Healthcare facilities
Columbia Internal Medicine
I worked for Columbia Internal Medicine (my daughter's medical office) from 2006 to 2019. During that period and after that I have been using her office space after 5 pm to offer my services to her patients and my clients who were not her patients.
Patients 8-21-15 (x2)
The seminar was the first of 3 classes for which two young people registered: a Software Engineer to relieve his anxiety and headaches and his sister-in-law for insomnia. Their feedback summary follows.
I will use this technique for my
Anxiety, Headache
Sleeping problem
My take home points
Very helpful to relax and stay calm. These techniques (Finger modes, counting or 911) can be practiced anywhere. I can choose any of these techniques according to the situation.
Concentrate on your breathing anywhere, anytime
Evaluation of the seminar
Very satisfied – 2
Comments
Very nice teaching, Good for a better life.
Thank you very much for helping me as otherwise I was losing my control from myself.
I recommend this technique to
My friends
My husband
My clients (37)
December 2016
A young software Engineer has been coming to the classes for the last 18 months. He brought his father 60+ visiting from India, to be introduced to the techniques as they helped him come out of his severe stress. Summary of is feedback follows.-
I want to use this technique for my …
Spondylitis pain
Insomnia
Anxiety
Stress from thinking about garbage thoughts
Mental peace lacking in spite of strong will power.
My Take home points …
I can cope with mental stress using the breathing techniques by diverting the mind.
1-24-14
A couple in their fifties attended. Husband’s concerns were – Anxiety, Stress, Diabetes (on insulin), Anger and Chronic pains. Wife’s concerns – Anxiety, Stress, Compulsive negative thoughts, Fatigue and Concentration. Both are doing the follow up classes. Feedback from the wife after both of them completed 3 classes follows.
“My husband and I recently completed three classes on stress management and “focusing on breathing” with Suryanarayana Chennapragada (C S). I can’t recommend it enough.
In addition to helping me sleep better, it has dramatically helped me when driving. I practice my breathing when I am stopped at red lights as well as when I am caught in traffic. It really helps relax me and slow down.
I also practice my breathing when I am cooking, while at work and at night when trying to unwind from a stressful day. I practice my breathing on a daily basis in all types of situations and the more I do it the more I love it.
It is so simple and yet so effective. Hard to believe that something so easy could be so helpful.
Try it. I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised. C S is very personable, friendly and informative.”
11-6-13
A woman in her fifties attended a series of classes. She was suffering from emotional abuse by her 82 years old mother. Full report
10-17-13
First class for a couple (Chiropractor and his wife, a Speech Pathologist). They attended a series of classes. The husband reported remarkable benefits. The wife verbally reported that she was suffering from severe sleep disturbances like - lying in the bed for a could of hours unable to sleep, having terror dreams in sleep and wild movements in sleep during which she kicked her husband etc. were totally eliminated.
10-9-13
A 10 years old girl affected by Tourette's syndrome attended the introductory class with her grandmother. She also had stuttering and anxiety for many years. She grew up in a very disturbed family. She continued meeting with me erratically off and on without much progress. But she was successful in keeping a state job and became a permanent employee after about 10 years with the help of her grandmother.
5-17-13
A young software Engineer from India who just completed his MS attended the first session to over come severe insomnia and anxiety. He attended two more sessions.
5-13-13
A licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who counsels adults and children came to meet with me for her own issues. She also wanted to teach this meditation to her clients. She attended two more classes. She reported that one of her adult client who is a recovering alcoholic liked the the technique. More...
5-4-13
A young Engineer in twenties working at Global Foundries attended the first session to get over his severe anxiety in talking with new persons at work, even on conference calls . He continued meeting with me.
4-4-13
A 13 years old girl currently seeing a counselor came with her parents to try this meditation for ADHD. She was accompanied by her mom and younger sister. In her follow up class after a week, she reported significant improvement which could be due to her taking fish oil capsule of EPA+DHA 1000mg every day per my suggestion since last 3 weeks.
3-27-13
A businessman in his fifties came in to achieve his goals of self improvement, emotional peace with his grown up sons and to make his wife happy. He found my website when he searched on-line for Yoga classes. He did 3 follow up classes and practicing on his own with remarkable progress. He has been sending me periodical progress reports. I am posting them as blogs under Alfred’s blog.
A chiropractor who came to know about me from Alfred has been coming to my classes along with his wife.
