A Neufeld Institute Conference | Resilience, Recovery and Relationship: Towards Flourishing Children and Youth

Co-sponsored by Jack Hirose & Associates

Presented by Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D. and Gabor Maté, M.D. and Martin Brokenleg, Ed.D. and Maria LeRose, M.Ed. and Geneviève Brabant, MSW, RSW and Colleen Drobot, B.Ed., Dip. Of Special Education, M.A., RPC, MPCC and Patti Drobot, B.Sc., OT, RPC and Deborah MacNamara, Ph.D. and Tamara Strijack, M.A.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017 – Friday, November 17, 2017  |  Calgary, ab

Date & Location

A Neufeld Institute Conference co-sponsored by Jack Hirose and Associates 

Human resilience is remarkable. It is the ultimate good news story – that stress in itself is not the enemy and that we need not be brought down by the circumstances in our lives. After years of mistaken focus on the stress part of the equation, the focus is now on uncovering the keys that can unlock the amazing human potential to grow through adversity, to thrive under duress, and to bounce back from trauma.

Resilience is probably the most important topic of our time. It holds the answers to emotional health and well-being, to mental illness, to healing and recovery, to prevention, to addiction, and much more. Resilience is not only the best overall prevention but also the best focus for intervention. Resilience should be everyone’s concern, not only the medical and helping professionals, but also educators, parents, and society at large. Resilience is about ourselves and those we are responsible for.

This conference is a fundraiser for the Neufeld Institute and the offspring of a collaborative effort between Jack Hirose of Jack Hirose and Associates and Dr. Gordon Neufeld of the Neufeld Institute – a worldwide charitable organization delivering developmental science to those responsible for our children. Most of the speakers have generously donated their time and forfeited their usual speaker fees to support this fundraiser. The Neufeld Institute is deeply grateful for all who have extended themselves in this way.

Although participants may choose to enroll in one day, two days or three days, the conference itself will be continuous in nature, building on the model and theoretical foundations that Dr. Neufeld will present on Day One and Two in the mornings. Five of the senior Neufeld Institute Faculty will flesh out this model of resilience with special applications in mind. Dr. Martin Brokenleg and Dr. Gabor Mate will add their wealth of experience and perspectives on this subject. On Day Three, the three doctors will be in Maria LeRose’s most capable hands as she facilitates some dialogue and discussion between them. It is rare for ‘experts’ to have the opportunity to interact with each other, never mind in the context of a live audience of informed participants

I am so pleased to be working with Jack Hirose to bring this three-day conference on Resilience to Calgary. It is a first for the Neufeld Institute to do something on this scale outside of the Vancouver area. I am delighted that Martin Brokenleg and Gabor Mate have accepted my invitation to share the keynote responsibilities with me. I am also delighted that Maria LeRose has consented to moderate a panel, giving Martin, Gabor, and I, the opportunity to interact with each other around this important and timely topic. Maria is my favourite interviewer of all time, and we are fortunate to have someone of her media experience and stature to help draw us out on this topic. I am also excited to have five of our seasoned Neufeld Institute Faculty lead the way to flesh out this topic in specific arenas of interest. This should be a unique opportunity for participants to unravel the mysteries of this complex and multi-layered dynamic.

Resilience is an incredible construct – an overarching metaphor that touches on the arenas of stress, neural plasticity, emotional health, recovery, healing, mental illness, adaptation, defendedness, and therapy. It is relevant to everyone in most every role and regardless of age: teachers, therapists, youth workers, parents, support workers, etc. Fresh understandings are coming to the fore as we glean more working knowledge of the brain as well as the nature of emotion. The implications for working with children are profound, never mind the implications for dealing with stress in our own lives and in the lives of our loved ones.

I hope this conference will help to truly make sense of this challenging subject, and in so doing, open doors for change at a level where lasting differences can be made. We all want more resilience, for ourselves and those in our care. The challenge is in finding the key.

Who Should Attend

Education and Clinical Professionals: K–12 Classroom Teachers, School Counsellors/Psychologists, Learning Assistance/ Resource Teachers, School Administrators, School Paraprofessionals including Special Education Assistants, Classroom Assistants and Childcare Workers. All other professionals who support students including but not limited to: Nurses, Social Workers, Psychologists, Clinical Counsellors, Family Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Addiction Counsellors, Youth Workers, Mental Health Workers, Probation Officers, Police Officers, and Early Childhood Educators.

Parents, Caregiver, Foster Parents, Grandparents, and Extended Family raising a child.

