Human Givens Psychotherapy

Human givens psychotherapy

This is a relatively new form of therapy that is based on the premise that all humans have basic needs (or ‘givens’). These are divided into physical needs such as food and sleep and also emotional needs such as the need to feel connected with a group.  When these needs are not met, it affects a person’s mental well-being.

The therapists’ role is to determine which needs are not being met, why and also what the person can do to change this. The sessions are mainly discussion based and the therapist will tailor solutions for each individual. It is believed to be a helpful treatment for a range of mental health issues including anger management and anxiety.

Related therapies

• Existential therapy
• Gestalt therapy
• Person-centred therapy
• Psychosynthesis
• Reality therapy
• Solution focused brief therapy
• Transactional analysis
• Transpersonal psychology