Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs revisited for counselling conversations in the 21st century

Identifying ‘needs’ is related to what a person gives value to.

If a person needs Creativity this might include playing a musical instrument or singing, accessorising with a scarf or wearing a colourful jacket with intentionality.

Peak moments are connected to our awareness in the moment. They might include noticing synchronicity, finding stillness in meditation, curled up with a book, or remembering beautiful moments when looking through photo albums. Possibilities include delight when with a grandchild or other moments of joyful activity, such as watching a sunset or full moon rise. Being in the present moment can be a peak moment in itself.

Connections may be strong through following a football team, or engaging in sporting activities being part of an environmental group or communion in Spirit. Joining with others at the dog park. Having curiosity will help you support your client to share stories about their lives where the problem doesn’t get a look-in.


In Narrative Therapy, we ask about problems or challenges, and times when problems are not as dominant in peoples lives. Sharing stories of significance to a person who is listening deeply might be a time of connection and a peak moment.

#debdana #glimmers

We can ask what strengths, skills or spiritual perspectives might have helped a person get through times where only some basic needs were being met. These stories might enhance self worth.

These diverse, and often meandering conversations about needs, and how one might be quietly resolving and practicing to find a way to meet one’s needs alongside the intimidating presence of big problems, can be a refreshing way to engage in counselling.

Michael White spoke about his approach to therapy including ‘loitering with intent’ and for me it’s about this sacred listening out for the pearls as I sit with this person.


Many child counselling resources are available free on my website:

https://kimbillington.com.au/

Or from my books/ metaphor downloadable eResource:

https://kimbillington.com.au/book/



Also tutorials such as this one on YouTube.

I am a registered Clinical Supervisor with PACFA and offer individual and group supervision to counsellors, and supervision-on- supervision in my private practice as well as through agencies.

I deliver webinars and workshops for counsellors working with young people, children, families and adults, as well as take referrals for client work:

https://www.artandplaytherapytraining...

These include:

Tree of Life
Sailboat of Life
Intro to Narrative Therapy
The Hero's Journey and therapeutic storytelling
Preparing parents for child counselling
Seeing My Journey - a counsellor‘s reflection of their life journey
Playful Narrative Therapy
Birth Order
A Journey into Narrative Therapy - a short course


Contact me via my website:

https://kimbillington.com.au/

#childcounselling #therapy #counselling

An interview about narrative therapy:
   • Finding Meaning in Stories: Exploring Narr...  

Abraham Maslow's original paper on the hierarchy of needs was titled "A Theory of Human Motivation" and was published in 1943 in the journal Psychological Review:
Author: Abraham Maslow
Publication: Psychological Review in 1943
Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a psychological theory that suggests people are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to more advanced needs:
Hierarchy:
The hierarchy is usually depicted as a pyramid, but Maslow never created one.
Needs:
The hierarchy includes deficiency needs and growth needs, and is based on the idea that people have an inborn desire to be self-actualized.
Application:
The theory is used in many fields, including education, healthcare, social work, sociology research, and management training.