The Nurtured Heart Approach (NHA) is a warm, relationship-centered approach that helps children (and adults) feel seen, valued, and capable—especially during challenging seasons. Instead of getting stuck in constant correction or conflict, NHA focuses on strengthening connection and intentionally recognizing what’s going right. The goal is to help a child build “inner wealth,” which means they start to experience themselves as a good, capable person on the inside—not just someone who’s always in trouble.

In sessions, we support caregivers and families in learning how to energize positive choices, name character strengths in real time, and create clear, consistent boundaries without feeding the power struggle. We also reduce the attention given to negative behaviors, so the child isn’t unintentionally rewarded with extra energy when things go off track. Over time, kids often become more confident, emotionally regulated, and motivated to make healthier choices—because they’re building identity around their strengths and values.

At Enso Healing Therapy, we weave in Kintsukuroi—the art of repairing with gold. We view big emotions, impulsivity, or difficult behaviors not as “brokenness,” but as places where growth and healing can happen with the right support. Through the Nurtured Heart Approach, the “gold” becomes the consistent moments of recognition, connection, and encouragement that help a child’s inner strength shine—so they can stand strong from the inside out, even when outside influences or stressors show up.