engaging.

Dawn Gomez
LCSW-C

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

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.

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!

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!

Linda Beck
LCSW-C

This training has been a priceless investment which I believe will change my practice for many years to come.

Royshonda Boulden
Victim Advocate

This training gave me new insight as an advocate and really put things in a new light.

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.

Karina Aponte
LCPC

This training allowed me to transform the way I work with clients. I feel much more confident and competent in my work thanks to Lisa's help in expanding my knowledge.

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.

Sarah Vayda
LCPC

This program should be a part of every clinician's repertoire. The compassion and knowledge Lisa has is invaluable and I am confident I am a better clinician because of this training and the investment in myself and clients.

Rachel Herring
LCPC

This program is worth every last cent. Prior to the training, I was apprehensive about the financial investment. It was so worth it. The program boosted my confidence in working with trauma survivors. The information that I have passed on to clients in the form of psychoeducation has left them feeling empowered. I loved the on-line format. It makes it a lot more accessible and no rush hour driving!

Amy Searcey
LCSW-C

This program reinforced and strengthened my confidence and skills. I have noticed clinically significant results in my clients through implementing the tools provided in this training.

Shannon Haley
LCSW-C

This program provides the essential necessary for effective practice. I've been a licensed social worker for 17 years and this program was more beneficial than any graduate class or training I have ever taken. Thank you, Lisa!

Karen Ross Taylor
LCSW-C

This program is an extraordinary interpretation of several therapeutic modalities and an interesting and heartfelt alternative to the manualized, mechanical CEU offerings elsewhere.

Natalie O'Neil
LCPC

This program is an incredibly wise investment for anyone who is interested in becoming more trauma informed. The information is priceless, digestible, comprehensive, and delivered in an engaging way. I cannot endorse Lisa and the Institute enough- it is worth your time to enhance your skills.

Ann Smith
LCSW-C

This program incorporates all of the contemporary and recent knowledge the field has gained in trauma-informed therapy treatment and gives therapists concrete tools and strategies to use with their clients. Lisa and her faculty provide warmth, support and encouragement all throughout the course.

Jessica Schuhly
LMSW

This program helped me grow so much, not just as a clinician, but also as an individual.

Tim Sebian-Lander
LCPC

This program has profoundly changed the way in which I see trauma and interact with clients who are still living with and coping with trauma. Honestly, I feel like I have grown as a therapist and I know that patients I see, now and in the future, will benefit from the work I did in this training. I strongly recommend it to all professionals! Thank you, Lisa!

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.

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!

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!

David Facenda
LICSW

This program brought me back to all the good things I felt while in grad school: lots of new knowledge, useful skills, and a safe and comfortable learning experience.

Stephanie Trisi
LGSW

This program boosted my confidence and confidence as a therapist a TON. The information is so well organized and presented. Lisa is inspiring, motivating, and grounding all at once.

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.

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.

Janet Glover Kirkvliet
LCPC

This is an awesome training with all the qualities and more of a very excellent postdoctoral course! Lisa is a wonderful, generous mentor, lecturer, teacher and clinician.

Betsy Nichols
LPC, NCC

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

Torri Mills
LCSW-C

This has been the most beneficial training that I have attended. I knew nothing about Lisa Ferentz before registering, but this training has exceeded my expectations and I have encouraged co-workers to participate. I came away with a wealth of information and knowledge and started incorporating what I learned in my sessions. I have also been able to inform family members, school teachers, and partners what to expect from one who has experienced trauma. Can't wait to take Level II!

Susan Goldberg
LMSW

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

Tracy Wallace
LGPC

This course gave me the knowledge, skills, and confidence to treat clients with trauma. I would 100% recommend it! It's the course I wish I had in graduate school!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Michele Lantz
LCSW-C

The training has been incredible. I feel more competent and confident in my work with my clients because of this training and because of Lisa's ability to teach the material in such an effective manner.

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!

Laura Malone
LMSW

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

Wendy Velazco-Weiss
LCSW-C

Thank you for teaching me how to be a better trauma informed therapist. I have learned valuable techniques and ideas on how to approach the traumatic events that my clients experience. I enjoyed that classes were interactive, and that Lisa was willing to share her successes as well as challenges with clients.

