What is Human Givens?

Human Givens Therapy (HG) asserts that humans share physical and emotional needs that they must connect with the external world to have fulfilled. These needs include necessities such as food, water, shelter, and safety, as well as intimacy, attention, and feelings of efficacy. People also need privacy, autonomy, connection, feelings of importance, and overall life purpose and meaning. People are more likely to experience mental health concerns if these needs go unmet.

The HG therapist will work with the client to identify areas where they are lacking and develop solutions for getting their needs met.

HG therapists usually couple HG with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It works well for clients who experience substance use, isolation, challenges with stress management, or financial distress. In some cases, HG has worked for teens experiencing anxiety or depression and veterans experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.