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

Training Programs

OSD Group Intensive (Advanced Training) begins January 2009. This program 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–find out how. Read more.

Volunteer Clients for Group Intensive Program.
Witness how effective Gestalt group process skills are when applied in various learning and practicum settings. The Gestalt Center for Organization & Systems Development Group Intensive Training Program provides the local community with a unique venue for participating in a personal growth group experience. In groups of 8–10, volunteer clients are exposed to and learn from basic Gestalt concepts for facilitating group processes. At a minimum, this experience prospectively heightens awareness of one's personal presence and impact upon others and increases one's interpersonal skills.

This outstanding opportunity is open to all adults, and commonly results in a mix of age, sex, and race among client group members. Typical client occupational backgrounds include health care, social work, therapists of all categories, business owners, management personnel, tradesmen, and homemakers. All, however, are welcome!

Schedule The program holds two weekend sessions with client groups, running Friday through Sunday (in 2009, the client sessions will be January 23–25 and May 15–17). As a volunteer client group member, you may attend one or both sessions. Session times are:

• Friday, 6:30pm to 9:30pm
• Saturday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
• Sunday, 9:30am to 12:30pm

Fees Your participation as a client in the Group Intensive Training Program is acknowledged to be a contribution to our students' learning as well as a learning opportunity for you. The nonrefundable client registration fee is set at a nominal $25.00. This fee may be waived for those (particularly college students) demonstrating financial hardship.

Volunteer Client Registration Apply online or download the Volunteer Client Application Form. If a paper copy is necessary, please contact Gigi Maganja at 440.205.8606.) If not applying online, mail or fax your application form to: GICOSDISC, P.O. Box 1569, Mentor, OH 44061 or 440.205.8606. Include your $25 registration fee with your application. You may pay by personal check, money order, or credit card (see application form). Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis. A limited number of registrants will be accepted, so be sure to apply early and to submit your registration fee along with your application. If you have questions, please contact Fannie Wright at osdregistrar@gestaltosd.org or call Gigi at 440.205.8606 (yes, same as fax number). You will be notified once your application form with accompanying fee payment has been received and processed for acceptance.

Becoming a Better Intervener VII begins February 2009. This 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. Applications are being accepted now. Read more.

OSD Weekend Format IV begins February 2009. This program 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. The program provides individuals with the theory, concept, methodology, skills, and techniques for effectively intervening at the individual, two-person, group, and organizational levels of system. Applications are being accepted now. Read more.

OSD International Ninth Training Program begins May 2009. The OSD International 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. Application deadline is April 1, 2009. Don’t delay. Read more.

International Gestalt Coaching Program (IGCP VI) returns Fall 2009. The Coaching Program, the only Gestalt-based coach training program accredited by the International Coach Federation, undertakes its sixth offering Fall 2009. This program is designed to teach the practice of coaching leadership and management using a Gestalt theoretical and conceptual orientation. Watch for startup dates. Read more.

OSD XVIII begins Fall 2009. This world-class Gestalt OSD training program reflects over 30 years of innovative development and application of Gestalt OSD theory, concepts, and methodology. Participants gain invaluable knowledge and skills about intervention design and implementation at all levels of system, and receive feedback from experienced instructors in structured practicums. Watch for startup dates. Read more.

Special Events

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.

The Gestalt OSD Center is pleased to be a Program Partner with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for the Museum's newly opened exhibit "RACE: Are We Really So Different?" The exhibit confronts the issue of race and racism in the United States through the perspectives of science, history, and everyday experience. It runs until January 4, 2009. As part of the exhibit's design, a series of Town Hall meetings and events with talking circles has been scheduled to further discussions of people's responses to the exhibit and the contemporary experience of race and racism. We believe this is an excellent opportunity for the Gestalt OSD Center and its graduates to give back to and support the community by participating in these important and challenging dialogues. We are asking you to consider becoming a volunteer facilitator at these events. If you are available and interested, please contact Monika K. Moss at 216.320.9733 or monika@mkmmanagement.com. For full information on this extraordinary exhibit and related events, go the Museum's website.

Workshops

OSD Workshop Series returns in March 2009. The Gestalt OSD Center’s premier series of awareness- and skill-building workshops help participants increase their effectiveness in their organizations. Four self-contained workshops focus on the individual, two-person, group, and organizational levels of system. Early application is encouraged. Read More.

Gestalt presence was strong at OD Network Conference 2008

The Gestalt Center for Organization & Systems Development, familiarly referred to as the OSD Center, has been a supporter and sponsor of the OD Network Conference for many years. Our BBI workshop, back by popular demand this year, is the longest running ODN pre-conference workshop and has sold out each time it's been offered.

Printable Brochures & Special Mailings

PDF Brochures for 2008–2009 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.

Also available is a downloadable PDF copy of our first US Newsletter mailing.
The file includes a copy of our Newsletter and a personal letter from Gestalt OSD Center President John D. Carter.