The Importance of a Needs Audit
How identifying unmet emotional needs can transform mental health
Hello, I'm Lee Allison, a trainee Human Givens therapist based in Jersey, Channel Islands. Today we'll explore one of the most practical tools within the Human Givens approach, the Emotional Needs Audit. Understanding what our emotional needs are is one thing, but knowing which of those needs are currently unmet can provide valuable insight into why we may be struggling emotionally and what steps we can take to improve our wellbeing.
Imagine driving a car and seeing a warning light appear on the dashboard. You wouldn't ignore it for long because you know it's indicating that something needs attention. The Human Givens approach views many emotional difficulties in a similar way. Symptoms such as anxiety, low mood, irritability, stress, poor sleep, or a lack of motivation are often signals that one or more emotional needs are not being met adequately.
The Emotional Needs Audit (ENA) was developed to help people identify which of the nine core emotional needs may be out of balance. These needs include security, attention, autonomy and control, emotional connection, status, competence and achievement, privacy, community, and meaning and purpose. By assessing each area honestly, people can often gain a clearer understanding of why they are feeling the way they do.
One of the strengths of the Needs Audit is its simplicity. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, it encourages people to look at the wider context of their lives. For example, someone experiencing anxiety may discover they lack a sense of security, while someone struggling with low mood may realise they have lost a sense of purpose or meaningful achievement. The audit helps shift the focus from "What's wrong with me?" to "What do I need more of in my life?"
Research consistently shows that psychological wellbeing is closely linked to the fulfilment of basic human needs. When these needs are met consistently and in balance, people tend to be more resilient, motivated, emotionally stable, and better able to cope with life's challenges. The Human Givens Institute provides a free Emotional Needs Audit which can help individuals identify strengths and areas for improvement in their emotional wellbeing.
Importantly, the goal of a Needs Audit is not perfection. Nobody has every need fully met all of the time. Instead, it provides a useful snapshot of your current circumstances and highlights practical areas where positive changes can be made. Sometimes small adjustments can produce surprisingly significant improvements in emotional health.
Reflection
This week, take a few minutes to consider the nine emotional needs. Which areas of your life feel well nourished, and which feel neglected? If you could improve just one emotional need over the next month, which would have the greatest positive impact on your wellbeing?
If you would like to book a free 20min discussion to discuss your mental health then please feel free to contact me.
Lee Allison
References
Human Givens Institute – Emotional Needs Audit (ENA)
https://www.hgi.org.uk/discover/emotional-needs-audit-ena/Human Givens Institute – Emotional Needs and Mental Health
https://www.hgi.org.uk/resources/healthy-living/emotional-needsDeci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic Motivation, Social Development, and Well-Being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.
