The Nurtured Heart Approach® (NHA) is a therapeutic method developed by Howard Glasser in 1992 to help children and adults with challenging behaviors. It is behavior inspiration, not management. Repeated experiences of being seen and acknowledged when things are not going wrong inspires people to build a positive portfolio of themselves: an expansive and expanding reserve of what NHA calls Inner Wealth™.
The approach focuses on creating connected relationships, emphasizing positive behavior, and transforming difficult intensities into abundant Inner Wealth. NHA is based on the premise that an individual’s intense energy can be positively channeled and transformed into a positive force. The approach teaches parents, caregivers, and educators to recognize and amplify positive behavior using the 3 Stands™.
Last Reviewed: 2024
Intended Outcomes:
Develop positive relationships, self-regulate, and build Inner Wealth.Continuum of Care:
Indicated Prevention, Selective Prevention, Universal Prevention
Topic Areas:
Behavioral Health/Mental Health, Disruptive Behaviors
Ages:
Adult (25+)
Geographic Locations:
Rural, Urban
Delivery Settings:
Community-Based, Congregate Care Facility, School-Based
Cultural Considerations:
Limited research found involving diverse populations
Audience:
This program is intended for children and adults with challenging behaviors.
Credentials:
There are no minimum qualifications to implement this program.
Manuals:
Yes
Is Training Required?
Yes, see developer info
Who can provide the required training?
Please visit the following site for more information on training: https://nurturedheartinstitute.com/training/
Program Costs (materials, training, etc.):
Yes, refer to program website
Program/Practice Website:
https://nurturedheartinstitute.com/
Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research:
Brennan, A. L., Hektner, J. M., Brotherson, S. E., & Hansen, T. M. (2016, October). A nonrandomized evaluation of a brief nurtured heart approach parent training program. In Child & Youth Care Forum (Vol. 45, pp. 709-727). Springer US.
Nuño, L., Wertheim, B. C., Glasser, M. A., Wahl, A., & Roe, J. (2020). The online nurtured heart approach to parenting: A randomized study to improve ADHD behaviors in children ages 6–8. Ethical Hum Psychol Psychiatry, 22(1), 31-48.
WV Rating:
Unable to Be Rated
»WV Ratings Info
Rationale for Rating:
There is a lack of research overall for this program. The two studies available did not give any negative results, and many outcomes were positive. The studies also had small sample sizes and a lack of diversity in the participants and geographical location of the research. Studies evaluated parental self-report only. Both studies were different delivery methos of the program, one online and one in-person, making it challenging to compare the two. The program is potentially beneficial for parents who are looking for parenting skills, there just does not exist enough research at this time.
Contraindications or Concerns:
None identified
Other Registries/Ratings
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare:
Not On Registry
Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development:
Not On Registry
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness:
Not On Registry
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Model Programs Guide:
Not On Registry
Washington State Institute for Public Policy:
Not On Registry