Felicia Carrol: Insights from a Pioneer in Gestalt Play Therapy

Lessons from the Playroom

Original Air Date: May 10, 2022

In this episode, Lisa welcomes a guest who holds a special place in her heart and professional journey—Felicia Carrol, a leading expert in Gestalt Play Therapy. As a Certified Gestalt Therapist, Lisa draws on one of the foundational theories of Synergetic Play Therapy, making this conversation particularly meaningful.

Felicia Carrol, LMFT, RPT-S, is the founder and director of the West Coast Institute for Gestalt Therapy with Children and Adolescents. An international educator, Felicia has conducted training across numerous countries and has contributed extensively to the play therapy field through her publications. As a direct student and close friend of the late Violet Oaklander, Felicia brings a wealth of knowledge and personal anecdotes.

Join Lisa and Felicia in a grounding and heartfelt discussion where you will:

• Discover the history and development of Gestalt Play Therapy, highlighting Violet Oaklander's significant contributions.
• Gain insight into the principles of Gestalt Play Therapy, including its paradigm and the 4 Pillars established by Violet Oaklander.
• Explore often overlooked yet powerful concepts such as "being for" your client, the "self-nurturing" technique, and the importance of a dialogic relationship.
• Learn about common misconceptions in Gestalt Play Therapy and the broader play therapy field, particularly regarding directive versus non-directive modalities.
• Hear personal and professional stories about Violet Oaklander, celebrating her legacy and the profound impact she had on play therapy.

This episode is dedicated to Violet Oaklander, who passed away on September 21, 2021, at the age of 94. A pioneering child and adolescent therapist, Violet is renowned for integrating Gestalt Therapy with play therapy, and her groundbreaking book, "Windows to Our Children," revolutionized the field.

Tune in to reconnect with the roots of play therapy and honor the legacy of Violet Oaklander. Thank you, Felicia, for sharing your wisdom and experiences.

Podcast Resources:

• Synergetic Play Therapy Institute
• Synergetic Play Therapy Learning Website
• FREE Resources to support you on your play therapy journey
• Aggression in Play Therapy: A Neurobiological Approach to Integrating Intensity

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