How to cultivate hope for our patients

In our line of business, it’s important to give people facts, information, and advice, AND at the same time, it’s also important to give them hope.

So how can we give them hope?

By being hopeful ourselves as emotions are “contagious” and “transferred” both ways. We can lead with both our thoughts and feelings.

So how can we practice and cultivate more “hopefulness”?

Being present is a good start. When we are present, we are less influenced by past experiences, judgements or data, and hence, are open to more hope and possibilities.

A good dose of hope can be good medicine especially in counseling.