ABSTRACT
In this chapter hope is presented as a common and universal folk experience, part of the human condition and experienced in every dimension of the human person. The antecedents, characteristics and attributes of hope are discussed arising from research in many disciplines. Drawing on research, counsellors’ personal reflections on their counselling experiences identify hope as a liminal experience, simultaneously existing with hopelessness and differentiated experiences of hope present, hope as relational, and hope lost. The implications for counsellors’ bringing their humanity and using their liminal experiences of hope and hopelessness in practice are identified as a helpful resource for clients living with present difficulties and an uncertain future.
