NVC List of Needs

For background information on this list, please see An Accessible, Mobile-Friendly NVC Needs List, Version 2.

Body

  • Air
  • Food
  • Health
  • Movement
  • Physical safety/ Protection
  • Rest
  • Sleep
  • Shelter
  • Touch
  • Water

Security

  • Balance
  • Consistency
  • Emotional safety
  • Energy conservation
  • Financial security
  • Order/Structure
  • Peace (external)
  • Peace of mind
  • Quiet
  • Stability
  • Trust

Freedom

  • Autonomy
  • Choice
  • Ease
  • Focus/Traction
  • Independence
  • Power in your world
  • Self-responsibility
  • Solitude
  • Space
  • Spontaneity

Relaxation

  • Fun
  • Humor
  • Idleness
  • Irreverence
  • Laughter
  • Play
  • Refresh
  • Rejuvenation

Connection

  • Affection
  • Attention
  • Bonding
  • Closeness
  • Companionship
  • Harmony
  • Intimacy
  • Love
  • Mutuality
  • Nurturing
  • Sexual expression
  • Shared reality
  • Support
  • Tenderness
  • Warmth

Community

  • Belonging
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Contribution
  • Cooperation
  • Equality
  • Generosity/Giving
  • Hospitality
  • Inclusion
  • Mutuality
  • Participation
  • Partnership
  • Restorative justice
  • Shared values
  • Welcoming

Mattering

  • Acceptance
  • Appreciation
  • Care
  • Consideration
  • Empathy
  • Gentleness
  • Kindness
  • Meaning
  • Mourning
  • Reassurance
  • Respect
  • To be heard, seen
  • To be known, understood
  • To be trusted

Healthy Ego

  • Authenticity
  • Boundaries
  • Competence
  • Determination/Grit
  • Dignity
  • Healing
  • Honesty
  • Humility
  • Integration
  • Integrity
  • Mattering to self
  • Self-acceptance
  • Self-care
  • Self-compassion
  • Self-connection
  • Self-expression
  • Self-realization
  • Self-respect
  • Self-trust/Confidence
  • Self-worth

Understanding

  • Clarity
  • Discovery
  • Exploration
  • Learning
  • Making sense of life
  • Stimulation

Vitality

  • Aliveness
  • Challenge
  • Creativity
  • Effectiveness
  • Energy
  • Growth
  • Integration
  • Nature
  • Purpose
  • Vision/Dreams

Liberation

  • Awakening
  • Awareness/ Presence
  • Beauty
  • Blame-free
  • Celebration
  • Communion
  • Compassion
  • Equanimity
  • Faith
  • Flow
  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Inspiration
  • Joy with others
  • Release/Letting go
  • Simplicity
  • Transcendence
  • Wonder