top of page

An Introduction to The Oaklander Model of Therapy with Children and Young People

PIP Solutions Training are hosting Dr Karen Fried to deliver the 3 days in person "Introduction to The Oaklander Model of Therapy". This course is for qualified therapists and mental health practitioners who want to learn, develop or enhance their skills to work with children and young people.

Dates: 10th-12th October 2025 (Friday - Sunday)

Venue:  voco® St. John's Solihull Hotel, 651 Warwick Rd, Solihull B91 1AT

An Introduction to The Oaklander Model of Therapy with Children and Young People_edited.jp

About the Training

Course Overview

An Introduction to The Oaklander Model of Therapy with Children and Young People is a unique and exciting opportunity to learn from Karen Fried who trained under Dr Violet Oaklander. 

 

Developed by Dr Violet Oaklander, the model combines Gestalt Therapy theory, philosophy, and practice with a variety of play and art expressive techniques.  You will learn to apply Gestalt principles safely and effectively through non-directive and directive activities as a means of a dialogue of expression to enable the child client to organise and give meaning to their experiences.  An experiential training it will feature a variety of mediums including drawing, clay, sand tray, picture cards and more.

Learning Objectives

  • Learn the principles of Gestalt Play Therapy through a blend of theory and experience, which utilizes imagination, play and fun.

  • Understand the steps in the therapeutic process, including how to help children develop a strong sense of self, as well as be connected to themselves and their environment. 

  • Learn how to effectively work with emotions: facilitate emotional literacy and expression using materials familiar and enjoyable for children and adolescents.

Course Structure

Course Delivery 

The Introduction to the Oaklander Model of Therapy with Children and Young People has three modules delivered over 3 days: 9.00 – 5.00 pm.

Modules​​​​

Module 1: Therapeutic Process

- What brings children to therapy

- Contact Functions and Sense of Self

- Process of Projection

Module 2: Experiencing the Model

- Emotional Expression

- Anger/Aggressive Energy

- Self-Nurturing Process

Module 3: Working with Parents and Introduction to Sand Tray

- Working with Parents

- Introduction to Sand Tray

- Termination

CPD Points

Participants who complete the 3 days in-person "Introduction to The Oaklander Model of Therapy with Children and Young People" will receive a Certificate of Attendance.

Individuals will need to refer back to their Membership Body to ascertain whether this qualifies for CPD points

Further information

For further details about the Oaklander Institute Training visit: oaklandertraining.org

Karen Fried

Karen Fried, Psy.D., M.F.T. is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Educational Therapist in Santa Monica, California.  She uses The Oaklander Model of Child Therapy in her private practice in Psychotherapy.

 

She is the President of the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation and is Co-Director of the K&M Center. Inc., a learning centre providing educational and remedial services to students ranging from 4 years old to college age.

 

Karen trains child and adolescent therapists in the US and internationally.  Hosted by PIP Solutions, this is the first time that Dr Karen Fried will be delivering The Oaklander Model face to face in the UK.

karen F.jpg

Details

Venue

voco® St. John's Solihull Hotel

651 Warwick Rd

Solihull

B91 1AT

Date

Friday 12th October -

Sunday 14th October, 2025

Time

9.00 am - 5.00 pm

Hotel Booking

For a discounted rate on accommodation directly contact: voco® St. John's Solihull Hotel: 01221 7127601

Cost and Payment Plans

Book here

 

Browse through our collection of Online Children's Counselling Courses below

Accredited Training

Experiential accredited courses, written for qualified therapists, delivered by the PIP Solutions' Team

Refresher Series

1.5 hour refresher sessions designed to top up understanding and get support in particular areas. 

On Demand CPD

Enjoy PIP Solutions’ collection of On-Demand CPD, covering a broad range of topics to help you in your practice.

PIP Solutions has chosen to work in collaboration with PayItMonthly in order to be able to offer you a payment plan. You can do this for individual or multiple PIP Solutions' courses. For more information click here to visit our Payment Plan Page

bottom of page