At the ACON Foundation, we believe that understanding your human needs is the key to healing from narcissistic abuse. Every action we take — healthy or unhealthy — is an attempt to meet one of six universal needs, according to Anthony Robbins.

These “6 human needs” are: Certainty, Uncertainty/Variety, Significance, Love/Connection, Growth, Contribution.

For Adult Children of Narcissists (ACONs), these needs were often distorted in childhood, leaving us confused, ashamed, and stuck. How we get our human needs matters, and ultimately shall decide our everyday fate and limits.

Instead of asking “What’s wrong with me?” this framework helps us ask: “Which human need was I trying to meet — and how can I meet it in a healthy way now?”

This series explores each of the Six Human Needs identified by Tony Robbins (with roots in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs), applied through the lens of ACON healing. Each article explains how the need was distorted in narcissistic families, how it shows up in adulthood, and practical ways to reclaim it in safe, healthy ways.

📚 The Six Human Needs Series

• The Six Human Needs: Why ACONs Struggle (and How to Heal) — The overview of all six.
• Certainty: Finding Safety After Growing Up in Chaos
• Variety: Healthy Change vs. Chaotic Drama
• Significance: From Performance to Self-Worth
• Love & Connection: From Trauma Bonds to Safe Belonging
• Growth: From Fear of Change to True Expansion
• Contribution: From Overgiving to Balanced Service

How to Use This Series

Read through each article slowly. Notice which needs resonate most with your story. As you reflect, ask: “How have I tried to meet this need in unhealthy ways? How could I meet it in healthier ways now?”

Healing is not about fixing yourself — it’s about giving yourself what you always deserved. Each need you reclaim strengthens your foundation for peace, freedom, and belonging.

You Are Not Broken

Every survival pattern you developed was your best attempt to meet these needs in a hostile environment. That makes you resourceful — not defective. Now, with awareness, you can choose differently.

At the ACON Foundation, we are building a Healing Home where these truths are lived daily. Join our app and community to practice meeting your needs in ways that bring life, not pain.

👉 Visit aconfoundation.com to start your journey today.