The Gordon Neufeld Approach: Making Sense Of Ch... -

Below is an overview of the core principles typically covered in a paper on this approach. 1. The Three Conceptual Keys

The , often encapsulated in his flagship Making Sense of Kids intensive, is an attachment-based developmental model that shifts the focus from managing a child's behavior to understanding the underlying relational and developmental needs. 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. Below is an overview of the core principles

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. The process of becoming a separate, viable, and

The emotional state of being open to hurt. When a child's world is too wounding, their brain may employ "defensive detachment" to shut down vulnerable feelings, which can stall maturation. 2. The Relationship-First Paradigm

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

Dr. Neufeld’s model is built on three distinct but interconnected lenses used to "map" a child’s development: