1. 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

2. 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

3. 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;

4. 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

5. Circle of NTU Principles

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

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

8. 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)

9. 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

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

11. 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),  
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)
6.) Phillips, F., (2016). NTU Psychotherapy: Energy and the BodyMind. Manuscript
Submitted For Publication. Ghana International Journal of Mental Health.

12. 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. Phone: 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. Phone: