One of the continuing problems and criticisms of human service disciplines is that they often separate research from clinical practice, as if the two had no connection or commonality. This article describes one way in which the two can be brought together for the benefit and empowerment of clients. Specifically, the article presents a model for using focus group research directly and immediately in subsequent group counseling, a model reminiscent of the ideal that the counselor has an ethical responsibility to understand the client's life as the mediating context of the therapy. Traditional wisdom in group work recognizes the importance of group socialization as the basis for group cohesiveness, the vital ingredient for therapeutic progress. Using a focus group model may shorten this socialization process and may give group members a more complete understanding of the concerns they share with one another. The model may also serve to clarify the nature and purpose of the group in terms of therapeutic gains realized through individual involvement in the group. Counselors may use the focus group model to enhance growth and responsibility-taking among group members. Contains 27 references. (BF)