The Gordon Neufeld Approach: Making Sense Of Ch... May 2026

Unlike behavioral approaches that use "consequences" or "time-outs," the Neufeld approach views the parent-child relationship as the primary tool for change.

Dr. Neufeld’s model is built on three distinct but interconnected lenses used to "map" a child’s development: The Gordon Neufeld Approach: Making Sense of Ch...

The process of becoming a separate, viable, and integrated individual. The approach argues that maturation is spontaneous if conditions are conducive, rather than something that can be forced. The approach argues that maturation is spontaneous if

Detailed in his book Hold On to Your Kids (co-authored with Gabor Maté), Neufeld warns that children are increasingly turning to peers for attachment, which undermines parental influence and healthy development. Neufeld Intensive I: Making Sense of Kids Problems like bullying often stem from a "stuck"

For a child to feel safe, they must be in a "dependent" role, while the parent takes the "alpha" or provider role. Problems like bullying often stem from a "stuck" alpha complex in children who don't feel they can lean on their adults.