Thomas Gordon

Thomas Gordon was an American clinical psychologist and author best known for developing the Gordon Method, a communication and conflict resolution model applied across parenting, education, and organizational leadership. His seminal work, "Parent Effectiveness Training" (P.E.T.), pioneered the parent training movement upon its 1962 publication and has been translated into over 32 languages, selling more than seven million copies worldwide. He authored eight additional books, including "Teacher Effectiveness Training" (T.E.T.), "Leader Effectiveness Training" (L.E.T.), and "Good Relationships," establishing him as a leading authority on interpersonal communication.

A licensed psychologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, Gordon spent five decades refining his democratic, non-coercive approach to relationships. His methods emphasized active listening, I-messages, and no-lose conflict resolution, which were later adapted into programs for schools and corporations. His influence extended globally, with P.E.T., T.E.T., and L.E.T. workshops taught in over 50 countries. Gordon's contributions earned him three Nobel Peace Prize nominations (1997–1999) and lifetime achievement awards from the American Psychological Foundation and the California Psychological Association.

Beyond his written works, Gordon founded Gordon Training International in 1974, ensuring the continued dissemination of his model. He served as a consultant for the 1970 White House Conference on Children and was a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. His legacy endures through revised editions of his books and ongoing training programs, which remain foundational in communication skills education. Gordon passed away in 2002, leaving a lasting impact on psychology and relationship-building practices.