History
The Mind-Body Center of Louisiana was established in 2009 in response to the health and mental health crisis in post-Katrina New Orleans and throughout Louisiana.
After Katrina, Dr. James Gordon of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine (www.cmbm.org) raised funds through private donors and the Louisiana Family Recovery Corp to bring his internationally-acclaimed model of mind-body medicine to the Gulf Coast. He wanted to help address the health and mental health needs of those living in the region. Dr. Gordon had successfully brought his model to regions around the world that had been devastated by war and trauma such as Gaza, Israel, Kosovo, and New York City after 9/11. His model has been proven effective in addressing and reducing chronic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.
In January, 2007 the Center for Mind-Body Medicine brought their annual Professional Training Program to New Orleans, offering scholarships and training to 40 professionals from the Gulf Coast region. In September, 2007 the Professional Training was offered again in New Orleans, with an additional 40 participants from the Gulf Coast completing the training. Forty-two of those who completed the Professional Training Program went on to complete the Advanced Training in New Orleans in March 2008; 20 completed the specialized Children’s Training in April 2008; and 21 completed the Leadership Training Program in July, 2008.
After the end of the grant cycle for the mind-body trainings in New Orleans, a group of graduates decided to establish a state-wide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wellness through the use of mind-body modalities. We have benefited greatly from the trainings, both personally and professionally with our clients, patients, students, and staff. We believe MBCLA will be able to significantly address the health and mental health needs of Louisiana residents. MBCLA continues to receive administrative and clinical support from CMBM and is grateful for their dedication to this region post-Katrina.
