The primary objective of the OSD Center is to further the use and development of Gestalt theory and methodology in organizational contexts. Offerings of the OSD Center include training programs, organizational consulting, research, and workshops.

In the OSD Spotlight

Read the December 2009 Newsletter from the Gestalt OSD Center, with news about Seattle Events in January and more.

Gestalt OSD at OD Network Conference 2009

Welcome to the Gestalt OSD Center

"Take a PowerPoint (re)view of the Center’s programs and faculty”

John D. Carter is the 2009 ODN Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient. The Gestalt Center for Organization & Systems Development, familiarly referred to as the OSD Center or simply Gestalt OSD, has been a supporter and sponsor of the OD Network Conference for many years. Our BBI workshop, back by popular demand yet again for 2009, is the longest running ODN pre-conference workshop. This year’s convention was especially sweet: John D. Carter was awarded ODN’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to our Gestalt Center for Organization & Systems Development, the Gestalt/OSD presence was represented as well by the Gestalt International Study Center and the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. And we were pleased and proud that a number of current and former faculty as well as graduates of OSD Center training programs were presenters, including three of the founders of Gestalt OSD programs: John D. Carter, Edwin C. Nevis, and Carolynn Lukensmeyer. Carolynn presented a keynote address. See pictures from and read Twitter updates about the 2009 conference.

Training Programs

The Organization & Systems Development Training Program (OSD Program) is a world-class Gestalt OSD training program that reflects over 30 years of innovative development and application of Gestalt OSD theory, concepts, and methodology. Participants gain invaluable knowledge and skills in intervention design and implementation at all levels of system, and receive immediate feedback from experienced instructors during structured practicums. The program has both a Standard Format (9 modules over 3 years) and a Weekend Format (9 weekend modules over 1 year). The Weekend Format provides an opportunity for individuals interested in the Gestalt Center's world-class OSD training to undertake the experience in a weekend format, requiring minimum time away from work. Both formats provides individuals with the theory, concept, methodology, skills, and techniques for effectively intervening at the individual, two-person, group, and organizational levels of system. Read more.

OSD International Training Program offers professionals effective alternatives for influencing the systems in which they work, and a cross-cultural milieu that challenges and develops participants beyond their already proven scope of accomplishments. The faculty includes representatives from four continents, and the five week-long sessions over a span of 16 months occur in five different countries. Read more.

OSD Group Intensive (Advanced Training) is for individuals who wish to enhance their knowledge of group process and their skills in group leadership. The program emphasizes the theoretical base and philosophy of Gestalt work with groups, including personal growth, task, and special design groups. Background theory and concepts of group dynamics are presented from historical and comparative approaches. This program also invites people from the local communities to serve as volunteer clients to further participants' learning. Read more.

OSD Becoming a Better Intervener (BBI) is a dynamic one-year, five-module training program designed for people involved in organizational change and large-scale organizational transformation. BBI provides an introduction to and practice in the body of knowledge developed in the Gestalt Center for Organization & Systems Development programs. A variety of methods are used in this program, including demonstrations, readings, simulations, role-plays, fieldwork assignments, small group practice, and step-by-step skill building experiences. Read more.

NEW! The OSD International Coaching Program (OSDICP) is the Center’s redesigned coach training program. The program’s predecessor, the OSD International Gestalt Coaching Program (OSDIGCP), was the first Gestalt-based coach training program accredited by the International Coach Federation. The OSDICP redesign maintains a focus on teaching the practice of coaching leadership and management using a Gestalt OSD theoretical and conceptual orientation, and is offered without ICF accreditation. Read more.

Workshops

An Introduction to Gestalt Workshop is being held January 26–28, 2010 at Seattle University in Seattle, Washington. Introductory workshops are led by Gestalt OSD Center faculty for 10-12 individuals working as a group to support individual personal growth and development. The workshop satisfies the Introductory Gestalt Workshop prerequisite for all OSD training program applicants. Read more. Enrollment limit for the Seattle workshop has been reached. Please send an email immediately to osdregistrar@gestaltosd.org to be placed on our wait list should an opening become available. Consider attending our Open House on January 28 to meet faculty and find out more about our training programs (see “Special Events” below).

OSD Workshop Series is the Gestalt OSD Center's outstanding series of awareness- and skill-building workshops that help participants increase their effectiveness in interactions and intervention designs in their organizations. The series is comprised of four 4-day workshops: (1) Working with Individuals, (2) Working with Two-Person Systems, (3) Working with Groups, and (4) Working with Organizations. Each workshop is self-contained; participants may sign up for single or multiple workshops as needed or desired. No prior Gestalt or OSD experience or training is required. Read more.

Special Events

Gestalt OSD Open House on Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 7-9pm in Seattle, Washington. This informal evening open house is designed to briefly introduce you to the Gestalt Organization & Systems Development approach and body of knowledge, and to answer any questions you may have about the Gestalt OSD Center’s training programs and opportunities. Several of our faculty members will lead the introductory session and remain available afterwards for conversation and any further individual questions. All are warmly welcome to attend, whether you are seriously considering training with us or simply curious. Light refreshments will be served. The Open House will be held on the Seattle University Campus.The event is free, but reservations would be appreciated. Click here to reserve your space.

Jeff Evans interviews John D. Carter on personal leadership in a podcast from VoiceAmerica.com, “Leading Out Loud.” Listen to it here.

John D. Carter and Veronica Hopper Carter presented a Master Teleclass on key concepts of Gestalt coaching and intervention on November 26, 2008, sponsored by Mobius Executive Leadership and Integral Leadership and Coaching. “Conversations with Masters” is a seven-month series of teleclasses for coaches engaging with pioneers and thought leaders in the field of coaching and Organizational Development. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Printable Brochures & Special Mailings

Read the December 2009 Newsletter from the Gestalt OSD Center, with news about Seattle Events in January and more.

Current PDF brochures available. For your convenience, information on OSD Training Programs is available for download under the Training Programs menu header in PDF. Please be aware that where discrepancies between the PDF brochures and the Web site occur, particularly regarding program schedule dates, the most current and reliable information will be found on the Web site. Note also that Continuing Education Credits are not offered at this time for OSD Training Program or workshop offerings. For other information, or to clarify any discrepancies, you may contact our registrar at 440.205.8606 or at osdregistrar@gestaltosd.org. OSD training programs offer a variety of structures and experiences that enhance participants' understanding of the Gestalt OSD approach to becoming a better intervener. Join us for a personal and professional experience unlike any other training program you have ever participated in before. Please forward information to interested friends and colleagues.