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In psychotherapy, the human givens approach uses a combination of a holistic perspective and practical techniques. Developed by psychotherapists Joe Griffin, Ivan Tyrrell and Denise Winn, this approach focuses on meeting innate emotional needs to promote mental well-being. 

Human givens are the innate emotional needs and resources that all humans possess. These needs include security, autonomy, connection, status, attention, achievement and meaning. When these needs are met in balance, a person tends to experience emotional stability and resilience. However, when these needs are unmet or poorly met, it can lead to various mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or addiction.

The role of emotional needs in mental health

According to the human givens framework, mental health problems often arise when people cannot effectively meet their innate emotional needs. 

For example, someone experiencing chronic stress may lack a sense of security, while someone struggling with loneliness may lack meaningful connections with others. By identifying which emotional needs are unmet, therapists can tailor interventions to help a person address these deficits and restore emotional equilibrium.

Human givens therapy employs a range of practical techniques to help people overcome mental health challenges. These techniques may include cognitive behavioral interventions, relaxation exercises, guided imagery, and mindfulness practices. By providing clients with tools to manage their emotions and meet their needs more effectively, therapists can help them take control of their mental well-being.

The therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the client is an important part of the human givens framework. Therapists aim to create a supportive and collaborative environment where clients feel understood and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. By building trust and promoting empathy, therapists can help clients explore their emotional needs and develop strategies to meet them.