Agenda

Please note: there is no pre-registration for afternoon sessions. For more information, click here.

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DAY 1 – Wednesday, November 15, 2017
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» Keynote – 9:00am – 12pm

Keys to Resilience: Emotionally, Developmentally, & Relationally

Presented by Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D.

The human capacity for resilience is remarkable. It is also somewhat mysterious. Although resilience is spontaneous, it is not inevitable. Everyone possesses the potential for resilience but only some come to realize it. It cannot be commanded and is not a skill to be learned. Resilience is not genetic and there is no pill that can deliver it. Resilience therefore lies outside the parameters of both of the prevailing approaches for explaining human behaviour – the medical disease model as well as the learning paradigm.

So where does resilience come from and how are we to make sense of it? In this anchoring keynote of the conference, Dr. Neufeld will put the puzzle pieces together to reveal the three pivotal keys to this elusive human attribute as well as the two natural contexts in which these keys are more likely to be found. Once found, these keys can be used to unlock an emotional process that is the very essence of resilience and the bounce-back phenomenon. This model of resilience has profound implications for school, home and treatment.

This plenary address will provide the theoretical foundations for the 3-day conference, laying the groundwork for all that follows.

» Afternoon A Concurrent Session Options – 1:15pm – 2:30pm

Ⓐ.① Q&A with Gordon

Presented by Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D.

This session provides an opportunity for participants to interact with Dr. Neufeld around the material presented in his morning keynote.

Ⓐ.② Resilience in the Digital World 

Presented by Tamara Strijack, M.A.

Our world continues to move quickly around us, with technological advances at every turn. Whether we like it or not, the digital world is here to stay. While in many ways these advances make our world an easier place to live, sometimes the shortcuts they offer come at a cost. Although technology can be tempting, offering its easy ways to avoid and distract from difficult feelings, it can also have implications for the development of true resilience. In this workshop, Tamara will explore how technology can interfere with healthy development and resilience, as well as how we can safeguard the developmental process in our children and adolescents.

Ⓐ.③ Alpha Problems, Bullying, and Resilience

Presented by Deborah MacNamara, Ph.D.

A growing number of children are presenting as demanding, prescriptive, bossy, and controlling. A disturbing number of these alpha children are turning into bullies, as well. Alpha children tend to have difficulties letting themselves be parented or taught. These children also lack resilience in the face of adversity. This is making the child-adult dance much more difficult than it used to be or needs to be, despite the plethora of strategies and advice-giving available today. Deborah will discuss the roots of the alpha complex, along with the path to fostering greater resilience in alpha children.

Ⓐ.④ Resilience & School

Presented by Colleen Drobot, B.Ed., RPC

Many students are able to overcome adversity, face loss and disappointment, accept not getting their way, and find creative solutions to problems. Yet not all students are so resilient. How can educators and schools cultivate resilience so that students will not only endure these experiences, but will be able to gain strength and confidence in their ability to cope with them? Based on years of working with Dr. Neufeld, teaching in schools, parenting, and counselling families, Colleen’s strategies are helpful for educators to use in the classroom and the school setting as they cultivate resilience at school and throughout their lives.

» Afternoon B Concurrent Session Options – 2:50pm – 4:00pm

Ⓑ.① Special Challenges with Adolescents

Presented by Tamara Strijack, M.A.

Adolescents are faced with an explosion of awareness in emotion and thought. This alone can put them in a very vulnerable place, with temptations to escape at every turn. In this workshop, Tamara will explore the rites of passage that an adolescent needs to go through in order to become truly resilient. While a certain level of defense or armour is needed to survive in today’s often wounding world, when the defenses become stuck, maturation is at risk. We will also look at how we, as caring adults, can step in to help foster true resilience.

Ⓑ.② Tempers & Tantrums in Preschoolers

Presented by Deborah MacNamara, Ph.D.

The expression of frustration and aggression in children can take on many forms, including temper tantrums and various forms of attack. Part of making headway requires understanding the roots of frustration and aggression and how to deal with the resulting behaviours. This presentation will focus on strategies for dealing with a frustrated child while preserving one’s relationship to them. It will address the importance of setting limits and helping children learn that they can survive the futilities that are part of life.

