Gestalt Therapy and Organization Development: A Historical Perspective, 1930-1996

Abstract

Abstract Psychological practice, such as Gestalt therapy and organization development consultation, is strongly influenced by social, economic, political, and intellectual developments. Changes in these factors lead to significant shifts in the kinds of interventions that are supported in the marketplace. This article shows how interest in interventions to enhance awareness grew out of a long period of liberalism (1930-1965) and how interest shifted to interventions in support of action during a long period of conservatism (1965-1995). Implications of this change are discussed, as well as the implications of a beginning shift to a period of liberalism and to intervention opportunities that may now be available to practitioners.