Will The 5 Needs Work With Your Client?
Individual therapeutic work is just that, very individual. We come to the table with various degrees and levels of education. This site offers information for those who are looking for tools. The 5 Needs is a flexible tool that will be useful for some and not for others. There are times these materials may not be appropriate in the work you are doing. You will know.
As always, be aware of any trauma and the impact that can have in exploring The 5 Needs. Be aware of any triggers, especially when discussing each need, as we do not know the whole story or all the triggers any one person experiences. The 5 Needs can stir up emotions and feelings and some people may need extra therapeutic interventions. Consider referring the client, using other modalities. The 5 Needs materials are exactly what some folks need and not at all what others need. This may seem simple, but it can go deep too. Use caution.
What I would suggest is that you consider these questions when thinking about using The 5 Needs materials with your clients:
- Would this client do well exploring each need in their life, past and present?
- Is it possible that talking about any of the needs will bring up abuse issues, fears, longings, unmet needs, or anything else?
- What could exploring each need possibly do to help your work? Would any harm come from this? Would the client benefit from taking time to explore The 5 Needs?
- Would the workbook be a good tool for the client to do outside of your time together and bring back to discuss? Does your client like or need homework?
- Would writing their personal story using The 5 Needs as a guide be helpful for your client?
- If Spirituality is a topic discussed, would the client like to explore what God says about each need? Would this be helpful?
Be curious. Stay open. Tools are often useful in therapeutic work. Tools like The 5 Needs can open doors to closed areas and dark rooms and sometimes serve as a springboard into deep places, thus increasing awareness in a person’s life.
Take time to explore your own needs as well. The ways we meet our needs changes in time.
Our abilities and difficulties, our situations, circumstances and developmental stages all play an important role in meeting our needs. The needs may be called “basic” but they are indeed rather complex and often difficult to meet.
Challenge yourself to complete one of the workbooks. You may be pleasantly surprised at how you met your needs throughout your life or you may find you need to make some changes. Have fun. Stay curious a little longer. Be surprised. Explore without any judgment.
Feel free to contact Wendy at wendy@the5needs.com if you have questions.
