Lisa Ferentz Trainings - Part 2: Understanding Dissociation in Traumatized

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.

DATEs and TIMEs:

Monday, May 12, 2025 ~ 9:00AM - 11:00AM EST

SUMMARY:

PART II: Understanding Dissociation in Traumatized Clients

It can be understandably challenging for therapists when traumatized clients go into a freeze response during session. In this workshop, participants will gain a greater understanding of the evolution of dissociation and the most common harbingers that let clinicians know when their clients are in a hypo-aroused state. We will process strategies that give clients a greater sense of “choice” about their dissociation without leaving them feeling disempowered or forced to give up a well-established coping response. We will address how to best administer questionnaires that help assess for dissociation and we will also process strategies to help clients re-ground when they disconnect or go into flashback during a therapy session.

OBJECTIVES:

• Identify and explain the 5 core symptoms of dissociation as well as the most common manifestations of a dissociative state.
• Describe and implement specific strategies to address dissociation and help clients feel less hijacked and more in control of the freeze response.
• Describe the best way to implement the Dissociative Experiences Scale
• Describe and Implement Milton Ericson’s flashback halting protocol for re-grounding.

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 Contacts:

Anne Milun, VASIII, Program Manager, 410-837-5055, alitecky@ubalt.edu; Cherie Peay, Program Coordinator at 443-600-1621, cpeay@ubalt.edu; and Nicole Feldhaus, Technician, 410-274-4655, nfeldhauslitecky@ubalt.edu

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).

ROPER VICTIM ASSISTANCE ACADMEY OF MARYLAND

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

Victim Services Advanced Trainings (V-STEP) are held virtually and in 5 regional locations across Maryland. Roper Victim Assistance Academy of Maryland (RVAAM) provides basic training twice a year (40 hour curriculum). For more information, please contact Anne Milun, V-STEP Program Manager for information or to schedule a training for your agency or organization.