Oaklander Model Trainings
Virtual & In-Person Trainings
Violet Oaklander provided a blend of theory and experience to train therapists in her model of Gestalt Play Therapy. Karen’s trainings continue Violet's tone of fun, educational and experiential training for therapists featuring a variety of materials including drawing, puppets, clay, sand tray, picture cards and more!
Trainings Topics Include:
Developmental Issues, Therapeutic Process, Emotional Expression, Anger/Aggressive Energy, Grief and Loss, Working with Parents, Introduction to Sand Tray, Adolescents, Happiness, Working with Groups, Learning and Emotions, Executive Functioning (EF), ADHD, Using Technology, Anxiety, Depression, Suicide, Somatic Work, Self Nurturing, Self-compassion, Self Reflection, Termination, and more.
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
Learning Objectives
Understand core principles of the Oaklander Model in child therapy.
Identify systems beyond the family that impact a child’s development.
Recognize how systemic stressors affect children’s emotional and behavioral functioning.
Adapt Oaklander methods for use in school settings and short sessions.
Reflect on your own systemic influences and cultural assumptions.
Description
This training invites those working with children and adolescents to explore how the Oaklander Model can illuminate both the inner experiences and systemic influences shaping children’s lives. Through engaging presentations on school-based therapy and practicing practical applications, participants will learn ways to access and support children's emotional worlds. Violet Oaklander once said, “Children are impacted by more than just the family system,” and this training expands on that truth, offering tools and creative interventions for navigating cultural, educational, political, and medical systems that affect children’s development and sense of self. Ideal for clinicians of any level seeking to deepen their understanding of Gestalt play therapy in complex contexts, this training emphasizes both the expressive power of the child and the essential role of supportive environments.
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.”
“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
Upcoming In-Person Trainings
*Registration in Now Open for 2025-2026 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 26-27, 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
*Registration in Now Open for 2025-2026 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 26-27, 2027
Time: 8:00AM - 1:00PM Pacific
Topics: Self Nurturing, Introduction to Sand Tray.
Parts I - III 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 three-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
Próximas capacitaciones virtuales en español
“Los niños son afectados por mucho más que el sistema familiar.” – Violet Oaklander
¿De qué se trata este curso?
Desde la familia, la escuela, el sistema legal y médico, hasta la cultura misma, los niños viven en múltiples sistemas que pueden ser fuente de apoyo… o de sufrimiento. Cuando estos entornos generan o agravan experiencias traumáticas, muchos niños internalizan mensajes negativos (introyectos) sobre su valor, identidad y seguridad.
A través de teoría, trabajo vivencial, técnicas proyectivas y ejemplos clínicos, aprenderás a identificar y trabajar estos aspectos para fortalecer el sentido de sí mismo, integrar creencias más saludables y apoyar el proceso de sanación emocional.
Fechas:
15 y 16 de noviembre de 2025
De 8:00 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. (PST)
Vía ZOOM
Te invitamos a este encuentro experiencial y práctico, dirigido a terapeutas, educadores, consejeros escolares y profesionales de la salud mental interesados en herramientas vivenciales para la regulación emocional. ¡No necesitas tener formación previa en el Modelo Oaklander para participar!