We all have certain things that we need in order to fulfil ourselves in a given context. In order to survive we need food, water, and shelter. In order to thrive as human beings we need other things too. If we are getting some of our needs met but not others then we will not enjoy life as much as if we are getting all of our needs met. There are many lists of words that seek to encompass human needs. An example list from the school of human scale development is:
| Need | Being (qualities) | Having (things) | Doing (actions) |
| subsistence | physical and mental health | food, shelter, work | feed, clothe, rest, work |
| protection | care, adaptability, autonomy | social security, health systems, work | co-operate, plan, take care of, help |
| affection | respect, sense of humour, generosity, sensuality | friendships, family, relationships with nature | share, take care of, make love, express emotions |
| understanding | critical capacity, curiosity, intuition | literature, teachers, policies, educational | analyse, study, meditate, investigate, |
| participation | receptiveness, dedication, sense of humour | responsibilities, duties, work, rights | cooperate, dissent, express opinions |
| leisure | imagination, tranquillity, spontaneity | games, parties, peace of mind | day-dream, remember, relax, have fun |
| creation | imagination, boldness, inventiveness, curiosity | abilities, skills, work, techniques | invent, build, design, work, compose, interpret |
| identity | sense of belonging, self-esteem, consistency | language, religions, work, customs, values, norms | get to know oneself, grow, commit oneself |
| freedom | autonomy, passion, self-esteem, open-mindedness | equal rights | dissent, choose, run risks, develop awareness |
Working together I can support you as you identify what needs you have, and how well they are being satisfied right now. If certain needs are not being met then we can explore new strategies for expressing your needs and ways to negotiate with others in order to get your needs met.
Intuitive Online Psychotherapy 