The Centrality of Hope in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Journal
Swiss Archives of Neurology, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
Type
journal article
Date Issued
2026-06-08
Author(s)
Abstract
In this essay, hope is presented as a key driver of psychiatric and psychotherapy outcomes, helping clients move beyond symptom relief toward meaning, resilience, and flourishing. The text integrates goal-based models with relational, narrative, and cultural dimensions. Drawing on the “standard account,” the author proposes that hope is the interplay of wishing for a valued good, believing its attainment is possible (though difficult), and trusting internal and external resources, including the therapeutic alliance. A vignette of Susanne, a young woman with partial dissociative identity disorder, illustrates how psychoeducation and small wins increase belief, while a consistent therapeutic alliance builds trust that extends to self-trust and cooperation. Clinicians play a central role as “hope carriers,” shaping realistic goals, reinforcing progress, and avoiding false hope.
Language
English (United States)
Keywords
hope
wish
belief
trust
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
176
Number
1
Start page
1
End page
10
Pages
10
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Contact Email Address
andreas.krafft@unisg.ch
Additional Information
Institut für Systemisches Management und Public Governance
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
The centrality of hope in psychiatry and psychotherapy - published.pdf
Size
236 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
7dda5a3b1ecf7a2fa4de40c4f6f7ef12