C.V.

I have demonstrated strength and extensive experience in working as a principal advisor, manager, clinical supervisor, addictions counsellor and psychotherapist.

Tommy Benefield

As someone with lived experience of both mental health, addiction and recovery I feel a deep personal satisfaction in contributing to the lives of my colleagues, stakeholders and service users.

I am culturally-intelligent, energetic and optimistic, and I see myself as both creative and  innovative as well as systems-oriented.

Work Experiences

System Development Manager. CCDHB and Hutt Valley DHB 2021-2022

In this role I was the portfolio manager for the Hutt Valley mental health and addictions providers. I was involved in planning and rolling out localities-based commissioning initiatives which strengthened my understanding of how services operate within a system and continuum of care.
I was the lead on our team’s COVID response and worked closely with all of the mental health providers across the 3DHB region to ensure that providers were up to date and supported throughout the many changes and challenges facing them during this time.

AOD Model of Care Project Manager. 3DHB 2021 (Fixed Term)

Before taking on a permanent role within 2DHB I joined the same team as the project manager for the 3DHB AOD Model of Care project. In this role I was tasked to project manage the implementation of the already completed Model of Care. This involved managing multiple initiatives and projects that fell out of the model as well as coordinating the five priority pathway working groups that fed into the working group.

Chairperson. 3DHB Lived Experience Advisory Group 2019 – 2021

From its inception I was asked to become a member of the 3DHB Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) and once a Terms of Reference were established, I served for two years as the Co-Chair. As a member of LEAG I gave input to projects such as the Te Haika Review, The Te Whare Ahura review, the 3DHB Acute Care Continuum Project etc.

Clinical / Growth Manager. Te Paepae Arahi 2018 – 2020

In this role I managed six kaupapa Māori mental health and addictions contracts and oversaw the practice of the clinical staff. In the two years in that role I doubled the annual revenue and increased the number of FTE by 85%.

I successfully bid for, oversaw, and project managed the development, design and implementation of four new distinct services, including Ngātahi Takitahi a collaboration with Mark and Dianne Kopua and their Mahi A Atua Kaupapa.

Principal Advisor AOD. Corrections, National Role 2017- 2018

In this role I delivered clinical advice and guidance on the alcohol and other drug (AOD) component of Corrections’ rehabilitation programmes in prison and in the community. I was responsible for developing, designing, and procuring AOD and co-existing problems services for Corrections. I developed the over-arching work plan that outlined the initiatives required to ensure Corrections treat AOD as a health issue and offered holistic support to the people in its care. 

Counselling Experience

A variety of roles over the past 20 years including

Group Therapist- CAPRI Aftercare

Senior Addictions Counsellor – Hutt Valley DHB

Clinical Manager – Police Youth Aid

Senior Counsellor – WellTrust Youth Service

Education and Training

2012 Certificate in Clinical Supervision, WelTec

2007 Completed a 3-year post-graduate level training course in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy through Wellington Psychotherapy Associates

2004 Registered alcohol and other drug practitioner, DAPAANZ

2003 Certified Addictions Counsellor, NADAC (US)

I have continually attended both local and international training throughout my career. Of particular note, two international Transactional Analysis conferences, two international addictions conventions, three week-long intensive psychotherapy trainings with Richard Erskine (US) and a week-long addictions training in Melbourne run by Hazelden. I have attended countless national AOD conferences such as Cutting Edge and have strong links with key people and organisations within the AOD and mental health sectors both nationally and internationally.