Ⓑ.③ Softening the Defenses

Presented by Colleen Drobot, B.Ed., RPC

Dr. Neufeld and faculty often speak of the need for a child’s heart to remain soft, for emotions to be felt and expressed, and for tears of futility to be shed in order for a child to develop and mature. For anyone raising a sensitive or stuck child, softening the defenses can be a daunting task that sometimes seems almost impossible. This workshop will focus on ways we can soften a child’s heart so that the tears can be restored, lowering frustration and anxiety and cultivating resilience. As a family therapist and mother of sensitive children, Colleen will share Dr. Neufeld’s wisdom and her personal experiences of how to restore the ability for a child to feel, attend, grieve, and attach.

*NEW* JUST ADDED TO THE LINEUP:

Ⓑ.④Making Sense of Empathy & Self-Regulation: is social-emotional learning really the answer?

Presented by Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D.

‘Most theorists believe that every human has the potential for empathy and self-control. The controversy is in how to get there. Are caring and consideration something that can be taught? Can we reward caring behaviour and still preserve its essence? Is trying to make children nice to each other the best way to keep them safe? Is self-control a skill to be acquired or a capacity to be developed? Is empathy taught, caught or grown? These questions are timely as so many schools and districts are contemplating on how best to bring a consciousness of emotional and relational needs into the curriculum. Dr. Neufeld shares insights from the attachment-based developmental approach to shed fresh light on these important issues.

» Evening Session – 7:00pm – 9:00pm

The evening session with Dr. Deborah McNamara is included in the conference registration fee. Individuals who are not attending the conference can click here to register online.
 Admission Fee: $25+tax per person

Nourish: Why Food & Relationship Belong Together

Presented by Deborah MacNamara, Ph.D.

Food and relationship were meant to be intertwined, but they have become separated. In this presentation, Dr. Deborah MacNamara will use developmental science to weave together the pieces of the feeding-and-eating puzzle. She’ll draw on the fields of attachment science, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and cultural tradition. Come relish and savour a thought-provoking walk around our most basic human needs and what they reveal about what is truly essential for survival.

────────────────────────
DAY 2 – Thursday, November 16, 2017
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» 1st Keynote – 9:00am – 10:15am

Play & Resilience: Why We ALL Need to Play

Presented by Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D.

Building on his keynote of the first day, Dr. Neufeld will elaborate on the surprising role of true play in cultivating resilience, not only in children but in adults as well. Long dismissed as unproductive, play is now being discovered as essential to emotional health and well-being, much like sleep is to mental functioning. A number of academic disciplines are now merging to explore the remarkable healing power of play, rivaling therapy itself or perhaps even explaining why therapy works when it does. Dr. Neufeld will present emotional playgrounds as an ideal context

for finding the keys that can unlock the essential emotional process in resilience. Harnessing the power of play becomes the challenge of every parent, teacher and helping professional.

» 2nd Keynote – 10:45am – 12:00pm

The Circle of Courage

Presented by Martin Brokenleg, Ph.D.

For thousands of years, North American Indigenous cultures nourished respectful and courageous children without employing punitive discipline. Now, recent youth development research is revealing the essential elements in raising confident, caring children. Drawing on his research with Drs. Larry Brendtro and Steve Van Bockern in their book, Reclaiming Youth at Risk, Dr. Martin Brokenleg presents information on the Circle of Courage which offers concrete strategies for creating environments in which all young people can grow and flourish.

» Afternoon A Concurrent Session Options – 1:15pm – 2:30pm

Ⓐ.① Reaching Deeper

Presented by Martin Brokenleg, Ph.D.

From Parker Palmer to the Dalai Lama to the brain science of neurobiology, adults are pondering the importance of tending the inner world of children and youth. Native peoples have traditions which enhance and explore the inner world of youth regardless of that youth’s values. Current resiliency strategies create inner strength in children and youth. This session develops a theory of creating inner strength in children and youth and explores specific activities adults can use in classrooms and residences to help children grow on the inside.

Ⓐ.② Hypersensitivity & Resilience: Special Challenges with the Autistic and the Gifted

Presented by Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D.

The condition of neurological hypersensitivity occurs when the sensory input is too much for the brain to process. The manifestations of this condition can range from a certain kind of giftedness all the way to classic autism, depending upon how this underlying condition has impacted attachments and development. It can also lead to attention problems or result in an Asperger’s syndrome. There is probably no condition where resilience is more needed and yet less likely to exist. Dr. Neufeld will briefly introduce this neurological condition, explain why resilience is so elusive, and suggest ways to restore neural plasticity and the capacity for adaptation.

