Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop, implement and describe counselling in groups as a method in clinical nursing in relation to patients with SLE. Further more, the purpose was to describe how participation in counseling could aid the patients to cope with health-related daily living challenges and strengthen their courage to live. The study was organized as action research. The analysis is based on six qualitative group interviews, three with patients and three with nurses, and on fieldnotes. Counselling of patients in groups was described as a method in clinical nursing which can aid coping, give support and encourage living. The nurses competency in both counselling and rheumatology nursing and medical treatment were their strength in realizing the group as a hybrid of reflectional and educational dialogues. The study revealed participation in counselling as discovering the common features in the individual experiences. A confidential communion encouraged living. Systematical reflection on action and personal experiences has increased understanding and knowledge of living with SLE. The study findings point to three areas of interest for this group of women suffering from SLE: tiredness for some to the point of fatigue, changed self-esteem and body image and the unpredictability of the disease and worries about the future. The study revealed that in relation to the above areas both cognitive, emotional and instrumental coping developed or improved through the period of the group.