Description of The Human Given Approach
The basic assumptions of the Human Givens approach are that humans have evolved innate physical and emotional needs called ‘human givens’. Human beings instinctively seek to meet these needs in their environment. When a person’s innate needs are met in the environment, he or she will flourish. When these needs are not met in a balanced way, mental distress results. The focus of the therapy is the discovery and rectification of any blocks to these needs being met. The emotional needs include:
- Security – safe territory and an environment which allows full maturity and development
- Attention (to give and receive it) – a form of "mental nutrition"
- Sense of autonomy and control – having volition to make responsible choices
- Being emotionally connected to others
- Feeling part of a wider community
- Friendship and intimacy with someone who is accepting of the total person, flaws included
- Privacy – opportunity to reflect and consolidate experience
- Sense of status within social groupings
- Sense of competence and achievement
- Meaning and purpose
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