Original needs wheel PDF can be downloaded for free here: https://eddinscounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/Needs-Wheel.pdf

Based on Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg, Ph.D.

Exploring needs and their meaning in non-violent communication:

Objects and behaviors (external) that are often confused as needs, which are actually strategies to meet needs (internal):(with some possible needs listed in parenthesis)

• Money (autonomy, sustenance, support)

• Sex (intimacy, expression, play)

• Touch (intimacy, affection, companionship)

• Conversation (expression, understanding, connection)

• Time Together (connection, fellowship, closeness)

• Food (energy, comfort, relief, nourishment)

• Exercise (health, recreation, play, stimulation)

• Work (purpose, meaning, sustenance)

• Car (mobility, autonomy, convenience)

• House (protection, comfort, shelter)

• Chocolate (chocolate is, in fact, a need ;)

Any word that follows "I need you to…” is a strategy to meet a need, and is being stated as a demand:

• Obey

• Comply

• Conform

• Relent

• Respect

• Validate

• Give

• Be Responsible

• Listen

• Love

• Accept

• Listen

Words that imply intent and assume facts not in evidence (feelings & needs): (Use a request to check out what another person's intent may be)

• Lie

• Cheat

• Manipulate

• Steal

• Attack

• Ignore

• Abandon

• Misbehave

• Disobey

Needs that contribute to our physical well-being: (with some possible strategies listed in parenthesis)

• Energy (food, stored calories, oxygen)

• Nourishment (vitamins, minerals, nutrition, water)

• Vitality (exercise, nutrition)

• Rejuvenation (sleep, rest)

Our previous article that explains the principles of Non-violent communication is here.

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