» Afternoon B Concurrent Session Options – 2:50pm – 4:00pm

Ⓑ.① Discussion with Martin on Strength-Based Resilience

Presented by Martin Brokenleg, Ph.D.

This session provides an opportunity for participants to interact with Dr. Brokenleg around the ‘Circle of Courage’ model and the material presented in his morning keynote and his afternoon session on ‘Reaching Deeper’.

Ⓑ.② Discussion with Gordon and Neufeld Faculty on the Journey of Tears

Presented by Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D.

Feelings of futility – in all their various manifestations – play a significant role in the story of human resilience. Yet impediments abound in a tear-phobic society. Neufeld Institute Faculty will share some stories of resilience that highlight the role of tears, as well as give participants a chance to ask questions about the journey of tears.

────────────────────────
DAY 3 – Friday, November 17, 2017
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» 1st Keynote – 9:00am – 10:15am

Fostering Resilience in a Stressed Culture

Presented by Gabor Maté, M.D.

Many more children than in the past are diagnosed these days with various learning and behaviour difficulties and many have problems learning from negative experiences. Schools also have to deal with an increasing incidence of bullying which “zero tolerance” policies do not seem to be diminishing. Dr. Maté’s keynote, based on his best-selling books, will focus on the causes and underlying dynamics of the challenges faced by today’s children—and therefore, by the adults tasked with nurturing and educating them. It will be shown that the most important feature of any approach to resilience needs to be the attachment relationship between children and the adults responsible for their care. The follow-up Q&A session will allow for generous time for interactive dialogue with participants.

» 2nd Keynote – 10:45am – 12:00pm

Panel with Gordon Neufeld, Martin Brokenleg, and Gabor Maté

Presented by Maria LeRose, M.Ed.

This is a rare chance to see the engaging Maria LeRose do what she does best – get to the heart of the matter in her interviews with her subjects. She will also facilitate discussion and dialogue between the participants and the keynote speakers, as well between the three speakers themselves, all in the quest of shedding more light on the secrets of resilience.

» Afternoon A Concurrent Session Options – 1:15pm – 2:30pm

Ⓐ.① Q&A with Gabor

Presented by Gabor Maté, M.D.

This session provides an opportunity for participants to interact with Dr. Mate around the material presented in his morning keynote.

Ⓐ.② Special Challenges with Adolescents (content is a repeat of day 1)

Presented by Tamara Strijack, M.A.

Adolescents are faced with an explosion of awareness in emotion and thought. This alone can put them in a very vulnerable place, with temptations to escape at every turn. In this workshop, Tamara will explore the rites of passage that an adolescent needs to go through in order to become truly resilient. While a certain level of defense or armour is needed to survive in today’s often wounding world, when the defenses become stuck, maturation is at risk. We will also look at how we, as caring adults, can step in to help foster true resilience.

Ⓐ.③ Resilience & Discipline

Presented by Geneviève Brabant, MSW, RSW

As parents and adults responsible for children’s well being, we are often tempted to correct their behaviour, teach them a lesson, or ignore their plea for attention. On the other hand, developmental science informs us that resilience is not inherited and cannot be learned; it must be developed. Geneviève will discuss special considerations when using discipline to impose order on a child’s mind, including ways to help children grow up and adapt to the many circumstances they are up against.

Ⓐ.④ Aggression, Suicide, Adaptation, and Resilience

Presented by Patti Drobot, B.Sc., OT, RPC

None of us knows what may happen in the future. Emotional readiness for adversity is just as important as physical readiness for a natural disaster. If there were any single tell-tale sign that the capacity for resilience is lacking in a child – or adult for that matter – it would be the existence or eruptions of attacking energy. Residual attacking energy is most often experienced as foul moods, irritability, and impatience. Eruptions of attacking energy can take many forms, including even suicidal thoughts and impulses. One could think of aggression as an early-warning system, alerting us to the fact that should a stressful event occur, a bounce-back is not likely to happen. This renders aggression of utmost concern – not just as problem behaviour to be addressed – but as a sign that the adaptive process needs to be restored. Patti will clarify the relationship between aggression, adaptation, and resilience and focus on ways to restore the ability to bounce back from whatever may befall.

» Afternoon B Concurrent Session Options – 2:50pm – 4:00pm

Ⓑ.① Resilience in the Digital World (content is a repeat of day 1)

Presented by Tamara Strijack, M.A.

