‘Life Needs Assessment’ Worksheet: Unveiling Fundamental Emotional and Physical Needs

Humans have fundamental needs that go beyond the obvious necessities of water, food, and shelter—needs that are critical to emotional wellbeing yet often overlooked in modern western culture. As outlined in Human Givens psychology, neglecting these needs can lead to serious conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and addiction.The ‘Life Needs Assessment’ Worksheet is a tool for therapists and their clients designed to identify how well your client is meeting these crucial needs in their life.This worksheet serves as a ‘troubleshooting checklist’ for understanding the nine primal human needs. By helping clients recognize and meet these needs healthily, the worksheet facilitates important change, enhancing emotional wellbeing and equipping individuals to effectively understand the roots of their emotional challenges, especially when they feel distressed, overwhelmed, or directionless.The ‘Life Needs Assessment’ Worksheet explores nine critical areas of need:

• Attention: Understanding the importance of social interactions and strategies to enhance them.
• Mind/Body: Focusing on physical health and emotional wellbeing.
• Safety and Security: Ensuring a stable environment free from threats.
• Community: Engaging with social groups to foster a sense of belonging.
• Challenge and Creativity: Encouraging personal growth through new experiences and creativity.
• Intimacy: Deepening connections with loved ones to enrich emotional support.
• Control: Empowering clients to regain control over their lives.
• Status: Rebuilding a sense of self-worth and acknowledgment in society.
• Meaning: Helping clients find purpose and direction in life.

The process of working through this worksheet with your client provides a clear path towards a more balanced and satisfying life for your clients through:

• Enhanced Self-Awareness: Clients gain insights into their own needs and how these affect their quality of life.
• Structured Improvement Pathways: Clear steps to enhance fulfillment in each area of need.
• Empowerment through Action: Encourages active participation in their own journey of self-improvement.

And it will help you through:

• Focused Therapeutic Goals: Tailor interventions based on specific client needs.
• Facilitation of Impactful Conversations: Guides discussions that get to the heart of clients’ challenges.
• Strengthened Therapeutic Alliance: Build a robust partnership between client and therapist and work collaboratively on the client’s needs.

The ‘Life Needs Assessment’ Worksheet not only aids clients in understanding and addressing their fundamental needs but also equips therapists with a detailed framework to support their clients effectively. It fosters a proactive approach in therapy, where both therapist and client engage in a meaningful exploration of needs, leading to sustained personal growth and enhanced life satisfaction. An editable version of this worksheet is free to members of Uncommon Practitioners’ TV.