When Violet Oaklander wrote her first book, Windows to Our Children, she had contemplated using the title "What to do With the Kid in the Room".  Her model gives therapists many tools (experiential exercises) to work with the child through projection and metaphor in order to strengthen her sense of self and improve contact with herself and her environment.  This presentation includes a brief overview of the Oaklander model, a hands-on experiential exercise and live demonstration between the presenter and…

"Know what to do and why you are doing it" This integrative modality offers a therapeutic experience that activates the senses, emotions, creativity, and intellect with children and adolescents in interactive Gestalt Play Therapy. The Salon includes a brief overview of Gestalt theory and experiential practice in order to better support a depth of understanding when using projective modalities in Gestalt Play Therapy. COME AND PLAY! Stephanie Pawlowicz has a private practice in Santa Barbara, California where she specializes with children, adolescents,…

Social Justice is a hot topic these days. As therapists, we are seeing a wide variety of clients who are harmed by issues of oppression and prejudice. I will lead a discussion of how gestalt therapy fits with a social justice perspective. I will talk about aspects of gestalt therapy such as phenomenology and field theory to make a connection between gestalt therapy and social justice. Stefanie Funke has a private practice in West Los Angeles and has worked at…

Some of the most painful experiences in our lives have to do with feelings of being stuck. Knowing we want to be able to do something differently, but not being able to take the steps necessary for growthful movement to occur. Some version of, “ I want to do X, but I don’t”, or “I don’t want to do X, but I do.” Via discussion, written exercises and some active experimentation, this salon will be an exploration of stuckness in…