Our world continues to move quickly around us, with technological advances at every turn. Whether we like it or not, the digital world is here to stay. While in many ways these advances make our world an easier place to live, sometimes the shortcuts they offer come at a cost. Although technology can be tempting, offering its easy ways to avoid and distract from difficult feelings, it can also have implications for the development of true resilience. In this workshop, Tamara will explore how technology can interfere with healthy development and resilience, as well as how we can safeguard the developmental process in our children and adolescents.

Ⓑ.② Resilience: Special Challenges with Divorce, Adoption, and Fostering

Presented by Geneviève Brabant, MSW, RSW

All children possess the potential to adapt and “bounce back” from emotionally challenging circumstances. However, the transplanted child in the context of foster care, adoption, or divorce has the most to adapt to, and the least capacity to do so. Geneviève will discuss some of the impediments to the development of resilience in transplanted children, as well as the keys to overcome these impediments and help children develop to their full potential.

Ⓑ.③ Supporting the Anxious Child

Presented by Patti Drobot, B.Sc., OT, RPC

Anxiety has increased substantially in children of all ages over recent years and can show up in a variety of symptoms including phobias, panic, obsessions and compulsions, somatic issues, sleep issues, and avoidance, to name a few. Today’s world can create many challenges for children. School and societal pressures, peer interactions, family dynamics, and many other stressors can impede a child’s ability to mature and develop resilience. This workshop will address this increasing problem of our times and help caring adults make sense of the roots of anxiety, as well as provide practical suggestions on how to support our children and youth through anxiety and help them cultivate resilience.

*NEW* JUST ADDED TO THE LINEUP:

Ⓑ.④ School, Stress and Resilience: how teachers and school culture can make a difference

Presented by Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D.

There is no doubt that school is a significant source of stress for many students. Part of this stems from the pressure to learn when not truly engaged. The most significant causes of stress however have to do with the attachment problems faced by many students, at least in part because of how we do school in today’s society. Reducing these sources of stress would significantly contribute to the emotional health and well-being of our students. In addition, by cultivating a school culture that fosters right relationships and soft hearts, we would be creating the conditions to thrive and to flourish. Dr. Neufeld will share his thoughts on how best to do this from within our educational systems.

Your Presenters

Gordon Neufeld, Ph.D.

Dr. Gordon Neufeld is a Vancouver-based developmental psychologist with over 50 years of experience with children and youth and those responsible for them. A foremost authority on child development, Dr. Neufeld is an international speaker, a bestselling author (Hold On To Your Kids) and a leading interpreter of the developmental paradigm. Dr. Neufeld has a widespread reputation for making sense of complex problems and for opening doors for change. While formerly involved in university teaching and private practice, he now devotes his time to teaching and training others, including educators and helping professionals. His Neufeld Institute is now a world-wide charitable organization devoted to applying developmental science to the task of raising children. He is a father of five and a grandfather to seven.

Testimonials

“I have no words to express my appreciation to Gordon Neufeld and to Hirose for bringing this valuable, life-changing information. The material taught resonates professionally and personally too. Thank you!”
– Aliza Terris | Oakville, ON | May 15-17, 2017

“Fantastic presentation, informative and valuable for me personally and professionally. Gordon is brilliant and engaging. Very happy to have attended today.”
– Mike Van de Hengel | Oakville, ON | May 15-17, 2017

“Helped me gain more knowledge about my students, the people around me and myself.”
– Carmen Azzopardi | Oakville, ON | May 15-17, 2017

“Thank you, and yes, you are changing the world. Maybe not as fast as you want, but you changed my world this week, and you can be sure that I will be using what I’ve learned to change the lives of many others!”
– Stephanie John | Oakville, ON | May 15-17, 2017

“This was a wonderful workshop, presented with clarity, simplicity and yet, good depth for awareness and understanding. I felt so encouraged by Dr. Neufeld’s way of cutting through the mental health rhetoric and greatly empowered by his focus on relational and instinctive approaches. Thank you!”
– Vancouver, BC | Feb 27-March 1, 2017

“Really enjoyed this workshop. I could see this as a larger workshop, maybe 2 days. I feel it is an extremely important topic and glad it is offered. So much information to take in and use. Thank you! Dr. Gordon Neufeld is an amazing and knowledgeable speaker. A must attend presenter!”
– Calgary, AB | April 5-7, 2017

“Absolutely life changing course on all levels. This will not only greatly impact my work with children, families, and schools, but also my journey of self-growth and empower my skills as a parent and adult figure in many children’s lives.”
– Laura Rose, Cmn Therapist | Winnipeg, MB | June 1, 2016