3-14-13
A man who had heart transplant and being treated for several major health problems came in. He was referred to me by Teri Huston-Mulligan Certified Diabetes Educator at Albany Medical Center, a client of mine. He had severe insomnia. Periodic calls to him revealed that he is able to sleep nicely using the technique. He was very happy for this relief. He is continuing the classes. Within a week, his most pressing problem of insomnia was resolved. He is now working on his chronic pains in ribs and back.
3-13-13
A Software Engineer came in to control his anger at his wife for her way of handling their young children. He attended my classes about 4 years back and was practicing the technique at bed time occasionally. He did 3 ‘Follow up’ classes over a period of 2 months. He was feeling angry with his wife for spending lot of time in forcing their daughter aged 6 to eat when she was not inclined. He did not want to be angry. He also had stress at work.
Practices
Regularly practicing the ‘Segment mode’ at bedtime
Practicing the ‘Segment mode’ in the morning only on week ends
Benefits
Anger: Reduced by 70%
Sleep: Before, I was waking up a few times regularly in the night even for small disturbances. Now it happens sometimes.
My goals now
Reduce stress (Mostly due to thinking about things to do at work)
Better sleep at night
Reduce my anger further
Reduce weight
My plans
Write down list of things to do at work, so I do not keep worrying about them.
Practice the ‘Waking up routine’ regularly.
Better diet and exercise.
1-3-13
A woman suffering from phobias about traveling away from home, airplanes and separation from family and friends attended a series of classes.
11-24-12
Attended by a Pediatrician M.D who came to know about this technique helping children at Robert C. Parker School. He wants to try this technique for his child patients with ADHD, along with medications.
10-26-12
Attended by a young man with history of childhood abuse and drug addiction. He had undergone de-tox program and waiting for admission into the rehab program. He was brought in by his aunt, a current client. He decided to do follow-up classes.
10-18-12
Attended by a woman in her fifties who was under severe stress due to stressful relationship with her husband. She felt she was being submissive to her husband and felt emotionally abused. Her key goal was to be assertive with her husband. She was informally practicing the technique for some time based on my hand outs and felt it was time to intensify her practice in this situation. She was planning to go on counseling.
A few days after the seminar she sent this message ” I made a decision to move out of my home, away from my husband, for now. I’m not sure of the future but my heart told me this was the right move for now. I think the breathing gave me courage to face what I didn’t want to face. This is a very hard time in my life and I’m happy to have the skill to help me through.”
9-11-2012
Eva (name changed) attended 8 of my classes over 5 months. Her story illustrates many lessons in getting out of the grip of a verbal or emotional abuser (not a physical abuser). More...
6-29-12
Attended by one man under stress. He attended follow up classes.
June 2012
Fibromyalgia pains reduced - A woman and her husband who were visiting from New Jersey.
5-3-2012
Attended by one woman for grief and depression due to the death of her adult son.
4-28-12
Attended by one man for depression. He did several follow up classes. His report-
“I am a software Engineer from India, working In USA with my wife and two young boys. I noticed some negative changes in my thinking in early Feb 2012 due to lot of stress about my residence status in this country and other personal issues. I was spending restless nights for 5 to 6 weeks without proper sleep. The lack of sleep caused depression. All my activities got disturbed – not interested in work, not enough money etc., affecting my family and my kids’ studies. Although I used medication for depression, I did not see noticeable change. I went back to India, slowly regained my health and returned to USA.
After returning, I thought of taking some precautionary measures to manage stress. This made me a student of Suryanarayana Chennapragada (C S). The course I had undergone was “Counting Breaths”.
It helps me focus better on my work and also improves my attitude. Now I am managing stress in my life very well, enjoying sound sleep and living peacefully. Now my physical and mental strength has improved and I am perfectly balanced in my life. Overall, I can say that these techniques consume less time and are valuable. I thank C S for guiding me in proper direction to overcome my difficulties."
April 16 and 17, 2012
Workshops for a couple (retired dentist and his wife) who attended my seminar at Albany Hindu Temple a few years back. They came from NC on a visit. He saw me at a social function and eagerly asked to meet again to revive his forgotten practice. They attended on both days and wanted to be in touch even after they go back to India.
March 2012
A woman who had undergone tracheostomy attended a series of classes. Full report...
Feb 2011 - 1 person
Jan 2011 - 1 person for anxiety, stiff neck and shoulder.
