Applying Maslow’s Hierarchy to Shared Wellness: Healing Happens in the Right Environment

Jan 3

At Shared Wellness, we know that true wellness isn’t just about services—it’s about creating a space where people feel safe, understood, and empowered. A space where they can take their first steps toward healing and growth.

For me, this work feels deeply personal because I’ve seen firsthand how much the right environment can change lives.

Most of us have come across Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs at some point in our studies—it’s practically a cornerstone of understanding human motivation. But here, it’s more than just a theory. It’s the foundation of the care and intention behind every decision we make.

Our leadership has reimagined this framework as a guide for creating environments that truly foster healing and growth. We start with the basics—ensuring safety and comfort—and build upward, empowering each individual to move closer to a life filled with autonomy, self-expression, and fulfillment.

Wellness Starts with the Basics

Maslow teaches us that wellness begins with meeting physiological needs and ensuring safety. At Shared Wellness, this means providing nutritious meals, secure and comfortable living spaces, and reliable care. These essentials may seem simple, but they are the foundation for everything else.

When someone has a space where they feel safe, supported, and free from worry, it opens the door for them to reach higher goals.

Cultivating Peace and Safety: A Trauma-Informed Approach

True safety goes beyond physical comfort—it’s about fostering an environment that feels peaceful and calming on every level. That’s why we design spaces intentionally, from soft, soothing colors to quiet corners for reflection. Every detail matters.

Trauma-informed care is at the heart of what we do because we understand how deeply someone’s surroundings can affect their well-being. During my training to become a DSP, I learned something that has stayed with me ever since: “We can’t truly absorb new information or skills unless we feel safe.”

I saw this principle in action with someone I know both inside and outside of our program. I watched as he applied what he’d learned in a Thursday nutrition session, focusing on reducing sugar intake. Over time, he lost 30 pounds, improving his health and moving out of a near-diabetic state. His improved physical health went hand in hand with a boost in confidence and empowerment, allowing him to move more freely and enjoy the activities he loved again. Witnessing his transformation was a powerful reminder of how life-changing the right environment can be. It also reminded me that he felt safe in his surroundings—safe enough to learn something new that ultimately benefited his well-being in profound ways.

Another moment that stays with me involved someone I supported at the time who was visibly upset. I gently suggested she pause and take a breath. To my surprise, she began practicing tai chi—a skill we learned together during our wellness sessions with Dr. John. Watching her regulate her emotions so calmly reinforced the importance of what we were doing together and the immense value of the tools we provide.

These experiences remind me why I’m so proud of our wellness center and excited about the possibilities ahead. My colleagues have worked tirelessly to create safe, inspiring spaces while teaching tools for self-care. These spaces provide both individuals and support staff with the foundation they need to thrive together.

Building Connections: Belonging and Esteem

Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. For the individuals we support, building connections is a vital step in their wellness journey.

At Shared Wellness, we cultivate relationships and self-confidence through:

Supportive Communities: Group activities, mentorship programs, and community events create a sense of connection and camaraderie.
Empowerment Through Choice: By offering choices in daily activities and personal goals, we empower individuals to take ownership of their lives.
Celebrating Achievements: Whether it’s mastering a new skill or reaching a personal milestone, we honor each success—big or small—to reinforce self-worth.

Even small moments—a shared laugh, a kind word—can make someone feel valued and included. It’s these everyday interactions that create a true sense of belonging.

Encouraging Growth: Self-Actualization

At the top of Maslow’s hierarchy is self-actualization: reaching one’s full potential. At Shared Wellness, we help individuals discover who they are and what they can achieve.

Here’s how we foster growth:

Personalized Wellness Plans: Tailored to each person’s aspirations, these plans support growth and self-discovery.
Skill Development: Educational opportunities, creative outlets, and hubs encourage individuals to explore their talents and interests.
Whole-Person Focus: By addressing physical, emotional, and social wellness, we help individuals create balanced, fulfilling lives.

It’s inspiring to witness someone overcome challenges and reach goals they once thought were impossible. I’ve personally seen individuals achieve both physical and mental health milestones that empower them in transformative ways—and it’s been incredibly rewarding to celebrate those successes alongside them.

Thriving Together

What makes Shared Wellness special is that it’s not just a program; it’s a place. A place where care and intention have gone into every detail, from the design of our spaces to the way we approach every interaction.

I’m continually impressed by the dedication of our leadership and my colleagues to creating these transformative spaces. Their commitment to making wellness accessible extends far beyond day-to-day operations. Currently, they’re working with our behavior specialists and architect to design an even larger, more inclusive space by repurposing our 14,000-square-foot office into a community-wide wellness space. This new space will be designed to meet the needs of the individuals we support while also welcoming the broader community.

This vision exemplifies what Shared Wellness stands for: creating safe, accessible environments that foster healing, growth, and connection. It’s a testament to the care and intention that drive everything we do.