New Date: October 18, 2026
8am - 12pm
Pregnancy and the transition to parenthood are significant life experiences that can influence a play therapist's clinical presence, therapeutic relationships, and professional practice. During these transitions, therapists may navigate physical and emotional changes, increased caregiving responsibilities, and planned interruptions in treatment while continuing to provide effective care to children and families.
This course explores pregnancy and the transition to parenthood through the lens of the Oaklander Model of Gestalt Play Therapy. Participants will examine the potential impact of these experiences on therapeutic presence, use of self, countertransference, boundaries, treatment planning, and the therapeutic relationship. The course also addresses preparing children and families for planned interruptions in treatment, including maternity, parental, or caregiving leave, and facilitating healthy therapeutic transitions.
Although pregnancy-specific experiences are addressed, this course is relevant to play therapists who are parents, expectant parents, caregivers, or who work with children and families for whom pregnancy, parenting, and caregiving are meaningful clinical themes. Emphasis is placed on applying play therapy principles and Oaklander Model interventions to promote ethical, developmentally responsive, and sustainable clinical practice.
Please join us !
Holding Space While Taking Up Space: Supporting Therapists Through the Transition to Parenthood and Caregiving
*Registration in Now Open for 2027 Training*
Part I: Introduction to the Oaklander Model
Dates: January 9-10, 2027
Time: 8:00AM - 1:00PM Pacific
Topics: Developmental Issues, Therapeutic Process
Part II: Experiencing the Model
Dates: February 6-7, 2027
Time: 8:00AM - 1:00PM Pacific
Topics: Emotional Expression, Anger/Aggressive Energy, Grief and Loss
Part III: Self Nurturing & Introduction to Sand Tray
Dates: March 27-28, 2027
Time: 8:00AM - 1:00PM Pacific
Topics: Self Nurturing, Introduction to Sand Tray.
Part IV: Applying the Oaklander Model
Dates: May 1-2, 2027
Time: 8:00AM - 1:00PM Pacific
Topics Include: Adolescents, Happiness, Working with groups, Working with Parents
Part V: Cognitive Applications of the Oaklander Model
Dates: June 5-6, 2027
Time: 8:00AM - 1:00PM Pacific
Topics Include: Learning and Emotions, Executive Functioning (EF), ADHD, Using Technology
Part VI: Children and Adolescents at Risk
Dates: September 11-12, 2027
Time: 8:00AM - 1:00PM Pacific
Topics Include: Anxiety, Depression, Suicide
Part VII: Somatic Work, Self nurturing, Reflection, and Compassion
Dates: October 16-17, 2027
Time: 8:00AM - 1:00PM Pacific
Topics Include: Somatic work, Self nurturing, Self-compassion, Self reflection
Part VIII: Treatment Planning
Dates: November 6-7, 2027
Time: 8:00AM - 1:00PM Pacific
Topics Include: Learn to apply everything you have learned to: Individual Case Presentations, Intake forms, Evaluation of a child and development of a treatment plan; Termination
Parts I - III Learning Objectives and Daily Agendas
Parts IV - VI Learning Objectives and Daily Agendas
Parts VII - VIII Learning Objectives and Daily Agendas
More Information
Please join Dr. Karen Fried for a fun and experiential training for therapists featuring a variety of materials including drawing, puppets, clay, sand tray, picture cards and more!
We welcome attendees with different experience levels, coming from all over the world.
The eight-part training will be held virtually on Zoom.
Scholarships available,submit your request here.
Testimonials From Past Participants
“I have to tell you, your training, everything from the cards and your "workbook," to the meals and your warm guidance and acceptance is the best workshop I have ever been to.”
“it was AMAZING. Super actionable. Its the first training that I've had where I felt like I have several things that I can do right away.”
”So much great information that I can use right away with clients.The use of technology and instruction on how to use with clients was extremely helpful for me as I work via ZOOM.”
“This is the first time I’ve taken a play therapy course and it exceeded my expectations!”
“It was the most amazing training I have ever been to.” - Tammi van Hollander
2027 Virtual Training for Child & Adolescent Therapists: Play Therapy Using the Oaklander Model Parts I - VIII
Oaklander Model + EMDR Therapy
A new self-paced course with Karen Fried and Jackie Flynn.
Integrating the Oaklander Model Across the 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
With Karen Fried and Jackie Flynn · 3 hours · self-paced · $197.
Resources from Healing Connections
Oaklander Model Projective Cards
Physical and online projective cards.
Books by Karen Fried
Books and workbooks by Karen Fried.
Karen Fried and the Oaklander Model
Learn more about Karen’s training and clinical work.