Welcome to the website for THE FIELD PSYCH TRUST, a charitable trust honoring the life and professional contributions of psychologist/educator Arthur W. Combs, Ph.D. Dr. Combs spent most of his professional career (spanning nearly seven decades) establishing, refining, researching and implementing a theoretical position known as Perceptual (Field) Psychology, which he first developed with Dr. Donald Snygg in the 1940’s. He went on to share implications derived from this position in therapeutic, educational and other settings.

The writings of Arthur W. Combs address such topics as:

• Understanding the relationship between behavior and experience.
• Becoming a more effective professional helper ( e.g., teacher, counselor, nurse, administrator, coach, leader)
• Examining assumptions and beliefs that can undermine or sustain positive and productive human relations.
• Promoting meaningful learning and educational reform.
• Conducting more relevant research on matters of consequence to the human condition.

(For more about his ideas and legacy, see EXCERPTS from Dr. Combs’ writings and FAQ.)

THE FIELD PSYCH TRUST seeks to encourage graduate student research grounded in the research and writings of Arthur W. Combs. It also encourages the publication of manuscripts related to the history, contributions, and further development of Perceptual (Field) Psychology. Applications of Dr Combs’ theoretical position to the improvement of educational, community, conflict resolution, therapeutic efforts, etc., are also encouraged.

2019
THE FIELD PSYCH TRUST has donated a comprehensive collection of the professional papers of Arthur W. Combs, Ph.D., known as the Arthur W. Combs Papers collection (MS-0086) to Special Collections in the Ingram Library on the campus of the University of West Georgia ( see https://aspace-uwg.galileo.usg.edu/repositories/2/resources/484)

This collection includes the following documents and recordings:

• Dr. Combs’ professional credentials and correspondence with several of his contemporary colleagues, including Earl Kelley, Abraham Maslow, Rollo May, Carl Rogers, and Donald Snygg.
• Copies of papers delivered by Dr. Combs at various professional meetings. These contain edits which capture some of the ways in which he worked on various drafts.
• Ideas Dr. Combs found in others writings which he referred to as “pot boilers” because they furthered the development and coherence of his own thinking.
• Numerous recordings of presentations or interviews Dr. Combs gave between the years 1969 and 1999 – along with a tape of a lecture given by Carl Rogers in 1967. These were originally preserved in reel-to-reel tape form, VHS tape form, or audiocassette format, but they have all been transferred to CDs or DVDs. These recordings represent a comprehensive and informative overview of the primary convictions, understandings, and insights of Arthur W. Combs. [For a 30-page summary of the contents of these recordings, contact THE FIELD PSYCH TRUST.]

2015
THE FIELD PSYCH TRUST donated the contents of the personal library of Arthur W. Combs, Ph.D. to the Bryan Wildenthal Memorial Library at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, TX.  The Psychology Department at Sul Ross has developed a Psychology program with a humanistic/existential orientation which is strongly reflective of the Person-Centered Approach.  For more information regarding the Psychology Department, contact James W. Downing, Ph.D., Dean, Arts & Sciences and Professor of Psychology, Sul Ross State University ([email protected]).  For information about donated materials in the personal library, contact April Aultman Becker, Dean of Library and Information Technologies, Bryan Wildenthal Memorial Library, PO Box C-109, Alpine, TX  79830 ([email protected]).

2014
THE FIELD PSYCH TRUST began sponsoring an annual Arthur W. Combs Legacy Writing Competition, open to graduate students at all levels.  An honorarium of $250 will be awarded to the winner each year.  [Click on “Legacy Competition” in menu at the top for additional details.]  Submissions are invited.

2006
THE FIELD PSYCH TRUST donated to Special Collections in the Ingram Library of the University of West Georgia a collection of doctoral dissertations (MS-0012) related to Dr. Combs’ legacy. These can be accessed at: https://aspace-uwg.galileo.usg.edu/repositories/2/resources/260/collection_organization Information about additional such dissertations can be found on THE FIELD PSYCH TRUST website.

THE FIELD PSYCH TRUST welcomes charitable donations to sustain its pursuits. (See CONTACT page.)

Thanks for your interest in this site and in the work of THE FIELD PSYCH TRUST.