Windows to Our Children: A Gestalt Therapy Approach to Children and Adolescents (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

With over 300 pages of methods, materials, techniques for working with children and adolescents, transcripts, case examples and discussion, this book more than fills a void in the child therapy literature. Counselors and therapists, in schools, mental health centers and private practice embrace this book. It is the largest selling book on the subject in the world.

About the Author

Violet Oaklander is the author of the book Windows To Our Children: A Gestalt Therapy Approach to Children and Adolescents (which is available in thirteen languages), several journal articles and book chapters for other people's books, as well as videotapes and audio tapes on psychotherapeutic work with children. She has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology; a Master of Arts in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling; and a Master of Science in Special Education with emotionally disturbed children. She completed three years of training with the Los Angeles Gestalt Therapy Institute and has been certified since 1973. She taught emotionally disturbed children in the Long Beach, CA school district for six years, and from 1972 until 1999 maintained a full time private practice in Long Beach, Hermosa Beach and later in Santa Barbara, CA. Since 1999, Dr. Oaklander has focused her work on training, teaching, supervision and writing. Dr. Oaklander spent many years as an instructor for the extension program of the University of California at the campuses in Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and San Diego and has been an adjunct faculty member of Pacifica Graduate Institute located in Carpenteria, CA as well as the California Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara. She has traveled extensively throughout the country and the world giving training seminars on her approach to working with children and adolescents. Dr. Oaklander's unique approach to working with children -- which combines Gestalt Therapy theory, philosophy, and practice with a variety of expressive techniques -- has won international recognition and she has received several awards for her cotribution to the mental health field.

Product Details

• Paperback: 335 pages
• Publisher: The Gestalt Journal Press (December 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0939266067
• ISBN-13: 978-0939266067
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #153,872 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ground-breaking approach to working with kids, June 26, 1999

By	Mha Atma S Khalsa ([e-mail]) (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

Windows to Our Children was written by Violet Oaklander 20 years ago and has become a classic for professionals who work with children, and for parents as well. It is filled with creative approaches to helping kids get in touch with and express their emotions. Dr. Oaklander describes many techniques using play and art therapy, including use of drawings, music, games, puppets, and many other effective avenues to assist children and adolescents in coming to terms with emotional needs, wounds, and challenges. Windows to Our Children is interesting, relevant, and easy to read. It is still used as a required text in many college courses, and should be very helpful to psychotherapists, teachers, parents, and anyone else who spends time with children. Dr. Oaklander is working on a sequel, updating her work with children over the last 20 years.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good, but get her newest book instead., July 16, 2005

By	Lynn's Daughter "Lynn's Daughter" (Albuquerque, NM) - See all my reviews

I was a school teacher for 9 years, and have been conducting therapy for several years as of the date that I'm updating this review, as well as working in psychiatric research.

I was told that I must have this book if I wanted to work with children, and I agree. Dr. Oaklander brings you into the world of the child as no one else does. [...]

When I ordered "Windows," I failed to receive my copy from the publisher, and was advised by Amazon to contact him directly. When I wrote the publisher, Mr. Wysong responded with a startling and unprovoked attack on my character, stating that he was going to contact the postmaster general about me, that I should never be allowed "any position of responsibility with children," and "clearly have some sort of personality disorder." I have never experienced anything like it since outside of my own clients, and I will never recommend or purchase anything published by him again. I note that Ms. Oaklander chose another publisher for her next book, which I'm certain is wonderful. It's a shame that his behavior may cost her royalties. I hope she can find a legal way around that.

[...]

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like Perls for Children, August 20, 2006

By	David S. Narang (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have a thriving passion for experiential work, and Violet shows how it is applicable to child treatment. Dr. Oaklander has a deep respect for and understanding of children. She knows how to use their imaginations (and her own) to help them both heal and develop internal resources. I have included her ideas in my own therapeutic work with children/teens, and also in training clinicians. This is my favorite child therapy book. Her new book is due out in December 2006.