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

The OD Network Is Proud to Announce Recipients of the 2011 OD Network Awards

Each year, the OD Network recognizes a select number of people and organizations that have made significant contributions to the field of organization development. We are excited to share that a Gestalt Organization & Systems Development faculty member has received the ODN Lifetime Achievement Award for the third year in a row. Congratulations to Brenda Jones 2011 recipient.

The Organization Development Network, ODN,  Lifetime Achievement Award

• Brenda Jones   2011 OSD Faculty
• Edwin C. Nevis 2010 OSD Founder
• John D. Carter  2009 OSD Founder

For more information, visit www.odnetwork.org.

Join Us for a Workshop

Becoming a Better Intervener: A Gestalt Organization & Systems Development Workshop

The 5 day workshop dates are Nov 28 - Dec 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Read more on our Workshops page

Training Programs

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. The next program begins May 20–28, 2012 in Cleveland, Ohio.

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) starting October 10, 2012 in Seattle, Washington and a Weekend Format (9 weekend modules over 1 year) in Cleveland, Ohio. 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.

Organization & Systems Development Program (Standard Format) - currently in progress thru March 2012
3 Years/9 Modules

OSD International Program: A Gestalt Approach to Organization & Systems Development - currently in progress thru March 2012

Becoming a Better Intervener: Organization & Systems Development Intensive
1 year intensive - 5 modules

Organization & Systems Development Program (Weekend Format)
1 Year/9 Weekends

OSD International Coaching Program (OSDICP)

Gestalt OSD at OD Network Conference

Welcome to the Gestalt OSD Center

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

Edwin C. Nevis, Ph.D. is the 2010 ODN Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient. Edwin is co-founder of the Gestalt International Study Center, an educational organization that he and his wife, Sonia M, Nevis, formed in 1979. He also helped found the Gestalt Institute of Cleveland in 1956, where he remained as President until 1973, and as an active faculty member until 2001. While connected to the Cleveland Institute, he co-created the well known Organization & System Development Program (1977), and the International OSD Program (1991).

John D. Carter, Ph.D. 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 Carolyn Lukensmeyer. Carolyn presented a keynote address. See pictures from and read Twitter updates about the 2009 conference.

Edwin. C. Nevis

We are saddened by the loss of our Colleague and brother Edwin. C. Nevis. Edwin was an international leader in the development of Gestalt theory and application. His contribution as a co-founder to the body of knowledge around Gestalt Theory and Organizational Consulting is seminal. Many of us in this field recognize and appreciate how we have been influenced by Edwin’s product and presence. The Gestalt Institute of Cleveland would not have become an institution without his guiding hand. He went on to be the co-founder and President of the Gestalt International Study Center where he continued to blaze trails in Applied Behavior.

Edwin’s contributions to the world are too numerous to mention. Google Edwin Nevis and spend hours reviewing his work and contributions to our field, our country and the world.

Ed, we salute you!

Howard K. Jackson, Chair Gestalt Center for Organization and Systems Development

Rachel Ciporen, Chair Gestalt Institute of Cleveland Organization & Systems Development Integrative Studies Center

John D. Carter, OSD Centers President

Special Events

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.