All of humanity’s wisdom is contained within these four words: “waiting” and “hope”!
——Alexandre Dumas
The re-creation and maintenance of hope are essential to any form of psychological therapy. Hope not only enables clients to persist in treatment, allowing other therapeutic factors to potentially take effect, but the clients’ confidence in the therapy itself may have therapeutic effects. Several studies have confirmed a significant correlation between high expectations of help before therapy and positive treatment outcomes.
Additionally, there is a wealth of data documenting the effectiveness of belief therapy and placebo treatments—methods that focus solely on fostering hope and confidence in clients. In psychotherapy, when clients and therapists share a common experience of therapy, positive outcomes are more likely to occur. This positive expectation significantly outweighs mere imagination. Recent brain imaging studies suggest that the effects of placebos are not due to the drugs themselves, but rather direct psychological suggestions to the brain.
Group therapists must make every effort to enhance clients’ confidence in the effectiveness of group therapy. This task begins before treatment starts, during the pre-group introduction, where the therapist should foster positive expectations in clients, eliminate negative biases, and clearly and powerfully explain the nature of group treatment.
The progress of group therapy arises not only from the broad effects of clients’ positive expectations, but also from the unique sense of hope inherent in the group as an important resource for therapeutic progress. Therapy groups invariably contain individuals whose coping mechanisms are impaired to varying degrees. Therefore, each member is bound to continuously encounter others in the group who have experienced some improvement—often individuals with similar issues. I often hear clients say at the end of group therapy how important it is for them to see the progress of others.
It is evident that the sense of hope can empower even those in groups confronting advanced cancer who have lost precious group companions due to their illness. Hope is resilient—it can redefine itself to adapt to the current environment—”hope” can enhance the comfort of the group, strengthen connections among members, and alleviate mild discomfort.
Group therapists should effectively utilize this factor, regularly reminding group members of the progress made. If therapists receive letters from former group members reporting their ongoing improvements after therapy ends, they should not hesitate to share this news with current group members. When confused new members join, seasoned members often spontaneously provide testimonies.
Research confirms that therapists’ belief in themselves and in the efficacy of the group is also crucial. I genuinely believe that I can help every client filled with motivation for change who is willing to work in the group for at least six months. In my initial individual meetings with clients, I share this belief with them and make a conscious effort to convey my optimistic attitude.
Many self-help groups—such as those for bereaved parents, groups for survivors of abuse, **survivor groups, and groups of heart surgery patients—place a strong emphasis on reshaping hope. The main content of meetings of rehabilitation associations and Alcoholics Anonymous revolves around mutual testimonies.
During each meeting, members of the rehabilitation association share how they relieve tension from potential stress events using methods provided by the association. Successful members of Alcoholics Anonymous recount their downfall and the stories of how they were saved by the fellowship at every meeting. One of the strengths of Alcoholics Anonymous is that its leaders were once alcoholics themselves— their personal experiences serve as living testimonies.
Many treatment programs for substance abuse also often invite recovering addicts as group leaders, who inspire group members with their own stories of redemption after hardship, igniting hope in members. Similar treatment approaches apply to patients with chronic conditions such as arthritis and heart disease. These self-management groups utilize seasoned members to encourage new members to actively address their health issues. Through the same support, new members can stabilize or improve their health, thereby reducing healthcare costs. By enhancing individuals’ sense of self-efficacy, the outcomes of group therapy can surpass those of individual therapy.
If you also wish to find hope in a group and reshape your inner strength, you are welcome to join and experience the group led by Teacher Xiao Yi~
