The Gould Center

Psychoanalytic Organizational Study and Consultation

The Gould Center* is grounded in a systems psychoanalytic perspective that includes the work of Freud, Klein and her followers, Winnicott, and, Bion on group dynamics. Bion’s work was further developed in what became known as the Group Relations approach at the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations. Along with the Open Systems perspective that grew out of Field Theory and Social Systems research, The Gould Center incorporates central aspects of Modern Freudian as well as Contemporary Psychoanalytic theories in Object Relations, Interpersonal and Intersubjective perspectives. The understanding of transference and countertransference experiences and unconscious dynamics at the individual, group and organizational level, are central to our understanding of group and organizational life and its vicissitudes. There is a continuous interplay and influence between systems and the individual psyche.

In keeping with the systems psychoanalytic perspective described above, we provide a space for the exploration and study of groups, organizations and society. It pays attention to boundaries, authority and primary task, and applies to all manner of organizational and social systems. This includes Organizational Role Analysis and the various roles that people take up in the numerous systems they are a part of. Additionally, we believe that the systems psychoanalytic perspective enhances the practice of psychoanalysis itself, including how patients’ experiences in work, group, organizational and societal situations are understood, as well as aspects of the patient/analyst relationship.

The Gould Center currently offers learning and discussion opportunities in the form of case conferences. We have also provided courses through IPTAR’s Beyond the Basic Curriculum Program and will be offering an elective in IPTAR’s Training in the 2025-26 academic year. In addition, we disseminate information regarding learning opportunities related to the theory and practice of psychoanalytic organizational dynamics and consultation provided by numerous organizations and institutions locally, nationally and internationally.

(*) The Gould Center is named for Laurence J. Gould, PhD, FIPA, a Psychoanalyst, Psychologist and Organizational Consultant who was an international figure in the discipline and one of the founders of the International Society for the Psychoanalytic Study of Organizations (ISPSO). Dr. Gould was instrumental in designing and implementing a Psychoanalytic Organizational perspective and provided training opportunities at IPTAR.

The Gould Center Administration