The Human Givens approach to emotional health and wellbeing.

PurposeTo introduce colleagues to the Human Givens approach to emotional health and wellbeing.BackgroundHuman Givens (HG) therapy proposes a holistic and practical framework for understanding what individuals, families and societies require to be mentally healthy. It offers an eclectic psychological and psychotherapeutic approach which draws on ideas from other counselling paradigms. The key organising idea is that emotional needs (e.g. attention; being part of a community; challenge; competence and achievement; control; emotional connection to others; meaning; privacy; security; status) need to be met in a fairly balanced way to ensure emotional wellbeing. It also proposes that being able to use innate resources effectively (e.g. the ability to learn; imagination; ability to connect with others) can help ensure these needs are met.MethodThis session will focus on key principles and practical skills which participants will be able to incorporate into therapeutic practice. The theoretical framework will be presented through interactive activities, allowing participants to become familiar with core ideas and consider implications for EPs. The session will also focus on the application of the HG approach in individual casework and working with schools and parents. Skills demonstrated and practised will include auditing emotional needs; structuring a therapy session; relaxation techniques; and the use of story metaphor.ConclusionOutcomes of HG work with children, young people and their families will be presented. Colleagues will be invited to discuss the practical application of the HG approach within professional practice.