8-25-10 (x2) 6-27-10 (x2) 4-14-10 (x2)
3-17-10 (x3) 3-3-10 (x5) 2-24-10 (x1)
1-20-10 (x2) 12-2-09 (X5) 11-11-09 (x3)
11-1-09 (x1)
10-10-09 (x 5)
Whitney Young Health Center
4-25-18 Pre-diabetes patients (x3)
The seminar at the Whitney Young Health Center for pre-diabetes patients was attended by 3 women. Feedback summary follows.
I will practice this technique for my (concern)
Sleeping, When stuck in traffic
Anxiety and any situation
Sleeping trouble (I wake up 2 to 3 times a night)
Sleepless nights
Take home’ points
I like the idea of counting
Breaths in traffic
Evaluation of the seminar
Very useful – 3
Useful – 1
Comments
Informative, Good analogies (thoughts are like birds in clouds)
No comments. However it was very helpful and I appreciate the class and the teacher.
Informational.
June to Nov 2014 - Residents (x9)
I offered 6 weekly classes to 9 women residents with high function at Van Rensselaer Nursing Home as a pilot project during June to Nov 2014. The goal was to assess whether the residents in the age range of 70 to 90 and above, can absorb the ‘focusing on breathing’ technique, how they will use it and how it would help them. I am happy to report that they readily understood and made good use of the technique. One resident dropped out as she did not like the technique and another said she got the technique and would like to practice on her own. Three residents voluntarily joined midway, on learning about the program. Two of the aides who were previously trained in the technique and liked it joined the classes. They were a big help and helped me in explaining the technique to some residents. In each class, the residents answered 3 questions in a printed feedback form. Their cumulative responses collected in all the six classes are summarized below.
What modes did I practice?
Counting mode x7 (responses)
911 mode x4
Tip mode x2
Starting mode x2
Feeling mode x1
When did I practice?
Waiting x 7
Bed time x 6
Bored x 6
Stressed x 5
Meditating x 5
Waking up x 4
Tired x 3
Walking x 2
Exercising x 1
Worried x 1
Nervous x 1
How did it help me?
I sleep better x 2 (two responses)
Helped me to relax x2.
To be patient while waiting for response to call button x2.
Calmed me x2
Helped in waiting.
I fell asleep quicker.
I sleep in my wheel chair.
Went to bed.
I am now talking more.
Seeing and seeking other things To stop feeling sorrowful for myself. Helped me know others.
I have some place to go if I need help To think of what I need.
Overcome anxiety.
Relaxed me.
Breathing became more relaxed.
Relax to feel calmer after an unpleasant encounter with one of the aides.
Made me think.
Helped me to stop thinking dread and worrying about what next steps would be towards independent status.
Helped me stop anxiety by focusing on the technique.
This program is really helping me to relax Helps me breathe right.
Helps me in many ways to be able to deal with everyday life.
Thank you and God.
Helps me when I feel tired.
I feel relaxed when I wake up to a new day.
I feel real good when I do the counting mode.
Helps me not to think of my daughter not calling me.
When I was in distress I started counting and then I felt really good.
The counting and feeling modes helped me to meditate, calm down and be able to focus and be happy.
It helped me get organized in my life and also my spiritual life with God.
9-11-14 - Residents (x5)
The first seminar of its kind for the residents of a nursing home was held on 9/11/14 at the Van Rensselaer Manor Skilled Nursing Facility for 45 minutes. This was set up by the Activities Director Dorothy Kevin following the success of the previous seminar for the 6 aides who work with her. It was attended by 5 residents who were selected for their capacity to understand instructions. They were joined by two of the aides who had attended my seminar and were happy with the results they got from its practice. Our plan is to train these aides to become trainers and train more residents on their own. Dorothy Kevlin also joined. No written feedback was collected. A summary of the seminar is presented below.
Training the residents
The residents were introduced to the ‘Tip mode’, ‘Counting mode’, ‘Feeling mode’, ‘Staring mode’ and ‘911 mode’. They practiced the ‘tip mode’ on a pair of hands. Their questions were addressed.
Feedback
All of them were happy with the technique. Their comments were
I felt relaxed
I felt calm
I was feeling sleepy
One of the aides shared her own experience during the seminar on 8-13-14 for the aides ” I had headache at the beginning of the seminar and at the end it was gone!” She said she did not get it again. She also said she was a very impatient driver and experienced lot of stress in driving. The technique is helping her maintain her calmness and reduce stress.
Future plan
Our plan is to meet with the same group of residents weekly for another two sessions and see how they like its practice and what impact they report.
8-13-14 - Aides (x6)
Introductory seminar for aides was attended by 6 aides. Feedback follows. Scanned images of the feedback forms.