Elizabeth Cush
LCPC

The Level II expressive trainings have opened my ability, my knowledge, and my comfort level in using these strategies in session. The trainings also shine a light on areas I'd like to explore more in-depth. Thanks for a wonderful experience!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Renee Drehmer
LCPC

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

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.

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.

Carmen Cecilia Alvarez Diaz
VAS II

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

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!

LaTisha Diggs
MA

Powerful training full of knowledge, caring, and compassion.

Erica Vohaska

Perspective changing- trauma informed- life changing!

Joel Lightfoot
LCSW-C

Most of the presenters were amazing. I learned a lot from the experiential techniques.

Katherine Cashin
LCPC

Lisa's trauma training has brought me to a new level as a clinician. This should be required education for anyone in the clinical care or educational setting. The knowledge and resources gained through this course are invaluable.

Timothy Nowicki
LMSW

Lisa's trauma curriculum should be a requirement for all aspiring clinicians.

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.

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.

Jessica Palmen
LCSW-C

Lisa's training has been one of the most meaningful experiences in my career. Lisa is engaging and makes material easy to process. She is warm, validating, direct and clear. I left each session feeling more resourced, with concrete interventions and a new appreciation for my role as a therapist as well as for my clients.

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!

Donna Tish
LICSW, LCSW-C

Lisa's personality and presentation skills added entertainment and engagement for participants. The experience was well worth the investment of time and money.

Diana Harden
LGPC

Lisa's care and attention to our development as trauma informed clinicians is unmatchable. Her knowledge and ability to offer so many variations has been so helpful in my growth and in my work with a wide range of clients. I appreciated her ability to recognize the need for clinician self care and being a huge advocate for that important part of the work that can often go unattended to. I only wish I had taken this training sooner in my career but so grateful for the current opportunity!

Amy Sherbin
LCPC

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

Emma Pyle
LCSW

Lisa is an amazing educator. I am thrilled to be able to apply all of the knowledge acquired in this program to better help my clients.

Laura Wanderling
LCPAT

Lisa is amazing. She has a wealth of knowledge that is incredibly useful to working in the field of mental health. She is incredibly generous and thoughtful in her treatment of the professionals who take her program. I've gained a lot of confidence going forth to share my knowledge with clients who have endured trauma. I strongly recommend discrete training to anyone in the mental health profession. You won't regret it!

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.

Myra Kaplan
PHD

Lisa is amazing at taking theoretical and evidence-based research and translating it into easy to use, practical interventions and approaches with clients.  This training has definitely made me a better trauma-informed clinician.

Jordan Klebanow
LICSW

Lisa is a wonderful instructor and her course will mark a turning point in your practice.

Gavriel Horan
LMSW

Lisa is a breath of fresh air. She exudes compassion and understanding, She is the model of the perfect therapist.

Stephanie Crockett
LGPC

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

Teresa Doniger
LPC

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.

MacKenzie Fleming
LGPC

Lisa Ferentz is very knowledgeable and a great teacher and presenter. She was very warm and welcoming. The class itself was very informational and very organized. I recommend this class to every clinician. Thanks Lisa!

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.

Kristina Worton
LMSW

Lisa did an incredible job of making the training feel as close to an in-person training as possible. I loved the online chat. This certificate was the best investment I have made in my professional career. Thank you!

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.

Rebecca Gibson
LCSW-C

Lisa creates such an open environment for learning. Whether you are a new or experienced clinician, the level one trauma certificate training, has something valuable for you to bring to your clinical work.

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!

Jennifer Babylon
LMSW

Level II was an enriching experience that provided a strong foundation to and added an immense yet digestible and applicable amount of knowledge in which to feel confident and comfortable in stepping foot into private practice as a new LCSW.

Gabriella King
LGPC

It was great to get a spectrum of approaches and the encouragement to synthesize them in our own way.

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!

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.

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.

Charise Peddicord
LCPC

If you're fortunate enough to attend this training I highly recommend doing so. The financial and time commitment pales in comparison to the value of experiences and knowledge gained throughout this program. It really was wonderful and I feel like it provided opportunity for both professional and personal growth.

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.