Violet Oakalander

Violet Oaklander was born in 1927, and lived to the age of 94. She was the foremost exponent of the Gestalt approach to working with children. She leaves behind a legacy of books and training (https://vsof.org and https://www.oaklandertraining.org). She herself suffered some childhood trauma, which she recognises as a motivation to work with children. For 27 years she conducted training in child play therapy in California. She attended a Gestalt workshop with Jim Simkin in 1969, when her son was dying of lupus. Her classic book Windows to Our Children is in the library. she often said, ‘I don't fix kids.’ Her focus was on the authentic relationship between client and therapist, the I-thou, cultivating genuineness and openness, and working in the present.

Violet Oaklander - 3 cases and discussion

Violent Oaklander - case demonstration and discussion