Karen Fried, Psy.D., LMFT
Sandtray Play Therapy Using the Oaklander Model
Webinar via Zoom:
Friday, August 28, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. CDT
The late Dr. Violet Oaklander, author of Windows to Our Children, and Hidden Treasure, applied the principles of Gestalt Therapy for children, adolescents and families. Her books and model have been translated in several languages and read by therapists throughout the world. In this workshop, we will demonstrate through theory, case studies, and practice how the sandtray can be a powerful tool to use in Gestalt Play support strategies for children and adolescents. Using the Oaklander Model of Gestalt Play, participants will learn the fundamentals of both virtual and in-person sandtray work. This training will teach how to apply the theory and technique of these projective strategies. Dr. Oaklander’s approach, employed by therapists worldwide in dozens of cultural contexts, is particularly suited to exploring and extending both the connectedness and the individuality of each growing self. In this training, Karen Fried, Psy.D., M.F.T., will show participants, through a blend of theory and hands-on experience, how to use this remarkably adaptable Oaklander Model.
Registration & seats are limited
Because we value quality and interaction, space is limited. Secure your spot now.
What you’ll gain
- Eligible for CE credits (APT, NBCC, ASWB)
- Deepened competence in sandtray work
- Practical tools you can bring directly into your clinical work
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A small‐group, interactive format that invites personal reflection and professional growth
Don’t wait!
Seats will fill quickly. If you’re interested in expanding your sandtray therapy toolkit — and in exploring the deep interplay of light and shadow in the therapeutic space — please register today.
We look forward to seeing you on August 28th for what promises to be a rich and transformative training.
Objectives:
- Apply the principles of the Oaklander Model using play therapy to the sand tray, focusing on the “I/Thou” relationship and non-hierarchical therapeutic engagement.
- List and experience the steps of forming a prompt, selecting the items, and making the tray through the four-part sequence: imaginary experience, sensory expression, narrative articulation, and sense-making application.
- Identify the types of toys and miniatures that are helpful for a comprehensive sand tray play therapy collection, including animals, people, fantasy figures, nature elements, household items, and symbols of war or faith.
- Define what and when the self-nurturing process is used in the Oaklander Model, specifically as it relates to strengthening the child’s sense of self and their ability to own various aspects of their projection.
- Explain how the Self-nurturing process works with clients using the Oaklander Model and Play Therapy, helping clients integrate symbolic material to reach the “making sense” and “existential message” levels of the therapeutic work.
About Karen Fried:
Karen Fried, Psy.D., M.F.T. is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an Educational Therapist in West Los Angeles, California. She has a private practice in Psychotherapy and was founding director of the K&M Center. Inc., a learning center providing educational and remedial services. Karen uses the Oaklander Model of Child Therapy in her practice and is the past-President of the Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation. She trains child and adolescent therapists in the US and internationally. Training, online tools, and many resources can be found at karenfried.com.
International Trainings and Presentations:
Karen has presented to participants from 55 countries virtually and many in person. In response to COVID-19, Karen presented an article series to an international audience of child and adolescent therapists: “Just for Now, Using the Oaklander Model in a Time of Crisis” on a zoom call. We were so fortunate to have Violet Oaklander present along with participants from around the globe until her passing in 2021. Karen provides training, presentations and consultations in the US and globally on the use of Gestalt Therapy with children.