Welcome to Oaklander Training

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.

Oaklander Model Projective Cards

Our Projective Cards are now available to order as a deck of cards! Each deck includes directions with eight different levels of use, 50 full color unique designs, information about the Author Karen Fried, and come in a sturdy plastic box.

Projective cards can be used as a projective activity for children. They are particularly helpful for children who don’t like to draw, or when you are short on time.

Available for US & International shipping!

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Upcoming Trainings

All offerings 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!

Most training opportunities are provided virtually on Zoom and we have resumed in-person options as well!

Virtual & In-Person Supervision

Individual and group supervision sessions meet the criteria for group supervision hours for certification by the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation.

These supervision sessions will be fun, experiential and great learning opportunities for participants to reflect and receive supervision upon yourselves as therapists, as well as how to work with your clients.


Introducing our newest app: Mindful Draw!

A therapeutic and relaxing painting tool. As you brush onto the screen, your strokes evaporate away moments later. Now available to everyone at no charge!


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Healing Through Play Courses Now on Teachable!

Healing Through Play courses continue Violet Oaklander's tone of fun, effective, and experiential training for therapists working with children, adolescents, and their families. Lessons include a combination of theory, application, and demonstrations which can be utilized in Gestalt Therapy with children, psychotherapy with children, and play therapy. 

Current courses include Sand Tray, the Rosebush Drawing, and Puppets (Brief Therapy and Dollhouse coming soon!).

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Guidebook Now Available!

Healing Through Play Using the Oaklander Model: A Guidebook for Therapists and Counselors Working with Children, Adolescents and Families

Karen Fried PsyD LMFT
Christine McKenna LMFT LPCC

Now Available in English and Spanish!


Virtual Use of the Oaklander Model in a Time of Crisis

We are all too aware that we find ourselves in an unprecedented global crisis due to COVID-19.

As a child therapist who uses the Violet Oaklander Model of Gestalt Therapy with Children, I wish both to gather and to share my thoughts about employing it with children and families in this particular time of social distancing and virtual therapy.

Learn More & Join the Monthly Calls >