How can group therapy help you? Part three — Hope

How does hope help?

Research has shown that having “hope” is one of the most important factors in helping someone confront painful aspects of their life in order to get better. Makes sense, right? Why would we confront pain if we didn’t have hope that it would be beneficial to us in the long run? This is where group can be incredibly helpful.  Being in a well-functioning, productive group allows newer members to witness others’ growth and progress, furthering others’ beliefs that they, too, can change (e.g., “Well, if fellow member X can confront their spouse in a respectful yet assertive manner, maybe I can, too!”).  

So how does a group help one gain more help? 

Many people start group therapy feeling stuck and as though nothing can ever change. Moreover, many folks are often struggling with despair, self-doubt, shame, troubling relationships, and low self-esteem to the point that they believe they are beyond help. However, seeing others in the group make strides toward recovery challenges these negative assumptions. But when they join a group and hear others talk about their struggles and small victories, they begin to shift their mindset. Hope isn’t just a feeling—it’s something that grows when you’re surrounded by people who understand and support you.

How Group Therapy Sparks Hope

1. Seeing That You’re Not Alone

One of the barriers to us beginning to confront change is the underlying notion that “If I embark on this journey, I’ll be alone.” Most of us don’t operate at our best when you’re alone. When you hear someone else describe emotions you’ve felt, it’s a reminder that you’re not the only one going through this. That alone can be incredibly healing.

2. Witnessing Others' Progress

Maybe someone in your group was in a dark place a few months ago, but now they’re starting to feel better. Seeing their progress helps you believe that healing is possible for you, too.

3. Celebrating Small Wins

Progress isn’t always huge or dramatic—it’s often the little moments, like finally reaching out to a friend, getting through a tough day, saying what you need to say to someone important, or feeling a little lighter than before. Group therapy is a space where every step forward is recognized and celebrated. 

4. Getting Encouragement from Others

Hearing “I’ve been there, and I promise it gets better,” or “we’ll be here for you, no matter what,” from someone who truly understands is different from hearing it anywhere else. Group members lift each other up in ways that can be incredibly motivating.

 Here is a fictitious case example of how this therapeutic factor plays out in group:

“Lisa” joined a therapy group for individuals coping with anxiety and depression. She entered the group feeling deeply discouraged, convinced that she would never feel better despite years of trying different treatments.

Initially, Lisa remained quiet, skeptical about the group’s effectiveness. However, as she listened to other members share their struggles and successes, she began to see parallels to her own experience. When another member, “Malik,” spoke about how he had once felt hopeless but had since made meaningful improvements, Lisa found herself wondering if she, too, could make progress.

Over time, Lisa started engaging more in sessions. She shared small victories, such as leaving her house for a walk despite her anxiety. The group celebrated these moments with her, reinforcing her sense of accomplishment. Seeing others root for her instilled a newfound sense of hope. Throughout the group, Lisa no longer viewed herself as "stuck." While she still faced challenges, she believed in her ability to move forward—something she had not felt in years. The group had instilled in her the hope necessary to continue her healing journey.