About the Course
The workshop is designed to build theoretical understanding and clinical skills from the perspective of contemporary Gestalt psychotherapy. Experiential and interactive, the workshop aims to integrate theory with practice through the modalities of creative arts. The emphasis will be on individual psychotherapy and the application of Gestalt therapy principles represented in the works of Violet Oaklander, Ph.D., author of Windows to Our Children; A Gestalt Approach to Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy (1989) and Hidden Treasure; A Map to the Child's inner Self (2007).This workshop will examine closely factors that bring about change and growth for a child or adolescent through the therapeutic process of Gestalt Therapy and the processes of integration. Utilizing the modalities of play therapy and the integration of contemporary neurobiology and Gestalt Therapy, participants will develop in-depth understanding of the Oaklander Approach. Working in pairs or small groups, participants will have opportunities for group consultation and practice.
Course Outline
Principals of Gestalt Therapy
Neuroscience of Play and Gestalt Therapy
Directive and non-directive play therapy: Play Therapy Dimensions
Understanding Psychopathology - why children come for therapy
Introduction to Oaklander approach
Understanding the application of the therapeutic process - Therapeutic relationship, Contact, Building self support, Emotional expression and Working with projections
Course Objectives
At the end of the workshop, participants will learn:
Overview of the therapeutic process developed by Violet Oaklander
Overview of key neuroscience findings that supports Gestalt principles
Gestalt relational perspective on child development and the nature of the self
Gestalt play therapy process of working with projections through creative arts
Who Should Attend
Practitioners working with children and adolescents in the field of health and mental health (such as psychiatry, psychology, psychiatric nursing, special needs, medical doctors), helping professions (such as social work, counseling) and related fields (such childcare/student care setting, physical therapy, art therapy, or other related fields).
Award
This workshop is accredited with West Coast Institute (http://westcoastinstitute.us/) and the training hours will be counted towards certification as a Certified Gestalt Therapist with Children and Adolescents with WCI. For more information, please go to http://westcoastinstitute.us/certification/.
Your Trainer
Ms Lee Sock Kuan
Lee Sock Kuan has been working with children, couples and familites for over 13 years and is a certified Gestalt Therapist with Children and Adolescents with West Coast Institute. As the first to receive her certification in AsiaPacific region, Sock Kuan is excited to further her work with children and their families on coping with stress, attachment, challenging behaviour and loss issues in the Gestalt approach. Besides, Gestalt Therapy, she has received specialised training in Play Therapy, Sandplay Therapy, art facilitation, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Family Therapy and Emotional Focused Therapy. Sock Kuan also supervises and trains therapists, psychologists and social workers. She is a registered Clinical Member and Clinical Supervisor of the Singapore Association for Counselling. Besides being certified with West Coast Institute, she is a also a Certified Practitioner in Therapeutic Play Skills with Play Therapy International.
Testimonials
Anonymous, 20 Jun 2023
Thanks for the insightful sessions! And for holding the space for us :) really learnt a lot and can’t wait to practise the skills
Anonymous, 20 Jun 2023
Good variety of theoretical and applied aspects of play therapy.
Anonymous, 20 Jun 2023
Appreciate Sock Kuan’s lively energy and enthusiasm in sharing about Play therapy and her experiences with clients.
