About Oaklander Training

For 35 years Violet Oaklander devoted her life to writing, teaching, working as a psychotherapist, and traveling the world to train thousands of clinicians.

Our training program provides the fundamentals of the Oaklander Model and applies Violet's creative projective Gestalt therapy to current clinical issues affecting children. The Oaklander Model's theoretical orientation allows therapists and trainers to develop an effective set of experiential tools that facilitate healing and growth in today's children and adolescents.

For 25 years Violet conducted intensive two-week Summer training programs in California. Her last summer training was in 2007. Our training program picks up where Violet left off. With 30 years of combined experience working with Violet and the Oaklander Model, we are thrilled to share what we know with you, so that you can thrive in your work with children, adolescents and their families.

Violet Solomon Oaklander 1927 - 2021

Violet Oaklander was the author of the books Windows to Our Children: A Gestalt Therapy Approach to Children and Adolescents (now published in 16 languages) and Hidden Treasure: A Map to the Child’s Inner Self (now published in 8 languages) as well as several journal articles, book chapters, and audio and video recordings on psychotherapeutic work with children. She earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, a Master of Arts in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling, a Master of Science in Special Education with emotionally disturbed children, and was a certified Gestalt therapist.

Violet’s unique approach to working with children, which combines Gestalt Therapy theory, philosophy, and practice with a variety of expressive techniques, has won international recognition. She earned a lifetime achievement award from the Association of Play Therapy, U.S., and received numerous other awards for her contribution to the mental health field.

Violet Solomon Oaklander, beloved family member, friend, and mentor to countless people near and far, took her final breath in her own bed on September 21, 2021 at age 94.

Read her full obituary on Los Angeles Times.