Lisa Ferentz: Addictive Behaviors in Traumatized Clients Part 3

This V-STEP session is a four part training by Lisa Ferentz that explores the elements of trauma and its victims as well as victim service professionals. Each trainings and its summary is outlined below.

Date and Time:

Monday June September 16, 2025 - 9:00AM - 11:00AM

SUMMARY:

Part III: Treating Addictive Behaviors in Traumatized Clients

In this workshop, as we explore the myriad manifestations of addictive behaviors, participants will be invited to look at them through a strengths-based, de-pathologized lens. We will explore the key treatment concepts to keep in mind when attempting to navigate both trauma retrieval work with sobriety. We will process the cycle of trauma and addiction and the role that dissociation plays in maintaining numbing behaviors. We will also look at the unique challenges that trauma survivors face when the 12-step model for recovery is woven into their therapy and how therapists can help clients reframe and navigate those challenges so they can reap the benefits of a 12-step program.

OBJECTIVES:

• Identify at least four advantages of the strengths-based perspective when treating addictive behaviors in trauma survivors.
• Describe the current research regarding the use and efficacy of “medical” marijuana.
• Describe the connection between substance abuse, self-destructive behaviors, and dissociation.
• Identify at least three challenges that trauma survivors face when attempting to incorporate a12-step program into their sobriety.

Trainer Bio:

Lisa Ferentz, LCSW-C DAPA

The Ferentz Institute lisa@theferentzinstitute.com

Lisa is a recognized expert in the strengths-based, de-pathologized treatment of trauma and has been in private practice for over 38 years. She presents workshops and keynote addresses nationally and internationally, and is a clinical consultant to practitioners and mental health agencies in the United States, Canada, the UK and Ireland. She has been an Adjunct Faculty member at several Universities, and is the Founder of “The Ferentz Institute,” now in its fifteenth year of providing continuing education to mental health professionals and graduating several thousand clinicians from her two Certificate Programs in Advanced Trauma Treatment. In 2009 she was voted the “Social Worker of Year” by the Maryland Society for Clinical Social Work. Lisa is the author of “Treating Self-Destructive Behaviors in Traumatized Clients: A Clinician’s Guide,” now in its second edition, “Letting Go of Self-Destructive Behaviors: A Workbook of Hope and Healing,” and “Finding Your Ruby Slippers: Transformative Life Lessons From the Therapist’s Couch.” Lisa also hosted a weekly radio talk show, writes blogs and articles for websites on trauma, attachment, self-destructive behaviors, and self-care, teaches on many webinars, and is a contributor to Psychologytoday.com. You can follow Lisa’s work on her website, theferentzinstitute.com, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Training Contact:

Anne Milun (Litecky), VASIII, Program Manager, 410-837-5055, alitecky@ubalt.edu, or Cherie Peay, cpeay@ubalt.edu, 443-600-1621

ROPER VICTIM ASSISTANCE ACADEMY OF MARYLAND (RVAAM) University of Baltimore

Victim Services Training Enhancement Program (V-STEP)…Bringing Crime Victim Training and Certification to Maryland Communities

Certificate of Training, Social Work CEUs and Academic Credits:

RVAAM selected curriculum has been approved for specific professions (e.g. social work, law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole) Upon completion of an online evaluation form, participants are welcome to request a Certificate of Training; Social Work Category I Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and/or academic credits. All participants are eligible to receive a Certificate of Training (1 credit per training hour).

2023 V-STEP: Regional Victim Services Advanced Trainings are held in 5 regional locations across Maryland. Please contact Anne Litecky, V-STEP Program Manager for information or to schedule a training at your agency or organization.