This was set up by the Education Director Jeannette Allen after she participated in the last class for the residents and saw the impact it made on them. The feedback received from the participants including Jeanette is summarized below. My presentation was video recorded for training further groups.
I will use this technique for my (concern) …
Sleeping
Sleep problems
Stress and help sleep
Everyday life & Specially sleeping
Son who has a hard time sleeping normal hours
Peaceful life and at work
Well being
School stress
My ‘take home points’
Breathing exercises by counting to 3 will help me relax
Relax more and use these breathing techniques to help me along the way
Breathing is an important way to de-stress
How to relax by breathing and counting
Just the breathing exercise
Breathe when stressed at work, home, anywhere
Relax, take time for myself
Will practice at home
My expectation from the seminar is fulfilled to level …
A 6
B 1
C 1
Comments
You are a wonderful speaker and teacher
I enjoyed very much
I think it is very useful, specially to people that deal with high stress jobs on a daily basis
I think this is something that all employees should learn
It was very interesting
I recommend this seminar to
Anyone – 3
Anyone that want so learn it
Albany Medical Center
Diabetes Education Group seminar was attended by 14 people. Feedback summary follows. Scanned images of the Feedback Forms
This seminar is ...
Very useful - 11
Useful - 3
Somewhat useful - 1
I will use this technique for my (concern)
Agitated moments, Sleeping.
Help with sleep & Relaxation (less worries).
Insomnia, Relieving stressful situation, Helping with stress at work.
To help me fall asleep faster.
Sleeplessness, Sporadic or interrupted sleep.
Try to get up at a reasonable hour in the morning.
Work, Relax when facing a new or difficult task at work.
Relaxation.
Stress management and arguing less, Stop and think.
Stress and losing control.
High blood pressure, Anxiety and frustration of dealing with diabetes.
Relieve chronic pain for my hands. Pinched ulnar nerve in Mar 2010. Hands have not been normal since then.
To cool off after getting fired up.
Comments about the seminar
Very relaxing.
Interesting relaxation technique (s).
I am looking forward to the results.
Speak lower as I was getting too relaxed.
You were very well understood. Demonstrations were useful. These should be given to high school students, especially scholar athletes who need rest.
Very well presented.
Very enlightening - It shall work.
Rather repetitive techniques are common knowledge but the presenter was very enthusiastic.
Very friendly and welcoming. One hardly thinks of managing such a basic process. But I will try diligently. He reminds me of Feldenkrais.
Interesting. No microphone.
5-1-10 Diabetic Fair (x22)
The seminar was attended by 22 people but only 11 offered feedback.
Assessment of the seminar
Excellent - 6
Very Good - 4
None - 1
I will use this technique to relieve my concern ...
Stress
Stress and relaxation
Deal with stress of surgery
Stress reduction, Insomnia
Pains
Difficulty in sleeping
Yes the 911 mode
Yes x4
Comments
I think this will be very helpful
Very enjoyable, relaxing
It was very good. It will make you sleepy
Very good
Tip Mode’ and ‘911 mode’ - I will use both
Don't change anything. Have the participants put all cell phones on vibrate
Ask people to turn off cell phones or put on vibrate
Should be offered next year also
5-1-2009 Diabetic Fair (x120)
Third Goodman diabetic fair at Desmond Hotel - 120 people were trained.
Childbirth Education Class - Part of (x3)
Seminar for 3 pregnant women organized by Emily Marynczak, childbirth educator.
2010
5-27-09 (x12)
It was a lunch time seminar. Feedback was not collected due to shortage of time. Feedback Email from the EAP coordinator follows.
"The feedback you received was overall score of 4.9 out of 5 satisfaction. Comments by some attendees -
"This type of training would be excellent for instilling discipline. I found that I lack it!"
"Very relaxing."
5-1-2009 (x120)
3rd Good man Diabetic Fair at the Desmond Hotel. Feedback was not collected.
Parsons Child and Family Center 5-10-13 (x29)
This center is now part of "Northern Rivers". The seminar was attended by 29 staff members. Feedback summary follows. Scanned images of the feedback forms.
This seminar is
Very useful x23
Useful x4
Somewhat useful x2
I will use this technique for my (concern)
Stress reduction, meditation and with my children for sleep.
Sleep, focusing
Anxiety
Happiness.
Stress
To get to sleep, Relieve anxiety.
Back pain and stress relief.
Insomnia, grief.
More restful sleep.
Sleep x4
Sleep, relaxation.
