Why Your Basic Needs Really Matter (And How Therapy Can Help)

Diagram of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs by J. Finkelstein, licensed CC‑BY‑SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (Made Simple)

You might’ve heard of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (find out more here). It’s a pyramid that shows what humans need to thrive—starting with the essentials and building up to growth and fulfilment. See above a photo what it includes- you might be surprised.

Each level builds on the one below. If the lower layers aren’t being met, it’s harder to focus on the ones above.

Let’s start to break it down and why it is important!

1. Basic Physical Needs

Think food, sleep, water, and rest.
Sounds simple, right? But how often do you push through tiredness or skip meals when you're stressed? Its amazing how much these things impact us if we aren't getting the basics. Think 'hangry' or complete lack of sleep. It can impact your mood to your energy to your ability to think clearly. You might feel more anxious, irritable, or low without even knowing why.

These basics affect your mood, energy, and outlook. Some of the first questions i ask my clients are; 'Hows your sleep?' 'What does your diet look like?' and 'Who have you got at home?'.

2. Safety and Stability

Do you feel safe—at home, at work, in your relationships?
Safety isn’t just about physical danger. It’s also about feeling emotionally secure and financially okay. Financial worries, a chaotic environment, or past trauma can all create a sense of insecurity. This keeps your nervous system on high alert. Stability and finances being a particularly rocky area for many people at the moment. 

When things feel shaky, it’s hard to focus on anything else. 

3. Love and Connection

We all need to feel like we belong.
That could mean close friendships, a supportive partner, or just feeling seen.
If you're feeling lonely or disconnected, you're not alone. You would be surprised how many clients feel alone, isolated, disconnected and unable to form trusting friendships—therapy can gently explore those experiences.

Often, what we long for most is to feel like we belong. Much like being a tribe back in cave person times.

4. Self-Esteem and Confidence

Do you believe you matter? Do you speak kindly to yourself?
Low self-esteem can quietly impact every part of life—from work to relationships to your sense of purpose. When self-esteem is low, it’s easy to doubt your worth or question your value. You might notice patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, or self-criticism.

When in therapy you can start to understand where those beliefs came from—and how to change the story. Bit by bit, you can start to feel more secure in who you are.

5. Purpose and Fulfilment

This is the top of the pyramid—what Maslow called self-actualisation.

Self-actualisation doesn’t mean being perfect. It’s about becoming more of who you already are, living in line with your values, and creating a life that feels true to you.

Create strong foundations below and you can start to ask;

What gives your life meaning?
What makes you feel fully alive?
Who are you, when no one’s watching?