“Thank you so much, this was extremely useful and also intellectually stimulating!”
– Sarah Moar | Saskatoon, SK | May 18, 2016

“I buy into your philosophy, both as a parent and as a teacher. I have already ‘swam against the stream’ as an at-home parent of 11 years. I shall continue to live this philosophy and trust nature and love, love, love my own children and students.”
– Saskatoon, SK | May 16 – 17, 2016

“Bang on, excellent work. Makes sense of what is going on in the world today! Thank you.”
– Saskatoon, SK | May 16 – 17, 2016

“Dr. Gordon Neufeld is amazing. A very informed presentation. I am glad I could attend and look forward to attending future workshops!”
– Saskatoon, SK | May 16 – 17, 2016

“I personally loved the long history’ style intro. More speakers need to do this. You underscore and synthesize the multiple contributors that illustrate where psychology has come from. Love! The science part! More chemistry and physics please. A truly gifted and needed speaker in this field. I have gotten so much out of this workshop both professionally and personally. Gordon’s way of speaking is incredibly professional, he cannot stop working for along time!! I will want to both do more courses and come back with my husband and do this again. Thank you, will see you again.”
– Nicole McLeod | Vancouver, BC| March 2, 2016

“Dr. Neufeld is an excellent presenter, effective speaker, and extremely knowledgeable about child development. The information presented over the three days has given me new ways to see and evaluate situations. I look forward to reviewing the information and finding out how to use the strategies from this paradigm research. Thank you!”
– Kim Nelson, School Counsellor | Halifax, NS | June 1 – 3, 2015

“Gordon Neufeld was extraordinarily engaging and inspiring. His work resonates strongly with my work in special education and counselling.”
– Angela Psalios, School Counsellor | Edmonton, AB | May 25 – 26, 2015

“Incredible. Relevant. Easy to grasp. Engaging. Life changing. Thank you!”
– Angela Walker, Teacher | Edmonton, AB | May 25 – 26, 2015

“Dr. Neufeld effectively answered all questions I had and then some. I feel empowered with a new understanding of the development of anxiety and how to encourage others through their own process of healing.”
– Catherine Tetreault | Edmonton, AB | May 25 – 26, 2015

“Wow! What a phenomenal speaker Gordon Neufeld is! I learned so much these 2 days and definitely intend to take it into my practice. I will be evaluating my parenting based on the insight gained in this seminar.”
– Samantha Weppler, School Counsellor | Edmonton, AB | May 25 – 26, 2015

“Fantastic! I can immediately use this knowledge and understanding when I return to work tomorrow with my students.”
– Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

“Gordon was one of the most engaging facilitator I have come across – and I have attended MANY workshops. Great flow of information, I loved the use of human anecdotes to make the material more meaningful. Far exceeded my expectations.”
– Danielle C | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

“I have attended many of Dr. Neufeld’s courses. Every time I listen to his approach, it reaffirms my beliefs and feelings towards kids. This approach is simple yet it is not easy. I appreciate the way Dr. Neufeld shares the information – it has profoundly affected me both personally and professionally. I always look forward to more opportunities to attend Dr. Neufeld’s speaking engagements. I always take away more information, and it reminds me of the things I may have forgotten.”
– Carmen Hansen | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

“Opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about students – from the very first slide! Thank you.”
– Cynthia Jones (Enviros) | Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

“I have attended several of Dr. Neufeld’s workshops and I have used his ideas and suggestions in my work as a Guidance Counsellor with high school students. I have seen firsthand what a positive impact they have on kids, and the adults in their lives.”
– Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

 

“This topic was refreshing and practical for use in my personal and professional life, a validation of what I now know has always been in my heart.”
– Jo-Anne Lane | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

 

“Thank you so much for continuing to accept these speaking engagements. Such an honour to be here and learn from your expertise. I feel so confident going home to my preschoolers – thank you so much. Best workshop I have attended – so practical!”
– Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

 

“Such an amazing workshop. I am so grateful that I can hear and share this material with fellow teachers and adoptive parents.”
– Marta Stepanovich | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

 

“Thank you! This will be so helpful to me personally as well as professionally in my work as a therapist.”
– Janet L (Therapist) | Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

 

“This workshop has given me a clearer and stronger focus for all my teaching relationships with children and teens. Understanding Gordon Neufeld’s perspectives of attachment just might have changed my life.”
– Laureen Guenther | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

 

“Dr. Neufeld’s seminar was eye-opening. It was a revelation for me as a parent, teacher and spouse.”
– Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

