Human Givens Training (CPD)

About twenty years ago, researchers in the UK decided to 'get back to basics' in understanding emotional health. They looked at what new insights the disciplines of neuroscience, sociology, and biology could offer. The search yielded amazing results - a series of 'givens' or bedrock truths that better explain what it means to be psychologically well, and what to do when things go wrong. These new insights - referred to as "The best new ideas in the mental health field today"*- provide an excellent Continuing Professional Development opportunity for psychologists, social workers, counsellors, hypnotherapists, teachers and related caring professionals.

A sample of professionals who have completed CPD sessions include:

  • Australian Psychological Society, (NT Chapter) Darwin
  • Queensland Council of Adult Literacy, Brisbane
  • Victim Support Centre, Adelaide
  • Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists, Sydney
  • NZ Association of Neuro Linguistic Programming, Rotorua NZ
  • Australian Family Therapy Association, Sydney
  • Suncare Community Services, Maroochydore
  • NMIT Faculty of Further Education, Melbourne
  • New Zealand Association of Professional Hypnotherapists, Rotorua NZ
  • Country Education Project Members, Castlemaine
  • Australian Association of Clinical Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy, Melbourne
  • Ballarat University (Youth Programs Division), Lorne
  • Victorian Adult Literacy & Basic Education Committee, Melbourne
  • Victorian Applied Learning Association, Melbourne

* Dr Alex McLaughlin, Nottingham Trent University, UK (now offering a Masters Degree in the approach)

The following sessions can enable Training/CPD coordinators to add the Human Givens ideas and techniques to the skill-sets of their colleagues. You are welcome to choose single sessions as well as multiple sessions to make up a half-day, full-day or two-day training program. It is recommended that 'Introducing the Human Givens' be part of any selection.

Introducing the Human Givens (60 min)

  • the laws of organic life provide new insights
  • understanding the needs and resources balance
  • pattern-matching explained
  • why we dream and why it matters
  • implications for effective therapy

Understanding emotion (60 min)

  • emotion, pattern-matching and expectation
  • understanding exaggerated survival responses
  • the role of patterns, physiology, language
  • understanding the distinctions between emotion, feeling, and mood
  • implications for effective therapy

The six steps to emotional well-being (60 min)

Incorporating the latest findings from the positive psychology movement plus a national wellbeing initiative from the UK, this session offers a wealth of strategies in a concise workable package, including:

  • preparation (orientation, motivation, focus)
  • expectation (getting meaning and making sense of our world)
  • action (learning, memory, behaviour, accomplishment)
  • emotional needs (doing an audit, using resources, relationships)
  • reflection (mindfulness, relaxation, gratitude, kindness)
  • effective sleep (maintaining the REM/restorative sleep balance)

Depression: what it is, and what it isn't (60 min)

  • depression - dispelling some myths
  • depression - new insights, fresh hope
  • depression and dreaming - the link explained
  • application of human givens principles
  • breaking the cycle of depression

How to lift depression (120min workshop)

  • effective brief therapy - the RIGAAR model
  • Rapport; Information gathering; Setting goals; Agreeing on strategies for change; Accessing resources
  • Rehearsal (guided imagery)
  • therapeutic application

Therapeutic storytelling (90 min workshop)

  • the use of metaphor (stories) in trance
  • stories that stimulate hope and optimism
  • how to build expectancy and maintain rapport
  • the art of finding the right metaphor for your client
  • creative storytelling - essential tips
us with these selections and we can then negotiate costs and dates.
left side image
The "human givens" explained
Why humans dream
The Mind - new insights
Depression - new insights


See Brief Video


Video Transcript - the Human Givens Overview


Free Resources

If you are interested in Therapeutic Storytelling, these videos and notes may be useful. Suitable for individual and group settings, with a particular focus on men who have lost their way.


NB: Only therapists and practitioners who have completed their training with the Human Givens College in the UK are eligible for Professional Membership of the Human Givens Institute based in the UK. Associate Membership is, however, available to anyone who is interested in, or keen to support and be part of, the development and spread of the human givens insights and approach.