Human Givens Approach works on a very simple and straightforward principle. As Human Beings we come into this world with basic physical needs such as the need for shelter, warmth and safety, and with emotional needs, such as the need for love, security, connection and control, and the self-esteem which arises from feeling competent in different areas of our lives. We also have the innate resources to help us meet these needs, including: memory, imagination, problem solving abilities, self-awareness and a range of complementary thinking styles to employ in various different situations. It is these needs and resources together, which are built into our biology, that make up the Human Givens.

When emotional needs are not being met, or when our resources are used incorrectly, we suffer considerable distress. And so do those around us.

As therapists working with human givens approach we focus on helping clients identify unmet physical and emotional needs and assist them to meet those needs by activating their own natural resources in new ways. While we do listen with great care we do not place emphasis on bringing up real or imagined miserable memories from the past, unless the client specifically perceives it to be of benefit. Instead we offer practical help that deals with finding solutions to physical and emotional distress in the here and now.