Embracing Hope for Healing

‘…Hope is the thing with feathers

That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all…’ 

                      Emily Dickinson

Hope is a complex concept that has interested people from many disciplines. Research suggests that having hope can impact the outcome of an event and this is supported by research on hope in the process of counselling/therapy.

What is hope?

The American Psychological Society, Dictionary of Psychology defines hope as ‘The expectation that one will have positive experiences or that a potentially threatening or negative situation will not materialise or will ultimately result in a favourable state of affairs’.

How do we experience hope?

Have you ever felt a strong sense of hope for a future goal or desire while also experiencing some degree of loss of hope or despair? If so, this may be because of the way we experience hope. We view it from different perspectives at the same time – emotional, motivational, social, and identity-related – and may feel differently about it from each perspective. This can result in a complex overall experience.

Is hope important in therapy?

Previous research suggests that the way we perceive our routes to desired goals, and emotional hope (such as feeling trust), are strongly associated with subjective wellbeing. In addition, researchers found that hope plays a significant role in providing motivation and strength to individuals affected by trauma, depression, and anxiety.

One theory is that individuals begin therapy with a diverse range of opposing emotions, even in the initial stages when emotions such as sadness or feeling demoralised may be greater than emotions like joy or happiness. Researchers believe that talking about hope may enable an individual to focus on their strengths, which could then support positive change.

How to foster hope

Stay connected: Social connections can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing. Take time to nurture meaningful relationships and share experiences with those in your life. This may give you a sense of belonging.

Practise self-compassion: Practising self-compassion can increase your emotional resilience in the face of adversity. Treat yourself kindly and accept your emotions.

Set yourself realistic goals: Set yourself SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound) which can bring you a sense of achievement and hope.

Be open to new experiences: Be curious about what life may have to offer you and approach new opportunities in an open and welcoming way. This can help facilitate personal growth through new experiences.

Give yourself enough credit: Acknowledge your past achievements. This can help you reflect on your strengths and increase your confidence in your ability to overcome difficulties.

Ask for help: Every individual needs help at some point in their lives. This makes us human. You can request help from a trained mental health professional or from someone you trust. It’s important to prioritise your needs and ask for help when needed and it can help you normalise your emotions and experiences.

Further information

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This guest blog was written by Dudu Ozlevent. Dudu works as an Applied Psychology Practitioner at First Psychology Glasgow and First Psychology Online.