The History of Human Givens and The Centre
About the Centre
The York Human Givens Wellbeing Centre was set up in 2010 by theraists Gail Rhodes and Jenny Waddington.
“Human Givens therapy is effective because it draws on the findings from psychology and neurobiology about how people really function.
"As Human Givens therapists we do not waste time endlessly asking you to go over and analyse the past or attempting to dredge up real or imagined miserable memories. We offer practical help that deals with mental and emotional distress in the here and now.”
They developed the centre as a hub for people to come for human givens therapy and so that therapists could be part of a supportive community where people could share ideas together.
New leadership began in August 2022 when Claire Morris and Ned Yates took on the centre as Gail and Jenny moved towards retirement. The centre has continued to thrive under their care.
Very sadly, Claire passed away in May 2026. Claire dedicated her life to helping others. As a therapist she was calm, thoughtful and deeply compassionate; as joint owner of the centre she created a place where both clients and colleagues feel valued, respected and supported. Her quiet leadership, meticulous care and gentle humour touched countless lives. We remain profoundly grateful to have worked alongside her, and her legacy continues to be woven into everything we do.
About Human Givens
The Human Givens are the needs and resources that we are all born with. They include our essential biological and emotional needs and all the innate resources that have evolved in humans to help us fulfil these needs. Using our innate resources properly to get our needs met allows us to thrive rather than just survive.
We have physical needs within the ...
breathe well, know how to relax
We have emotional needs to...
feeling secure and safe
a sense of autonomy and control
the need for intimacy and connection with others
the need to give and receive attention
the need to be part of a wider community
the need for privacy
the need for a sense of meaning and purpose
Our resources include:
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a rational as well as an emotional brain
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imagination
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curiosity
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the ability to learn
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memory and the ability to forget
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our ability to problem solve
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understanding through metaphor and stories
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self awareness
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resilience
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empathy
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