Hidden Treasure is a powerful and groundbreaking book by Violet Oaklander. As a follow up to her first book, Windows To Our Children, Hidden Treasure offers a fresh and effective approach to psychotherapeutic work with children of all ages. Oaklander’s Gestalt Therapy-based approach focuses on the relationship between the therapist and client, creating a dynamic and transformative experience.

Unlike traditional play therapy, which relies on observation and interpretation, Oaklander’s approach emphasizes the power of the therapeutic relationship. Through a wide range of creative and expressive techniques, such as art, storytelling, and play, therapists can connect deeply with their young clients, uncovering hidden emotions and helping them navigate the challenges they face.

One of the strengths of Hidden Treasure is its applicability to a variety of ages and settings. Whether working with individuals, families, or groups, Oaklander’s techniques can be adapted to meet the unique needs of each child. This makes it an invaluable resource for child and adolescent psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and school personnel.

In addition to professionals, parents and adults interested in inner child work can also benefit from reading Hidden Treasure. By gaining insight into the Gestalt Therapy-based approach, they can learn new ways to connect with and support their children or their own inner child.

The Power of Gestalt Therapy

What sets Hidden Treasure apart from other books in the field is Oaklander’s emphasis on the therapeutic relationship. Unlike traditional play therapy, which often focuses on the therapist as an observer and interpreter, Gestalt Therapy places the therapist as an active and engaged participant in the child’s healing process.

This approach creates a safe and supportive space for the child to explore their experiences and emotions. By fostering a strong and trusting relationship, the therapist becomes a partner in the child’s journey, offering guidance and support while also allowing space for self-discovery.

Oaklander’s use of creative, expressive, and projective techniques adds depth and richness to the therapeutic process. Through art, storytelling, and play, children can access their inner worlds, express their thoughts and feelings, and develop new insights and coping strategies.

By working with the child holistically, incorporating mind, body, and spirit, Oaklander’s approach honors the uniqueness of each individual and validates their experiences. This can be incredibly empowering and transformative for children who have often felt unseen or misunderstood.

A Practical and Accessible Guide

Hidden Treasure is an accessible and practical guide for therapists, providing step-by-step instructions and examples of how to incorporate the Gestalt Therapy-based approach into their practice. Each chapter explores a specific technique or concept, and Oaklander shares real-life case examples to illustrate the effectiveness of the method.

The book also includes helpful tips and suggestions for adapting the techniques to different age groups and settings. Whether working with young children, adolescents, or families, therapists can find valuable tools and strategies to enhance their practice and deepen their connections with their clients.

Additionally, Hidden Treasure provides valuable insights into the benefits of Gestalt Therapy for both clients and therapists. Oaklander highlights the joy and fulfillment that can come from this approach, as therapists witness the growth and transformation of their clients. By sharing her own experiences and reflections, she offers inspiration and encouragement to therapists embarking on this journey.

Order Your Copy of Hidden Treasure

Hidden Treasure is an essential resource for anyone working with children or interested in inner child work. Whether you are a professional seeking new therapeutic approaches or a parent wanting to better understand and support your child, this book offers valuable insights and practical tools.

By embracing the power of the therapeutic relationship and incorporating creative and expressive techniques, Oaklander’s Gestalt Therapy-based approach can unlock the hidden treasures within each child. Through this transformative work, children can find healing, growth, and a deep sense of self.

Order your copy of Hidden Treasure today and embark on a journey of discovery and transformation.