Oaklander Model Trainings

2026 Fall In-Person Training- October 9-11

Systems and the Self: Windows to the Inner and Outer Worlds of Children

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Friday, October 9, 2026
9:00am - 12:00pm PDT (Optional Supervision)
1:00pm - 4:30pm PDT

Saturday, October 10, 2026
9:30am - 4:30pm PDT

Sunday, October 11, 2026
9:00am - 2:00pm PDT

We are pleased to share that family therapy using the Oaklander Model of Gestalt Play Therapy will be highlighted in this training for the first time.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

Use the Oaklander Model to support children in accomplishing the main goals of Gestalt Play Therapy: expressing feelings, building awareness, and strengthening their sense of self

Understand how family, school, medical, and cultural systems shape a child’s emotional and behavioral experience

Recognize how systems can both support and stress a child, and how this is expressed through play, behavior, and relationships

Apply Gestalt play therapy approaches within family therapy sessions, as well as in individual, school, and other clinical settings

Work more effectively in partnership with parents, caregivers, educators, and other professionals

Integrate theory, case material, and practical interventions into their work in ways that can be applied immediately

Description

This three-day training in Los Angeles is designed for child therapists and other professionals who work with children, adolescents and families. The focus is on learning Gestalt Play Therapy theory and practice to individuals, families and across the systems that impact children’s lives. We already have the beginning of a remarkable group of professionals that will attend. What has been clear is a highlight of these trainings is the opportunity to connect with such wonderful colleagues.

Children bring their systems into the therapy room. Family dynamics, school experiences, medical contexts, and cultural expectations are often expressed through play, behavior, and relationship patterns. This training offers a clear and practical blend of theory and experience to help clinicians recognize and respond to these influences while maintaining a steady focus on the child. Violet said to bring make sure to bring up anger in the first session with a child and as she says in her article, “The Many Faces of Anger,” it is the most misunderstood and least tolerated emotion, you will learn how to address that in family sessions in a respectful and powerful way.

Drawing from the work of Violet Oaklander, the training will include:

• Case studies and original drawings from Violet’s files that illustrate family therapy work as well as children’s experiences with other systems

• Concrete, engaging strategies that can be used in your very next session

• Participants will leave with practical tools, including:

• Ways to include parents and family members in sessions

• Projective interventions that help children express the impact of the systems around them

• Strategies for strengthening the child’s sense of self, while assessing and utilizing available supports

• Approaches for working across settings, including schools and with others who are part of the systems that impact children

There will be opportunities to both learn and experience the work. As in past trainings, participants can expect a balance of theory and hands-on exercises that support contact, awareness, and expression, along with space to reflect on their own experience as clinicians.

We look forward to offering a space for thoughtful learning, practical application, and meaningful connection to the work. Also having great snacks, coffee and lunches with the amazing professionals who will be attending.

Scholarships available, submit your request here.

Who This is For

Clinicians, therapists, school-based professionals, and anyone working with children or adolescents who want to deepen both their clinical skill and systemic awareness.

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.”

“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