Gestalt Heritage

Psychologists Sonia March Nevis and Edwin C. Nevis together led in the development of powerful techniques to transform organization and family interactions based on Gestalt theory. After studying with the originators of Gestalt therapy, they helped to found two of the most successful Gestalt training organizations in the world. Sonia Nevis pioneered the expansion of Gestalt therapy application, first to couples and families, and then to small groups and teams. To teach this work, she established the Cape Cod Training Program (formerly known as the Couple and Family Training Program), which has drawn participants from around the world for decades. Sonia Nevis also co-authored The Evolution of the Cape Cod Model: Gestalt Conversations, Theories, and Practice. Edwin Nevis was a creator of the Gestalt approach to organizational consulting, consulting to Fortune 500 companies, and writing Organizational Consulting: A Gestalt Approach and co-authoring Intentional Revolutions: A Seven-Point Strategy for Transforming Organizations, in addition to many other articles.

Over the years Sonia and Edwin Nevis trained thousands of consultants, coaches, therapists, and leaders worldwide, transforming their effectiveness. Their participants have gone on to extend the development of new theory and practice and now form the core of GISC’s experienced faculty and Professional Associates.

The values of optimism, generosity, integrity, and professional curiosity embodied by the Center’s founders have become the foundation upon which GISC now stands. 

GISC is on the move: advancing our leadership theory and offerings to reflect current market demands, building on successes in our Healthcare Initiative, planning purposeful movement into the world of virtual learning, and growing our certification programs. Our International Coach Federation Accredited Coach Training Program has now graduated well over 100 coaches and, in 2020, we launched an Advanced Coach Certification. This continues to extend GISC's reach beyond the Center’s Organization Development (OD) Certification and continuing education offerings, to establish our reputation as the professional home and a rich resource for practitioners from psychotherapists to coaches and OD professionals.

The promise of our founding vision to transform the way you live and work in the world remains vital and vibrant. GISC’s leadership is in good hands, with long-term sustainability as a priority. Laurie Fitzpatrick, President and CEO, brings leadership continuity to GISC as a member of the leadership team since 2008, building on the tenure of prior directors, Nancy Scott Hardaway, David Tunney, Mary Anne Walk, and Gwynne Guzzeau. Laurie's vision draws on the strong traditions of the Center while updating GISC's offerings, reaching new audiences and ushering in the next phase of growth and vitality. Laurie's commitment to lifelong learning and her belief in the power of personal growth informs her optimism for a world that needs what GISC provides.

GISC and its ongoing success is a living testament to the passion and creativity of its founders, the devotion of its faculty and staff, and the involvement of the many individuals who make up the diverse community we are today.