Needs list

The What Do You Need? tool is a powerful resource designed to help identify and articulate emotional and physical needs. It’s especially effective for building emotional intelligence, improving communication, and enhancing overall well-being.

How to use the tool

• Introduce the Concept of Needs
  • Explain: Begin by discussing why understanding our needs are essential. Highlight how unmet needs can affect emotions, behavior, and relationships.
  • Prompt: Ask questions like:
    • “What do you think it means to have a need?”
    • “How do you feel when a need is not met?”
• Explore the Categories
  • Activity: Display or distribute the What Do You Need? poster and review each category (e.g., Connection, Autonomy, Peace, Play, Physical Well-Being, Meaning).
  • Prompt: Reflect on the words within each category and ask:
    • “Which of these words resonates with you today?”
    • “Which needs do you feel are being met, and which ones aren’t?”
• Identify Personal Needs
  • Activity: Provide a worksheet or journal page to write down top needs for the day or week.
  • Group Discussion: Share (if comfortable) which needs they identified and how they impact their emotions or actions.
• Brainstorm Solutions
  • Activity: Brainstorm actionable steps to address needs.
  • Prompt: Ask:
    • “What could you do to meet your need for [category]?”
    • “Who or what might help you fulfill this need?”
• Practice and Reflect
  • Activity: Revisit the tool regularly, especially during moments of stress or conflict. Incorporate it into daily check-ins or mindfulness activities.
  • Prompt: At the end of the week, reflect:
    • “What needs were easiest to meet?”
    • “What challenges did you face, and how did you handle them?”

Benefits of using the tool

• Self-awareness: By identifying their needs, learn to recognize the emotions and situations tied to them.
• Emotional regulation: Understanding unmet needs helps manage emotions more effectively.
• Communication skills: Articulating their needs fosters clearer and more constructive dialogue with others.
• Problem-solving: Brainstorming ways to meet their needs encourages resourcefulness and creativity.