When we don’t feel safe our emotional brain prevents us thinking clearly and developing a life that works well. We need to feel secure in all areas of our life – geographical, health, financially, family and relationships etc. Without feeling secure we cannot develop the spare capacity to pursue and meet other needs. To become obsessed with security, however, can prevent us taking any risks at all and the human race would not have progressed without risk taking from time to time.

Examples of questions to ask when considering the need for security:

• Are you in danger of being physically attacked?
• Do you feel vulnerable because you are older than you were?
• Are you being bullied?
• Is your job or livelihood at risk?
• Can you pay your mortgage?
• Do you need to seek professional financial advice?
• Are you in a relationship where you feel constantly criticised and belittled?
• Are you addicted to some pleasurable activity that could undermine your security if it becomes too expensive and prevents you getting other needs met?