A theory that human services professionals may use in working with
clients is Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. This theory presents a
pyramid shape, consisting of different levels which each represent
different individual needs. The base of the pyramid consists of basic,
physiological needs, such as food, water, and shelter. To move
beyond the base level of the pyramid, a person must first satisfy their
basic needs. The next level of the pyramid consists of an individual’s
safety needs. For example, protection from forms of violence and
health, or financial, security. The remaining levels, in order, are love
and belonging needs, esteem, and self-actualization. Again, the needs
of each level must be addressed for someone to move upward in the
pyramid.
A human services professional who works with people who are
homeless may use Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs without even
realizing it by focusing on the client’s physiological and safety needs
before others.
References:
Woodside, M. R., & McClam, T. (2018).
An Introduction to Human
Services
(9th ed.). Cengage Learning US.
https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781337671262
