GET TO KNOW ME
Exceeding Expectations One Patient at a Time
Choosing a therapist is a highly personal process, and in today's connected world I believe in transparency and letting my clients know who I am and where I am coming from.
I am also on LinkedIn, and you can read more about my professional accomplishments on my public profile.
Education
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Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Clinical Psychology University of the Rockies, Denver, Colorado
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Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology University of the Rockies, Denver, Colorado
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Bachelor of Arts, Psychology & Law University of Colorado, Colorado Springs
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Specialities
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) - I am an EMDR Institute-trained therapist and have been researching and practicing in the field of trauma therapy since 2011
Psychological Testing - I am trained in the use of a variety of psychological assessments and have worked on cases including school accommodations.
Addictions and Substance Use - I completed an internship focused on treatment of substance use disorders and continue to work with individuals and families in recovery
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Charitable Work
Since 2019, Dr. Neuenfeldt has been working to establish an EMDR response programme modelled on overseas Humanitarian Assistance Programmes. In 2023, Trauma Aid Aotearoa was established as a registered charity and has been providing group and individual EMDR therapy throughout the motu.
More about Dr Chris Neuenfeldt
Internship
Wilmington Treatment Centre and RHA Behavioural Health
Over 2500 hours supervised clinical experienceInpatient and intensive outpatient experience working with individuals and families struggling with the effects of addiction
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Postdoctoral training
LifeSource of North Carolina
Over 2000 hours of supervised clinical experience
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Publications
Neuenfeldt, C., Sleeman, A., & Saini, N. (2023). Whakaora: Group EMDR in Aotearoa New Zealand. DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.10254.95046.
Mathieson, F.; Garrett, S.; Stubbe, M.; Hilder, J.; Tester, R.; Fedchuk, D.; Dunlop, A.; Dowell, A. Therapist Voices on a Youth Mental Health Pilot: Responsiveness to Diversity and Therapy Modality. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 1834. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031834 (Contributing researcher)
Neuenfeldt, C., Saini, N., & Sleeman, A. (2022). Group EMDR with survivors of sexual trauma. EMDR New Zealand Annual Conference. Wellington.
Neuenfeldt, C. M. (2017). Workplace Stress Management - Resilience Skills for Employees and Supervisors.
Neuenfeldt, C. M. (2016). Trauma, Humor, and Coping (Doctoral dissertation, University of the Rockies, 2016). Denver, CO: ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Neuenfeldt, C. M. (2015). Life Stages Group (www.lifestagesgroup.net).
Awards & Recognitions
Military awards include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, parachutist’s wings, numerous achievement and commendation medals, and the Colorado National Guard “Soldier of the Year” award in 2006.
I was recognised by the staff and leadership at the Wilmington Treatment Centre for my contributions to program development and the Life Stages Group curriculum I developed is still in use at numerous treatment centres in the Wilmington area.
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Expert Consultations
I have completed numerous psychological assessments for individuals on behalf of attorneys and agencies involved in complex disability cases. I have been utilised as an expert evaluator in several cases involving multinational corporations and have submitted reports which were highly influential in obtaining favorable outcomes for my clients.
Assessments and Curricula
The Dark Humour Appreciation Inventory was created as a component of my doctoral dissertation. The DHAI is an instrument which can be used to assess an individual’s preference for dark or gallows humour. This instrument was used in conjunction with other measures in a study of coping styles and humour utilisation.
The Life Stages Group (www.lifestagesgroup.net) curriculum was developed during my pre-doctoral internship and is a comprehensive program of group therapy sessions which can be used in an inpatient or outpatient setting when treating adults of all ages in recovery from substance use.
Personal Interests
I am a fitness and outdoor enthusiast and love exploring the beautiful and diverse opportunities which exist in New Zealand. My wife and I met in Denver, Colorado, a city known for its’ focus on healthy and outdoorsy activities. I enjoy long-distance cycling and have completed several 200km endurance events. Since moving to New Zealand, I trained for and completed the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge and several other local bike races. Outside of sports, I enjoy reading and spending time with friends. My wife and I have Ellie, our “fur baby” and we spend far too much time with her.
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