 

“Gordon Neufeld is a clever, creative, insightful person who has integrated a great deal of material intelligently and deeply. I appreciate this after 50 years of working with people as a therapist. I was pleasantly surprised and excited to integrate this material – and it all went well beyond my expectations. From my heart to yours Gordon, thank you.”
– Judy Haid (Therapist) | Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

 

“My first time hearing Gordon and it won’t be my last. Unbelievable, marvelous, and inspiring – it is a true privilege to be here. You are incredible and a true gift to the world – thank you so much for sharing your wisdom, thoughts, and perceptions. I’m taking so much away to not only help with my profession, but my own personal life. ”
– Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

 

“Dr. Neufeld’s material has completely changed my approach towards my own children, as well as other children in my care. I find his theories revitalizing and genuinely life-changing. I strongly believe his work is vital to our society’s future success. His work has opened avenues for my husband and I that we never thought possible. We greatly admire his work, we share it with family and friends constantly, and we are thrilled at the hope it has given us for raising our highly sensitive children.”
– Skye Curtis | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

 

“One of the most significant learning experiences I’ve ever had with Jack Hirose training. Excellent and brilliant presenter, who created hope for me working in a rather ‘hopeless’ milieu. I would definitely attend another workshop by Dr. Neufeld. I am very appreciative of his presentation style – very truthful, entertaining and dynamic. I won’t look at ‘resistance’ in kids the same way again. Thank you so much – I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend.”
– Bev Read (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Therapist) | Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

 

“Finally! This makes sense! Beautifully presented. This information needs to be heard by all parents and caregivers.”
– Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

 

“Love it. So important to my work as a mom and counsellor.”
– Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

 

“Dr. Neufeld was certainly ‘a dose of what I needed’ – very reaffirming of my intuition and practice.”
– Calgary, AB | May 21 – 23, 2014

 

“I find all of Gordon Neufeld’s seminars and DVDs amazingly informative, inspirational and refreshingly full of truth! I always leave with more knowledge and inspiration, and a renewed confidence in how to pursue beautiful relationships with the children in my care. Gordon is a gift to all who love and are responsible for raising children.”
– Winnipeg, MB | May 26 – 28, 2014

 

Gabor Maté, M.D.

Gabor Maté (pronunciation: GAH-bor MAH-tay) is a retired physician who, after 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. The bestselling author of four books published in twenty-five languages, Gabor is an internationally renowned speaker highly sought after for his expertise on addiction, trauma, childhood development, and the relationship of stress and illness. His book on addiction received the Hubert Evans Prize for literary non-fiction. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. His books include In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction; When the Body Says No; The Cost of Hidden Stress; Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder; and (with Gordon Neufeld) Hold on to Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers. To learn more, join his enews list at www.drgabormate.com.

 

Testimonials

“During my 40 years as a psychologist working with trauma, I have met excellent teachers, but none have resonated as deeply with my commitment to a attachment theory and the source of DSM diagnosis as Dr. Maté’s approach to trauma. Traumatic reactions, and attachment issues unrecognized, remain the predominant source of most if not all, psychological distress. Dr. Maté explains, illustrates a living empathy to all these experience we encounter in therapy. I continue to learn and relearn and learn again from his workshops.”
– Richmond, BC | December 2, 2019

“Inspirational knowledge. Thank you for the opportunity to spend the day learning form you. This workshop left me with knowledge, hope for clients and learning I will take back to my personal/ professional life.”
– Richmond, BC | November 27, 2018

“Dr. Mate provides a thorough understanding into trauma and addictions on both a professional and for practice. The workshop is in depth beyond its description”
– Richmond, BC | November 27, 2018

“Dr. Mate was everything I’d hoped. Excellent presentation!”
– Richmond, BC | November 27, 2018

“Dr. Gabor mate is an excellent speaker, engages the audience with self-work and demonstrations. Encapsulates the whole self, mind, body, neurological, social and often spiritual, in addressing the mental/emotional/physical/spiritual health issues we address as psychologists. He teaches us both pure compassion and pure judgement in out approach to psychotherapy.”
– Richmond, BC | November 27, 2018

Martin Brokenleg, Ed.D.

