Abstract

'This book represents a major contribution to the literature of several professions. Presenting an account both rich and broad, the author provides a summary and overview of 'hope' from philosophical, nursing, psychotherapeutic and research perspectives.'

Ian Townsend, Associate Lecturer in Counselling, Blackburn College

Engendering 'hope' is at the heart of counselling and psychotherapy but, until now, little attempt has been made to actually explain howand why it may be fostered. Understanding the central role of hope in healing and personal growth is an essential element of counsellor training and practice. It forms the basis of the therapeutic relationship and is integral to the very aims and motivation of counselling.

Keeping theory firmly grounded in real-life practice, this book explores:

-The nature of hope and how it is conceptualised from different theoretical perspectives.

-The common psychotherapeutic practices which engender hope and how they translate into effective practice

-The role of the counsellor in the process

-How to manage expectations and work effectively with clients suffering with severe and enduring psychological challenges

-Hope measures, and how to be a research-informed practitioner.

Packed full of case examples, practical exercise and points for reflection, this book is essential reading for any training or practising healthcare professional looking to understand the role of hope in the process of change.
'In a period where short-term, deterministic approaches to mental health seem favoured, O'Hara's Hope In Counselling represents an important, major contribution to the literature of several professions. Presenting an account both rich and broad, the author provides a summary and overview of 'hope' from philosophical, nursing, psychotherapeutic and research perspectives. Of particular importance is his emphasis on going beyond a disease-based model of health, ["Treatment is not just fixing what is broken; it is nurturing what is best' Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi (2000:7)], to place 'hope' within a positive psychological framework. His exploration of the expression and extent to which it is contained within the theory of many different psychotherapeutic approaches makes this book particularly valuable' -
Ian Townsend, Associate Lecturer, Counselling, University Centre, Blackburn College

This is an interesting and well-informed book that, in addition to the wealth of research presented, offers questions and points for reflection at the end of each chapter. The references cited provide a rich source of research literature on the topic of hope and its place within therapy. It is written in a clear, comprehensive style with many examples to draw on and I highly recommend it to anyone in the helping professions, practitioners and students alike.
Jennifer Carlton - Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist
If you are writing an essay on hope in psychotherapy, or counselling, or coaching, this is the main book you will need! It really is thorough and academically respectable, covering all bases in an admirable way.  There is plenty of research, some of it conducted by the author himself....There is a good deal of personal material in this book, and I found it eminently readable.  I would recommend it quite strongly.
John Rowan