Latest courses
West London Film Club: therapy seminars 2026
A short series of informal evening seminars in London W3 featuring contemporary training DVDs.
Violet Oaklander-inspired Gestalt arts training intensives, 2026: parts 2 and 3
These 2 in-person training courses, the second and third of 3 such short courses, will interest Gestalt counsellors and psychotherapists, senior trainees and also therapists from other disciplines. Participants form a learning community and acquire knowledge...
Violet Oaklander-inspired Gestalt arts training intensives, 2026: part 1
"All together now" – a sandtray scene Part 1: the basics - working creatively with drawing, clay and sand This in-person training, the first of 3 such short courses, will interest Gestalt counsellors and psychotherapists, senior trainees and also therapists from...
Arts-based training
Learning to use clay as a therapeutic tool: Rzeszów, Poland, 2017
The 7 major arts modalities
For over 20 years I have taught the Violet Oaklander arts-based approach to child and adolescent therapy, which seeks to engage young people and their families in respectful dialogue. This approach utilises 7 major arts modalities:
- drawing and painting
- sculpting with clay
- sand tray work
- music and voice
- drama and movement
- puppetry
- creative writing
Using arts-based interventions also interests many adult clients, as well as children and adolescents.
The various modalities assist with managing anxiety and expressing strong feelings like anger and grief. They help build awareness and self-confidence while developing creativity, and encourage open and honest self-expression. To this end, they encourage richer choice-making and personal agency, building resilience.
Video: testimonial from Tara, participant on week-long training on working with children and adolescents
As a trainer I am available for conferences and keynote speeches, ‘live’ demonstrations and workshops.
I deliver short training courses in:
- arts-based counselling and psychotherapy
- child psychotherapy
- adolescent psychotherapy
- creativity and play
- Lifemusic
I have delivered training to counsellors, psychotherapists, school support staff, hospice staff, pastoral care workers and community school nurses.
Video: working with sand trays, from training session in Poland
Video by Anna Ziomek
“The course material was interesting, accessible and fun. It’s given me confidence to incorporate using arts methods in my work.”
RT, special needs teacher, Devon.
“Your heartful work with teens has equipped me to work more creatively with young fire setters.”
MT, Pastoral care worker, London Fire Brigade.
Working with young adults, adolescents and children: a year-long Gestalt arts intensive 2023/24
Drawing workshop: Toronto, summer 2018
Gestalt adolescence training: Tbilisi, Georgia, Oct 2015
These pictures illustrate a therapists’ training workshop on working with adolescents using the arts at Gestalt Institute, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Violet Solomon Oaklander Foundation
I am a member and guest tutor with the Violet Soloman Oaklander Foundation. See details of my workshops in the UK and abroad on the VSOF website.
Some other training workshops I’ve led…
Accomplishment! Conclusion of (part 1) Working with children course: Institute of Training and Education in Gestalt, Rzeszów, Poland 2017
Gestalt approach to working with adolescents, Gestalt Centre, London, 2016
Exploring angry feelings using expressive arts methods. Conclusion of therapists’ course, Krapina, Croatia, 2016
“Great variety: teaching, experimental/experiential – brilliant! Good pace, really helpful sessions. Plenty of chance to have a go, try new things, ask questions, share in the group. Great handbook.”
CJ.
“Loved the theory and practical combination – a lot covered in a short period. I liked the ‘humanness’ of the approach. Able to participate and interact as a group of equals.”
SB.