This book describes in detail the history, philosophy and psychology of a unique supportive group called a HOPE Group that empowers people to confront significant health problems and move to a valuable and meaningful life. It contains a qualitative study of HOPE Groups and HOPE Guides that describes their powerful qualities in a manner that encourages both health care professionals and n-professionals to open either clinical-professional or public-volunteer HOPE Groups. The authors, a surgeon and a nurse, describe this successful practice that came into being in February, 1987, and has helped hundreds of Mainers find health in the face of serious mental and physical disease and illness. They describe how HOPE Groups can function as interfaces of hope and care in medical institutions and offices sorely pressed for time to be able to provide these vital services.