Hidden Treasure: A Map to the Child's Inner Self

This classic edition of Violet Oaklander’s groundbreaking book presents her pioneering approach to engaging with children who enter therapy. A new introduction by Peter Mortola reflects on the ways that Hidden Treasure continues to inform therapeutic practice all over the world.

Most of the literature available on working with children is written from a traditional ‘play therapy’ point of view; the Gestalt therapy-based approach detailed here provides a more effective method for psychotherapeutic work with children of all ages. With a focus on the relationship between the therapist and the client, Violet Oaklander shows a wide variety of creative, expressive, and projective techniques in her work, and each chapter reflects and exemplifies the use of this work in the service of therapy. This dynamic approach is applicable to a wide variety of ages as well as individual, family, and group settings.

This book will interest child and adolescent psychotherapists, psychologists, social workers, counsellors, school personnel, and parents, as well as graduate students.