In spite of the potential which experimental research methods affords counselors in the development of effective counseling services, such methods are seldom used. After briefly reviewing the arguments against experimental research and their underlying beliefs, the author sets out: (1) to explore the implications of using the laboratory to conduct experimental counseling research; and (2) to describe a laboratory-based counseling research program. A distinction was drawn between the implications of research for counseling (viewed as a function of bridging counseling theories) and applications of research findings to counseling (viewed as a function of theory and the effects of "boundary" conditions which must be considered in applying laboratory research results to counseling.) The conditions were stated as: (1) a conversation (2) between persons of unequal status (3) of some duration in which one participant (4) is motivated to change and (5) may be psychologically distressed. The author provides an example and concludes that laboratory research which evaluates relevant hypothesis and attends to boundary conditions, fills the gap between basic research and counseling practice. (TL)