We all come into the world with the same physical and emotional needs – food, shelter, warmth, security, etc. It is a law of nature that, if we are getting our innate needs met in a balanced way, we cannot become stressed or develop mental illness.
We’re also blessed with natural resources to help us out.
These include:
- imagination,
- memory,
- self-awareness
- problem-solving abilities,
- and a range of different thinking styles to use in various changing situations.
We built these needs and resources into our biology and make up the ‘givens’ of human nature.
The Human Givens Approach
Therapists, counsellors and psychiatrists trained in the human givens approach focus on finding out what exactly is preventing a distressed person from getting their innate needs met. They help them do something about it by tapping into their creativity.
To do this, we use a variety of up-to-date, proven psychological methods and techniques focused on problem-solving and developing new life skills.
Why is the Human Givens approach so effective?
The human givens approach draws on the latest findings from psychology and neurobiology about how people really function and what we need to lead fulfilling lives. Research has established the most effective psychotherapeutic techniques for emotional distress and behavioural difficulties.
Human givens therapists do not just endlessly listen to you or attempt to dredge up real or imagined miserable memories from the past since research shows this confuses and upsets people who are vulnerable and can actually make depression and anxiety worse. Neither do we deal with time-wasting and prolonged so-called voyages of ‘self-discovery’. We focus on providing practical help, relying on scientific knowledge and skills that demonstrate to be effective.
Human givens is supported by Primary Care Mental Health Education (Primhe), and affiliated to the Royal College of General Practitioners. As a member of our accrediting professional body, the Human Givens Institute (HGI), Richard abides by their professional conduct and ethics policies.
What does Human Givens treatment involve?
The treatment starts out with me finding out about you and your life and the difficulties you are experiencing. Moreover, right from the first session we will also begin using relaxation methods. These exercises and techniques reduce psychological stress.
Also, we work out some achievable and realistic goals to focus on, starting with small manageable steps and continuing at a pace which suits you. We will work together to set goals that are clear and meaningful to you. From here on, we activate your natural resources to help you feel better and take back control of your life.
At each session, we check out what effects the treatment is having on you. if necessary, work through any unanticipated difficulties. Treatment ends when you’re happy that you’ve made enough progress to continue living a healthy life without regular help from me.
How long will it take?
Everyone’s situation is unique, we aim to take as few sessions as possible and fully expect improvements to begin from the first session. People rarely need over six sessions to make significant progress and lasting improvements. Often as few as three or four sessions are necessary.
Also see Psychotherapies
About Richard
Case Study for Human Givens
Josephina had to make a statement in court about her ex-boyfriend who had been charged with domestic violence. Additionally, she was terrified of giving evidence and her anxiety was making her sick. She was referred to me by her father who had overcome a major phobia using hypnotherapy and NLP. Josephina did not want hypnotherapy so we decided that the Human Givens approach would be a better fit.
In the first session, we went over neuroscience. I taught breathing techniques like the 7/11 breathing to be able to control anxiety. In the visualisations, we focused on staying calm and giving evidence in the courtroom. We worked for a couple of weeks. Each time she learnt a different method of relaxation. Also used guided imagery to allow her to rehearse what she was going to say. Using information which she had received from the court services, she was also able to plan and be aware of what was to be expected.
Overall it was a success. Josephina was able to go through the whole court proceedings. Significantly a restraining order was placed upon the ex-boyfriend and she was able to get on with normal business.