Gordon Neufeld
Gordon Neufeld is a Canadian developmental psychologist and educator known for his work on attachment, child development, and parenting. He co-authored Hold On to Your Kids with Gabor Maté and founded the Neufeld Institute, influencing parents, educators, and clinicians through courses and lectures on relationship-based development.
Biography & Author's Journey
Gordon Neufeld built his career at the intersection of clinical practice, developmental theory, and public education. Educated first at the University of Winnipeg and then at the University of British Columbia, he received his doctorate in clinical and developmental psychology in 1975. He later taught personality theory, developmental psychology, and parent-child relationships at UBC for almost two decades. Two early turning points shaped his later work: several years in forensic psychology with violent young offenders, which pushed him toward a theory of aggression, and decades of parent consulting, which convinced him that adults had to become the answer to children rather than merely manage behavior. ((https://campus.neufeldinstitute.org/custom_scripts/FM_scripts/event-forms/upload/files/Neufeld%20Conf2023_Brochure_2COL%20R1%20%281%29.pdf))
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Great parent
Great parent
Parenting is one of life's most important roles, yet few of us receive formal training in child development, emotional intelligence, or effective communication strategies. This learning plan is essential for parents, caregivers, and guardians who want to move beyond reactive parenting to build secure, confident, and emotionally resilient children through science-backed approaches and mindful practices.
Parenting, Neuroscience & Innovation Research
Parenting, Neuroscience & Innovation Research
This program bridges the gap between biological science and creative application, essential for those navigating modern developmental challenges. It is ideal for researchers, educators, and proactive parents seeking evidence-based strategies rooted in neuroscience and design thinking.
Heal attachment style to improve parenting
Heal attachment style to improve parenting
Our attachment style, formed in childhood, profoundly influences our adult relationships and parenting approach. This learning plan helps adults recognize unhealthy patterns, heal attachment wounds, and create secure bonds with their children, preventing the transmission of insecure attachment to the next generation.
Study Psychology, Philosophy & Parenting
Study Psychology, Philosophy & Parenting
This learning plan bridges the gap between theoretical wisdom and practical life application for those seeking deeper self-awareness and better family dynamics. It is ideal for parents, educators, and lifelong learners who want to combine ethical frameworks with psychological science to raise resilient children and live more intentionally.
Master child psych theories
Master child psych theories
This learning plan provides essential knowledge for anyone working with or studying children, including educators, counselors, parents, pediatric professionals, and psychology students. It bridges classic developmental theory with cutting-edge neuroscience and prepares learners to both understand the foundations of the field and critically evaluate them through a contemporary lens. The integration of theory with practical application makes this valuable for those seeking to translate academic knowledge into meaningful real-world impact.
Parent Better, Learn Philosophy & New Skills
Parent Better, Learn Philosophy & New Skills
This plan is designed for parents and lifelong learners who want to move beyond reactive habits toward a more intentional life. It bridges the gap between developmental psychology, practical philosophy, and the science of learning to help individuals grow alongside their children.
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Community Voices
"Robert Bly said Gordon Neufeld locates children’s suffering in the loss of attachment to parents"
— Robert Bly
"The Edmonton Journal said Gordon Neufeld’s personal theory became accessible in precise, hard-hitting prose"
— The Edmonton Journal
"Institute of Child Psychology describes Gordon Neufeld as a Vancouver-based developmental psychologist with over 45 years’ experience"
— Institute of Child Psychology
"Mary Pipher said Gordon Neufeld brings genuinely new ideas and fresh perspectives on parenting"
— Mary Pipher
"The Natural Parent Magazine called Dr Gordon Neufeld a leading light in attachment- and relationship-based approaches"
— The Natural Parent Magazine
"Penguin Books says Gordon Neufeld is recognized for unlocking clues to seemingly complex child-rearing problems"
— Penguin Books
"National Post said Gordon Neufeld crafted a coherent, compelling theory of child development"
— National Post
"Omega Institute calls Gordon Neufeld a foremost authority on child development"
— Omega Institute
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
