About 15 years ago a co-worker mentioned Nonviolent Communication (NVC). He was leading NVC groups for prison inmates in Northern California. A few years later “NVC” popped up again. My friend, Rilyn, who was then pregnant with her first child,…
In the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu says “To find the origin, trace back the manifestations. When you recognize the children and find the mother, you will be free of sorrow.” When I finally understood what that meant, I imagined…
First published in the Interamerican Journal of Psychology, 2009 Jung (1933, p. 234) expressed his opinion about the basis of psychological transformations with a simple, yet enigmatic statement, “We cannot change anything unless we accept it.” Many years later, Beisser…
This article is an excerpt from a chapter in, Clinical Activities in Child Therapy: Creative Applications in Therapeutic Practice. Jeff Chang, Editor. 2009 publication date Felicia Carroll, M. Ed., MA West Coast Institute for Gestalt Play Therapy Solvang, California USA…
Published in “Inviting reflexivity into the therapy room how therapists think in practice?” Kuenzli, F. (2006), REVISED in 2011 I have gathered over the years of practice of psychotherapy a list of helpful guidelines that assist me in respecting an…
They ask me if they can take their shoes off. They notice subtle changes in my office, week to week. Even at age 12 or 13, they will bring beloved stuffed animals to therapy sessions. They are often described as…
I want to share some thoughts on mastery. In my notes from one of Violet’s training programs I found a quote from Violet, “Frustration doesn’t teach children how to handle frustration.” In Hidden Treasure (p.57-58) Violet addresses the issue of mastery and…
The beauty of seeing the Oaklander Method work with children is powerful enough, but to watch someone 96 years old pick up crayons and pastels is really moving! I worked for a health insurance company recently for nearly one year.…
The Oaklander method has been a great source of learning, inspiration and support for me. It’s so useful to have a child-directed, embodied approach that helps me understand more fully about where young persons are coming from, their needs and…
