Agnihotra is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice that utilizes the element of fire to increase ... more Agnihotra is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice that utilizes the element of fire to increase mental and physical harmony. This pilot study examines the impact of Agnihotra on mental health and wellness. Those in the Agnihotra and comparison groups exhibited greater mental wellness and less depression at post-test, but only the depression was significant. The Agnihotra group exhibited the most positive change, suggesting the findings may indicate change due to the intervention and not just due to chance. While no causal relationships can be determined, the trend is that those in the Agnihotra group exhibited greater positive change, suggesting that Agnihotra may lead to more positive change over the same amount of time as doing another healing practice. Further analyses, ideally addressing this evaluation's limitations, are needed to confirm or deny the impact of the intervention. The results are promising and suggest more investigation is warranted.
Agnihotra is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice that utilizes the element of fire to increase ... more Agnihotra is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice that utilizes the element of fire to increase mental and physical harmony. This pilot study examines the impact of Agnihotra on mental health and wellness. Those in the Agnihotra and comparison groups exhibited greater mental wellness and less depression at post-test, but only the depression was significant. The Agnihotra group exhibited the most positive change, suggesting the findings may indicate change due to the intervention and not just due to chance. While no causal relationships can be determined, the trend is that those in the Agnihotra group exhibited greater positive change, suggesting that Agnihotra may lead to more positive change over the same amount of time as doing another healing practice. Further analyses, ideally addressing this evaluation's limitations, are needed to confirm or deny the impact of the intervention. The results are promising and suggest more investigation is warranted.
NTU Psychotherapy, developed by Henry Gregory, is an approach to working with families that allow... more NTU Psychotherapy, developed by Henry Gregory, is an approach to working with families that allows them to recognize and tap into their inner strength for healing and oneness, understanding that healing is a natural process. NTU interventionists use spirituality-focused, culturally competent interventions to facilitate the healing process. This workshop will introduce participants to the basic elements of the NTU approach, and through didactic and experiential delivery, show its application to a range of human service practices. Additionally, the presenters will share empirical data that demonstrate positive outcomes for individuals and families served. Finally, participants will be exposed to practical tools and examples that will make the content relevant and useful in practice with urban communities.https://digitalcommons.ciis.edu/diversityandinclusion-lectures/1006/thumbnail.jp
Ntu is a pluralistic approach toward delivering therapeutic services and psycho-educational progr... more Ntu is a pluralistic approach toward delivering therapeutic services and psycho-educational programs that is framed in an “Africentric” understanding of the world. Ntu is also a multifaceted continually evolving way of conceptualizing human behavior. The Ntu approach treats families by using ancient Eastern principles of healing, New Age conceptualizations of the mind-body relationship, an Africentric worldview, and methodologies that acknowledge and encourage the actualization of the highest expression of human potential.
Recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders represents a journey through which indi... more Recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders represents a journey through which individuals move beyond treatment of provider-identified problems toward a path of achieving wellness and productive lives. Overcoming obstacles and barriers encountered along the recovery process, individuals reveal their own strengths and resilience necessary to cope, survive, and thrive in the face of adversity. Recovery-oriented system of care (ROSC) is a framework designed to address the multidimensional nature of recovery by creating a system for coordinating multiple systems, services, and supports that are person centered and build on the strengths and resiliencies of individuals, families, and communities. As is common knowledge among substance abuse and mental health providers, consumers often present with high rates of comorbidity, which complicates care. In addition, behavioral health consumers engage in risky health behaviors (e.g., smoking) at a disproportionate rate, which places them at increased risk for developing noncommunicable diseases. ROSCs are ideal for addressing the complicated and varied needs of consumers as they progress toward wellness. The challenges of creating an ROSC framework that is effective, efficient, and acceptable to consumers is formidable. It requires change on the part of agencies, organizations, providers, and consumers. The importance of comprehensive, integrated screening is highlighted as a critical component of ROSC. Key suggestions for initiating ROSC are offered.
