Nurtured Heart Approach
What Is It?
The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) was founded by Howard Neil Glasser in the 1990s who then created the Nurtured Heart Institute. NHA limits the attention caregivers give to negative or unwanted behaviors while providing encouragement, positive attention, and praise for the everyday, mundane, and successful behaviors. Rules are clear and revisited as needed, showing clients and children in real time how and why they work.
NHA uses 3 "Stands" as the pillars of the approach, which are as follows:
- Absolutely No! At this stage, we refuse to energize negativity by not providing attention, intensity, or energy toward recognizing a negative, unwanted behavior. This is not done by ignoring the clients, but by pausing and waiting for the oppurtunity to give positive energy. Caregivers outline what the client should not be doing
- Absolutely Yes! Here, we energize success consistently and enthusiastically, pointing out what the client should be doing and recognize them for something they are doing correct at that moment
- Absolutely Clear! At this point, we review the rules and boundaries, including how they apply to that specific situation. The rules are phrased in a positive way (i.e. not using "don't...", "stop...", or "no..." but rather "do...", "we are always...", or "when...then/if... statements"). The natural consequences as a result of their actions and/or speech can be explored. Traditionally, a consequence is phrased as a "reset" (interchangeably used with "time-out") to withhold attention and interaction with the client, giving them space and time to process, then correct their mistake
References:
https://howardglasser.com/about-nurtured-heart-approach/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/famp.12030
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13575279.2018.1516627
Why We Use IT
- The Nurtured Heart Approach was initially created to be used with challenging and intense children but is effective for a variety of individuals and diagnoses, including people diagnosed with developmental delays and disabilities. It is especially successful for those with symptoms related to behavior: opposition, defiance, ADHD, ADD, anxiety, depression, and people on the Autism spectrum, many of which our clients live with. NHA can be used with anyone!
- The Stands are simple, clear, effective, and applicable to any situation
- NHA builds genuine, supportive, and positive relationships. Caregivers are given the chance to support the child or client rather than trying to "fix" a behaviour or the client
- NHA builds confidence, self-esteem, and "Inner Wealth" (one's values, strength, character, emotional regulation, self-worth, and resilience)
- The use of NHA improves communication
- NHA promotes choosing to be successful rather than believing diagnoses rule one's choices and life
- Viewing emotions as energy helps children and clients better understand themselves and tolerance levels
- NHA ends cycles that perpetuate and prelude negative behaviours
- NHA redirects intensity to productive and successful ways of living
- NHA understands the unique capabilities, personality, and behaviors of clients without asking them to change who they are
- NHA teaches boundaries, rules, values, and social cues
- NHA promotes growth
- NHA has been shown to be effective for psychologists, therapists, social workers, teachers, counselors, parents, criminal justice organizations, and other professionals. It is currently being researched by Rutgers University, the University of Arizona’s Zuckerman School of Public Health, and the New Mexico State University. Put simply, it works!
In addition to the Nurtured Heart Approach our development of Chamomile has been influenced by:
- Collaborative Problem Solving models
- Psycho-Dynamic Theory
- Cognitive Behavioural Management
- The PEERS Program
- Rudolf Steiner's curative methods (natural, regular rhythm to the day)
- The writings of Temple Grandin to understand Autism
- Barry Neil Kaufman's "Happiness is a Choice", Option Process (the right to non-judgemental love)
- Dr. Fred Donaldson's "Playing by Heart"
- Scott Peck's community encouragement work, "The Road Less Travelled", "A Different Drum"
- Jean Liedloff's "The Continuum Concept"
- Ann Wilson Schaef's "Beyond Therapy Beyond Science" (pertaining to personal and deep process work)
- Deepak Chopra's "Quantum Healing", "Ageless Body Timeless Mind"
- Barbara Marx Hubbard and her work on the "Foundation for Conscious Evolution"
- Eckhart Tolle's writings on mindfulness
- Mind-body work
- Bioenergetics
- Barbara Brennan's "Hands of Light" and "Light Emerging" works on the human energy system
- Nia Dance's movement program
- Brandon Bays and Journey for helping make the unconscious conscious, cleared through forgiveness and gratitude
- Jason Shulman's principles of Non-Dual Kabbalistic Healing
If you are interested in doing your own research on NHA, check out the "Additional Resources" section below!
