Thomas Gordon (psychologist)

Dr. Thomas Gordon (1918-2002) was an American clinical psychologist, student and later colleague of Carl Rogers (with Abraham Maslow founder of the humanistic psychology). He was mainly known for his Gordon-Method, primarily a method to improve relationships between parents and children that was later developed into a general communication method to improve relationships (also professional ones).

He wrote 9 books, that were translated into 28 languages and of which more than 6 million copies were sold world wide. He introduced his Parent Effectiveness Training (PET) in 1962, a parenting course that was followed by more than a million parents in 43 countries. Dr. Gordon was nominated in 1997, 1998 and 1999 for the Nobel peace prize.

His work is being continued via Gordon Training International, of which his wife Linda Adams is president.

Gordon Method
The method emphasizes effective communication and conflict resolution using the no-lose conflict resolution win-win strategy]]. Other skills from his program are Active listening and the use of I-messages.

Besides P.E.T. Dr. Gordon and his organization has introduced Gordon workshops for leaders (L.E.T.), adults (Be Your Best), youth (The Mediation Workshop), teachers T.E.T.), etc.

On-line articles

 * Children Don't Really Misbehave by Thomas Gordon, Ph.D.
 * How Children Really React to Control by Thomas Gordon, Ph.D.