Service Description

To provide a training experience that focuses on the development of the therapist's interrelational capabilities with children, adolescents, and their families, we offer a comprehensive three-phase program over one year. This provides more opportunities to focus on the therapist's self-awareness when working with a child or adolescent. ​ Each phase of the Intensive program is designed to build theoretical understanding and clinical skills in working with children and adolescents from a contemporary Gestalt Play Therapy perspective. Between each phase is an online meeting to support attendees in applying the skills they have learned, foster community, and share experiences working in their respective settings. WCI's programs incorporate the principles and practices of playful, creative therapeutic interventions that foster each client's growth, regardless of age. Recent research in neuroscience, attachment theory, and relational psychotherapy is presented as confirmation and extension of the Gestalt play therapy approach. Each day includes didactic discussion and experiential practicum sessions that aim to integrate theory with practice while increasing competence in using expressive play therapy modalities. The focus of this program is the application of Gestalt Play Therapy principles, as represented in the work of Violet Oaklander, PhD, author of Windows to Our Children: A Gestalt Approach to Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and Hidden Treasure: A Map to the Child’s Inner Self. An emphasis in this training will be on the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship as the heart of treatment and the processes of integration. ​ This training is limited to 12 participants, which allows for interactive, experiential learning. Participants are asked to read Dr. Oaklander’s books, Windows to Our Children and Hidden Treasure, available through http://vsof.org. Other readings will be made available to those attending the training(s). Presenters: Felicia Carroll, MEd. MA, LMFT, RPT-S Valente Orozco, LCSW, RPT-S & Other Core Faculty CE: 80hr (76 Contact + 4 Live Webinar) *** Daily schedule times are approximate and will be discussed and decided by the group *** $350 Deposit due with registration