The Application of NTU Psychotherapy to a Complex Family System Presented at the FFTA 30th Annual Conference New Orleans, LA July 11, 2016 Dr. Frederick Phillips, Psy.D, MSW Peter Fitts, MSW

Goals of NTU To assist client systems to function harmoniously and authentically within themselves and in their relationships within the context of natural order To assist client systems to live with the Nguzu Saba or seven (7) principles

What is NTU NTU Defined… - Pronounced ‘in-to’; - Bantu term that loosely translates to ‘essence’; - Is the ‘essence’ of all life, the healing force in the universe; - A developmental and relational framework derived from Africentric Psychology and the humanistic perspective;

What is Spirituality? Spirituality can be defined as connectedness to a universal consciousness Spirituality involves the understanding that everything is energy and all energy has its own characteristic vibration Elevated energy makes us more subtle, sensitive, and harmonious in both out internal and external environment

Circle of NTU Principles

Harmony A “state” of being Union of body, mind and spirit Oneness with life Ability to be adaptive

Balance A process Development of equilibrium between opposing forces Complimentary as opposed to competitive process

Interconnectedness Oneness – everything is from a common source and composed of a common substance (NTU) Human experiences are connected internally and externally (external is symbolic of internal) All life microcosm of macrocosm What affects any part of life affects all of life (systems theory)

Authenticity In relationship oriented culture genuineness or realness is of high value To become more closely connected to spiritual self is to become more authentic Authenticity implies spontaneity

NTU Case Management Process Harmony Mirror Neurons Awareness Incubation/Curiosity Alignment Breakthrough/Insight Thinking, Practice, Re-Creation Actualization Reintegration, Creative Cycle Synthesis

NTU BIBLIOGRAPHY   1. Fitts, P., Phillips, F (2002). An NTU Afrocentric Approach to Treatment Foster Care, In Case Studies in Child Welfare, First Edition. Edited by Lecroy and Anthony; John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, NJ. 2. Gregory, H., & Harper, K. (2001) The NTU Approach to Health and Healing, Journal of Black Psychology, 27(3), 304-320.  3. Jackson, V. (2008) An Exploratory Study of the Meaning of Culture in Family Preservation and Kinship Care Services.   4. Phillips,F; Fitts,P., (2014). An NTU Afrocentric Approach to Therapeutic Foster Care. In Case Studies in Child Welfare, Adolescent, and Family Treatment, Second Edition. Edited by LeCroy and Anthony; Hoboken, NJ. John Wiley & Sons. 5. Phillips, F. (1990). NTU: An Afrocentric Approach, The Journal of Black Psychology 17, (1) 215-222. 6.) Phillips, F., (2016). NTU Psychotherapy: Energy and the BodyMind. Manuscript Submitted For Publication. Ghana International Journal of Mental Health.

Presenters Mr. Peter Fitts serves as the Maryland Regional Director for Foster Care and Independent Living. Mr. Fitts earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Xavier University in New Orleans, LA and a M.S.W in Clinical Social Work from Howard University school of Social Work where he serves as a Adjunct Professor. Email: Peter.Fitts@plcntu.org Phone: 301.909.6838 Dr. Frederick B. Phillips is a licensed clinical psychologist and licensed clinical social worker. He received his M.S.W from the University of Pennsylvania and his Doctorate of Psychology from the Fielding Graduate University. Dr. Phillips is the founder of Progressive Life Center and presently serves as the Senior Advisor. He maintains a private practice in psychotherapy and NTU therapy training. Email: Fred.Phillips@plcntu.org Phone: 202.349.7663