Martin Brokenleg, Ed.D. is co-author of the book Reclaiming Youth at Risk: Our Hope for the Future and co-developer of the Circle of Courage model and provides training worldwide for individuals who work with youth at risk. He holds a doctorate in psychology and is a graduate of the Anglican Divinity School. He is a retired professor and was most recently Director of Native Ministries and Professor of First Nations Theology at the Vancouver School of Theology. For thirty years, Dr. Brokenleg was Professor of Native American studies at Augustana University of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He has also been a director of The Neighborhood Youth Corps, chaplain in a correctional setting, and has extensive experience as an alcohol counselor. Dr. Brokenleg has consulted and led training programs throughout North America, New Zealand, Europe, Australia, and South Africa. He is the father of three children and an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

Maria LeRose, M.Ed.

Maria LeRose, M.Ed., is an award-winning television producer, and a producer of Educational Videos. She holds a Masters in Education with a concentration on social and emotional learning and development. Early in her career Maria worked in a variety of Social Service jobs including Youth Worker and Mental Health Worker. She was also Coordinator of the first Child Abuse Prevention program in British Columbia. For 14 years Maria has been an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at UBC. She is a Communications and Education consultant with a variety of organizations including the Dalai Lama Center for Peace and Education – where she designs and moderates their annual Heart-Mind Conference.

Geneviève Brabant, MSW, RSW

Geneviève Brabant, MSW, RSW, is a faculty member at the Neufeld Institute and a clinical social worker (MSW, RSW) with over 15 years’ experience working as a child and family mental health practitioner (therapist) in the Ottawa area. In 2010 she launched her private practice, Le Repère Counselling Services, with her partner and associate Mathieu Lyons, where she offered parent consultation and play-based therapy services to children and youth. Genevieve’s work is now focused on offering bilingual workshops and presentations across Ontario on different course topics such as Preschoolers, Teachability Factor, The Art and Science of Transplanting Children, and The Science of Emotion. As a mother of three, Genevieve makes it her priority to incorporate her knowledge of the Neufeld paradigm into her daily parenting and relationships.

Colleen Drobot, B.Ed., Dip. Of Special Education, M.A., RPC, MPCC

Colleen Drobot, B.Ed., Dip. Of Special Education, M.A., RPC, MPCC, is a registered professional counsellor and parent consultant with a private practice in West Vancouver. She provides therapy for adults and also offers parent consulting for parents seeking to understand and support their children. She is also an educator and has over 20 years’ experience working with children in the regular classroom or in special needs settings. She works with school districts and other professionals to help make sense of children and adolescents. She is a faculty member of the Neufeld Institute and has worked with Dr. Gordon Neufeld’s approach for many years. Colleen is a mother of two and draws from her personal as well as professional experience to support parents and professionals in gaining insight, opening their hearts and leading by their intuition.

Patti Drobot, B.Sc., OT, RPC

Patti Drobot, B.Sc., OT, RPC, is a registered professional counsellor, parent consultant, and presenter with an educational background in rehabilitation medicine. Her past experience is in psychiatric occupational therapy where she has worked in both hospital and community settings for 20 years. A faculty member of the Neufeld Institute, she currently works as a counsellor in Vancouver. Patti’s greatest professional passion is working with Dr. Neufeld. Her greatest personal passion is being the mother of her two children.

Deborah MacNamara, Ph.D.

Deborah MacNamara, PhD is a clinical counsellor and educator with more than 25 years’ experience working with children, youth, and adults. She is on faculty at the Neufeld Institute, operates a counselling practice, and speaks regularly about child and adolescent development to parents, child care providers, educators, and mental health professionals. She is also the author of the best-selling book Rest, Play, Grow: Making Sense of Preschoolers (Or Anyone Who Acts Like One), which provides a 360-degree developmental walk around the young child, and The Sorry Plane, a children’s picture book. Her new book, Nourished: Connection, Food, and Caring for our Kids (and everyone else we love), will be released September 19, 2023. Deborah resides in Vancouver, Canada with her husband and two children.

Tamara Strijack, M.A.

Tamara Strijack, MA is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who lives and works in the Vancouver Island area. She is co-author (with Hannah Beach) of the book, Reclaiming our Students: Why our children are more anxious, aggressive and shut down than ever, and what we can do about it. Tamara has worked with children and adolescents in various roles over the last thirty years. She is currently the Academic Dean of the Neufeld Institute, where she develops and delivers courses on child development for parents, teachers and helping professionals. She is a keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, and educator of counsellors and educators in training. Tamara works primarily as a parent and educational consultant, helping put adults back in the driver’s seat in a way that facilitates growth and learning for the child. Connection, relationship and play continue to be central themes in all her roles, both personally and professionally.

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