Gordon Hearn (1914–1979) was an influential theoretician and group worker who introduced general systems theory into social work. He taught and wrote in the field of human relations training at Berkeley and Portland State University.
Concepts of General Systems Theory were invoked to highlight the decision-making character of psychotherapy and to propose a framework for increased systematization of therapeutic procedures. The formal characteristics of Lazarus' multimodal system were examined in terms of criteria specifying the conditions necessary for accountability in psychotherapy.