Culture and racial or ethnic background are important variables to consider when conceptualizing ... more Culture and racial or ethnic background are important variables to consider when conceptualizing families and resilience. Working effectively with Black families requires culturally competent interventions that honor and build upon their strengths and give attention to the intricate dynamics of relationships. This paper offers an examination of the unique stressors and adversity experienced by Black families as well as factors influencing their adaptive functioning. Enriched structural family therapy (ESFT), a versatile, skill-based, systems approach, is introduced as a viable model to promote resilience in Black families. Through ESFT interventions, Black families are able to successfully manage and cope with stressors while improving overall functioning.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopami... more Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the presence of Lewy bodies (LBs) consisting of misfolded α-synuclein protein. The etiology of PD is still not clear but systemic inflammation is proved to trigger and exacerbate DA neurons degeneration. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) and plays a major role in promoting the host immune. TLR4-mediated signal pathways induce the release of many inflammatory cytokines. It is reasonable to hypothesize that TLR4 is the mediator in microglia contributing to the damage of DA neurons in the SNpc. In this study, we evaluated the role of TLR4 in the chronic 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)/probenecid mouse model. Both TLR4-deficient and wild-type (WT) mice were injected with probenecid (250 mg/kg, i.p.) followed by injection of MPTP (25 mg/kg, s.c.) every 4 days for 10 times. From D43 to D47, the behavioral performance in pole test and wire hang test was assessed. Then the mice were euthanized, and SN and striatum were dissected out for biochemical tests. We showed that compared with MPTP-treated WT mice, TLR4 deficiency significantly attenuated MPTP-induced motor deficits and TH-protein expression reduction in SNpc and striatum, suppressed MPTP-induced α-synuclein abnormality and neuroinflammation mediated through oxidative stress, glial activation, NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways. These findings highlight the neuroprotective effect of TLR4-pathways in the chronic MPTP-induced PD mouse model.
The UMBC Psychology Department's Center for Community Collaboration (CCC) provides training and s... more The UMBC Psychology Department's Center for Community Collaboration (CCC) provides training and support for capacity building to promote substance abuse and mental health treatment as well as adherence improvement in community agencies funded through the Ryan White Act serving persons living with HIV/AIDS. This article describes an approach to dissemination of Evidence Based Practices (EBPs) for these services that uses the Interactive Systems Framework (ISF) and incorporates a collaborative process involving trainer cultural competence, along with a comprehensive assessment of organizational needs, culture, and climate that culminates in tailored training and ongoing collaboration. This article provides: (1) an overview of the CCC's expanded ISF for the effective dissemination of two EBPs-motivational interviewing and the stages of change perspective; (2) an examination of the role of trainer cultural competence within the ISF framework, particularly attending to organizational culture and climate; and (3) case examples to demonstrate this approach for both general and innovationspecific capacity building in two community based organizations.
... Repeated findings have shown most major schools of psycho-therapy to be equally effective (Om... more ... Repeated findings have shown most major schools of psycho-therapy to be equally effective (Omer & London, 1988). ... Gregory, Harper / THE NTU APPROACH TO HEALTH AND HEALING 313 Page 11. sciousness, experience, and orientation? ...
Agnihotra is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice that utilizes the element of fire to increase ... more Agnihotra is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice that utilizes the element of fire to increase mental and physical harmony. This pilot study examines the impact of Agnihotra on mental health and wellness. Those in the Agnihotra and comparison groups exhibited greater mental wellness and less depression at post-test, but only the depression was significant. The Agnihotra group exhibited the most positive change, suggesting the findings may indicate change due to the intervention and not just due to chance. While no causal relationships can be determined, the trend is that those in the Agnihotra group exhibited greater positive change, suggesting that Agnihotra may lead to more positive change over the same amount of time as doing another healing practice. Further analyses, ideally addressing this evaluation's limitations, are needed to confirm or deny the impact of the intervention. The results are promising and suggest more investigation is warranted.
Agnihotra is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice that utilizes the element of fire to increase ... more Agnihotra is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice that utilizes the element of fire to increase mental and physical harmony. This pilot study examines the impact of Agnihotra on mental health and wellness. Those in the Agnihotra and comparison groups exhibited greater mental wellness and less depression at post-test, but only the depression was significant. The Agnihotra group exhibited the most positive change, suggesting the findings may indicate change due to the intervention and not just due to chance. While no causal relationships can be determined, the trend is that those in the Agnihotra group exhibited greater positive change, suggesting that Agnihotra may lead to more positive change over the same amount of time as doing another healing practice. Further analyses, ideally addressing this evaluation's limitations, are needed to confirm or deny the impact of the intervention. The results are promising and suggest more investigation is warranted.
NTU Psychotherapy, developed by Henry Gregory, is an approach to working with families that allow... more NTU Psychotherapy, developed by Henry Gregory, is an approach to working with families that allows them to recognize and tap into their inner strength for healing and oneness, understanding that healing is a natural process. NTU interventionists use spirituality-focused, culturally competent interventions to facilitate the healing process. This workshop will introduce participants to the basic elements of the NTU approach, and through didactic and experiential delivery, show its application to a range of human service practices. Additionally, the presenters will share empirical data that demonstrate positive outcomes for individuals and families served. Finally, participants will be exposed to practical tools and examples that will make the content relevant and useful in practice with urban communities.https://digitalcommons.ciis.edu/diversityandinclusion-lectures/1006/thumbnail.jp
Ntu is a pluralistic approach toward delivering therapeutic services and psycho-educational progr... more Ntu is a pluralistic approach toward delivering therapeutic services and psycho-educational programs that is framed in an “Africentric” understanding of the world. Ntu is also a multifaceted continually evolving way of conceptualizing human behavior. The Ntu approach treats families by using ancient Eastern principles of healing, New Age conceptualizations of the mind-body relationship, an Africentric worldview, and methodologies that acknowledge and encourage the actualization of the highest expression of human potential.
Recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders represents a journey through which indi... more Recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders represents a journey through which individuals move beyond treatment of provider-identified problems toward a path of achieving wellness and productive lives. Overcoming obstacles and barriers encountered along the recovery process, individuals reveal their own strengths and resilience necessary to cope, survive, and thrive in the face of adversity. Recovery-oriented system of care (ROSC) is a framework designed to address the multidimensional nature of recovery by creating a system for coordinating multiple systems, services, and supports that are person centered and build on the strengths and resiliencies of individuals, families, and communities. As is common knowledge among substance abuse and mental health providers, consumers often present with high rates of comorbidity, which complicates care. In addition, behavioral health consumers engage in risky health behaviors (e.g., smoking) at a disproportionate rate, which places them at increased risk for developing noncommunicable diseases. ROSCs are ideal for addressing the complicated and varied needs of consumers as they progress toward wellness. The challenges of creating an ROSC framework that is effective, efficient, and acceptable to consumers is formidable. It requires change on the part of agencies, organizations, providers, and consumers. The importance of comprehensive, integrated screening is highlighted as a critical component of ROSC. Key suggestions for initiating ROSC are offered.
Culture and racial or ethnic background are important variables to consider when conceptualizing ... more Culture and racial or ethnic background are important variables to consider when conceptualizing families and resilience. Working effectively with Black families requires culturally competent interventions that honor and build upon their strengths and give attention to the intricate dynamics of relationships. This paper offers an examination of the unique stressors and adversity experienced by Black families as well as factors influencing their adaptive functioning. Enriched structural family therapy (ESFT), a versatile, skill-based, systems approach, is introduced as a viable model to promote resilience in Black families. Through ESFT interventions, Black families are able to successfully manage and cope with stressors while improving overall functioning.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopami... more Parkinson's disease (PD) is a multifactorial disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and the presence of Lewy bodies (LBs) consisting of misfolded α-synuclein protein. The etiology of PD is still not clear but systemic inflammation is proved to trigger and exacerbate DA neurons degeneration. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a pattern-recognition receptor (PRR) and plays a major role in promoting the host immune. TLR4-mediated signal pathways induce the release of many inflammatory cytokines. It is reasonable to hypothesize that TLR4 is the mediator in microglia contributing to the damage of DA neurons in the SNpc. In this study, we evaluated the role of TLR4 in the chronic 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)/probenecid mouse model. Both TLR4-deficient and wild-type (WT) mice were injected with probenecid (250 mg/kg, i.p.) followed by injection of MPTP (25 mg/kg, s.c.) every 4 days for 10 times. From D43 to D47, the behavioral performance in pole test and wire hang test was assessed. Then the mice were euthanized, and SN and striatum were dissected out for biochemical tests. We showed that compared with MPTP-treated WT mice, TLR4 deficiency significantly attenuated MPTP-induced motor deficits and TH-protein expression reduction in SNpc and striatum, suppressed MPTP-induced α-synuclein abnormality and neuroinflammation mediated through oxidative stress, glial activation, NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways. These findings highlight the neuroprotective effect of TLR4-pathways in the chronic MPTP-induced PD mouse model.
The UMBC Psychology Department's Center for Community Collaboration (CCC) provides training and s... more The UMBC Psychology Department's Center for Community Collaboration (CCC) provides training and support for capacity building to promote substance abuse and mental health treatment as well as adherence improvement in community agencies funded through the Ryan White Act serving persons living with HIV/AIDS. This article describes an approach to dissemination of Evidence Based Practices (EBPs) for these services that uses the Interactive Systems Framework (ISF) and incorporates a collaborative process involving trainer cultural competence, along with a comprehensive assessment of organizational needs, culture, and climate that culminates in tailored training and ongoing collaboration. This article provides: (1) an overview of the CCC's expanded ISF for the effective dissemination of two EBPs-motivational interviewing and the stages of change perspective; (2) an examination of the role of trainer cultural competence within the ISF framework, particularly attending to organizational culture and climate; and (3) case examples to demonstrate this approach for both general and innovationspecific capacity building in two community based organizations.
... Repeated findings have shown most major schools of psycho-therapy to be equally effective (Om... more ... Repeated findings have shown most major schools of psycho-therapy to be equally effective (Omer & London, 1988). ... Gregory, Harper / THE NTU APPROACH TO HEALTH AND HEALING 313 Page 11. sciousness, experience, and orientation? ...
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