Anxiety, backpain and sleep.
Self and daughter.
Back pain and sleep issues.
Back pain
Self, work, clients, family.
Insomnia, stress eating.
Anxiety.
Chronic pain - hip, elbow, feet pain.
Insomnia and relaxation.
I can use this technique professionally for
Centering, calming and mindfulness.
The clients I work with at my practice.
My clients.
Kids, Stress management.
Stress, anxiety, smoking cessation.
Myself on the job and with my clients.
Stress relief.
Stress relief and dealing with anxiety.
Better sleep and overall relaxation.
Client use and staff use.
Relaxing
Stress, frustration.
Stress reduction with children.
Anxiety.
Some of the kids I work with.
Frustration.
Teaching kids before impulses
My clients.
Focusing and calming.
Help parents learn to relax & lower their stress level.
Helping agitated youth.
Stress relief,
My clients as a relaxation technique.
Stress and focus.
Working with children to relax.
Comments about the seminar
I really like the "nibble on the cookie" metaphor. Thank you.
Calming and informational.
Excellent presentation. Very mindful & stress reducing.
Very interesting x3
This seminar was very important and informative. The challenge is putting it into practice.
I plan to start using this an d will remember to be patient with it. I am so glad I came to this workshop. Thank you for sharing.
I loved it, so simple. Great presenter. Very personable.
Very relaxing, helpful, excited to try this technique at home.
Very simple approach that anyone can use. The simplicity is wonderful.
Very clear, simple and useful.
Very simple and helpful. I know this but I forget.
Very clear and practical.
Learned something new. Simple and helpful.
Excellent presentation, clear and concise. Thank you .
Like that there are several variations/ methods, so simple. cam choose one they like best.
Extremely useful and easy to learn and easy to teach others.
Lots of helpful tips.
Made me sleepy!
Very informative, explained very well.
So simple but so helpful and useful.
I enjoyed it, very useful.
St. Peter's Hospital
2-27-13 (x19)
19 persons of diverse positions attended from house keeper to students, nurses, faculty and directors. Summary of their feedback follows. Scanned images of feedback forms.
This seminar is
Very useful x19
I will use this technique for my (concern)
Stress everyday
Sleep (student)
To lower stress, help me sleep, anxiety (student)
Sleeping, relaxing, Relieve anxiety
Kids (Student)
Personal use - severe insomnia (RN)
Sleep disturbances (LPN)
Stress, insomnia and anxiety (Student)
Sleep (Housekeeper)
Insomnia, long waits in MD’s office, airports
Anxiety (student)
Insomnia, stress (Director)
Anxiety, Stress(Assistant Director/ Manager)
Students, patients, self
Patients, Quit smoking (LPN)
Sleeping/ relaxation technique (Recruiter)
Stress, sleep, relaxation (student)
Destressing before and after my 12 hour mid night shift (Mech Eng)
Every day stress, Pain, Sleep problems (Student)
Comments about the seminar
Thank you for your teaching.(Student)
Help relax the brain
Interesting and informative.
Wonderful, Should be taught in nursing school in the first semester
Very relaxing (LPN)
I like that there is nothing to buy, Can be used anywhere
Very useful (Student)
Excellent, Simple (Director)
Very well presented (Assistant Director/ Manager)
Well done
I will try for my own personal use for sleeping.(LPN)
Thought it was great. He seems like such a nice man. (Recruiter)
Very helpful, Thank you! (Student)
Thank you for the new tease on stress relief (Mech Eng)
‘Glaucoma Practice of New York’
8-15-12 (x6)
The seminar for Dr. Sai Gandham and his staff at the Lions Eye Institute in Slingerland NY was attended by 6 participants including Dr. Gandham’s mother. The feedback summary from the staff follows. Scanned images of the feedback forms.
The seminar was …
Very useful – 5
I will use this technique to relieve my (concern)
Sleep (to relax and enable sleep)
Stress and to calm my wandering mind at night
Stress, Insomnia
Anxiety
Sleep, Work, Waiting periods
Comments about the seminar
Very relaxing and educational
I liked learning how to breathe correctly and different methods of , Very relaxing.
Enjoyed learning the technique, will use it to reduce stress & enhance relaxation.
Very helpful and informative, definitely will ease my anxiety & trouble breathing while anxious, very peaceful.
Very useful, should have started in childhood. The seminar was very organized, effective and made very simple. We are impressed with the presentation skills.
Physical therapy and wellness solutions (x6)
2004 - Feedback not available.
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