11
May

Primary Needs

Caring for the body and physical needs of the person in crisis is often a very important part of changing their experience. It is sometimes thought that it is the mind driving emotional experience and behavior, but we have found that the reverse is often more accurate. The health, safety, and comfort of the body drive the emotions. When survival is threatened or it is perceived that survival could be threatened, the brain reacts by triggering fight or flight emotional states, which in turn changes the way we think and behave. When safety and comfort are established, relaxation, introspection, creativity, and joy are possible