She empathizes with both children in their right to their feelings and suggests possible deeper causes for their conflicts. Oaklander, a Gestalt therapist, works toward the goal of integrating the split off aspects of the self, as she validates feelings and recommends ways of dealing with problems. While her therapeutic use of clay is not unusual, her sand play technique is somewhat different. She places sand in a small plastic container, has water available in a pitcher and toy objects in containers, unlike many sand play therapists who display objects on shelves. The technique of Gestalt Therapy, founded by Fritz Perls, is interesting in that the therapist asks the child to imagine that he is all parts of his sand play construction, thus furthering the goal of integrating disavowed (split off) parts of the self.
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Violet Oaklander, PhD
Violet Oaklander, PhD (1927-2021) was internationally renowned for her unique approach, incorporating Gestalt Therapy and expressive techniques with children and adolescents. She received several awards, and authored numerous articles, as well as two books: the classic Windows to Our Children: A Gestalt Therapy Approach to Children and Adolescents and Hidden Treasure: A Map to the Child's Inner Self. The Violet Soloman Oaklander Foundation was established to continue her work and training programs.
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