Counselling in a Hospital setting: An introduction to the care project

Various research projects have investigated the efficacy of counselling in medical settings. To date, there is no conclusive proof that counselling is an effective form of therapy. But previous research projects have often been limited in scope and design, and have not represented an appropriate means of making an accurate assessment. The study introduced here seeks to establish whether or not group counselling is a therapy for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The research aims to use the most effective elements of both scientific and new-paradigm methodologies to determine whether atherapeutic relationship exists. The paper outlines the background to the research and describes its development so far.