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What it is: Co-Counseling
is a peer process involving two people who share time in
a session to heal past and present hurts, to celebrate growth,
and make intentional change. For half the session one person
is in the "counselor"
role and the other is in the "client" role. For the
second half of the session the roles switch.
The "client" determines the type of support she
or he wants from the
"counselor." A contract for that support is agreed
upon by both co-counselors and always includes an agreement
to hold the content of the session in strict confidence.
» top How
it works: Co-Counseling is founded on the principle
that we each have within us our own answers. When we give ourselves
time to explore in the presence of aware and caring support
from the "counselor," we are able to find those answers,
heal hurts, and move forward.
Co-Counseling helps us to identify and safely discharge
or let go of distress feelings . . . teaches us to validate
and affirm our special qualities and gifts . . . and
gives us the skills and practice we need to take charge
of our lives. Co-Counseling is about celebrating who
we are!
Benefits
of Co-Counseling:
- We break up behavior and thought patterns that block
us from having what we want in life.
- We learn to focus our attention where we choose .
. . and not get caught reacting automatically to other
people's behavior.
- We set directions and take action steps to support
the changes we want to make in our lives.
- We gain freedom in experiencing and expressing our
feelings in healthful, affirming, and safe ways.
- We learn to listen in a unique way that can make
a difference at work and at home.
- We develop skills and ease in celebrating and validating
the good in ourselves and others.
Co-Counseling
and Therapy: Co-Counseling isn't traditional
therapy. The "counselor" offers aware, caring
attention and verbal and physical interventions or
cues specified by the "client." Therefore,
participants must be able to switch roles and be available,
supportive, and appropriate as the "counselor."
Co-Counseling is fully compatible with 12-step recovery
programs and enhances most traditional therapy.
» top How
it Started: Co-Counseling started in the early
1970s as an offshoot of Re-Evaluation Counseling (RC) which
had begun in the Seattle area in the 1950s. Co-Counseling
International (CCI), a federation of co-counseling communities
and individuals, formed in 1973.
CCI has grown significantly over the last two decades. Regional
and international workshops attract co-counselors from New England,
other parts of the United States, and several countries.
» top
The
Co-Counseling Community: The co-counseling community
of New England includes hundreds of experienced co-counselors.
Once your class is complete, you can continue to co-counsel
with class members or other experienced people. You can also
attend community evenings, advanced classes, and regional and
international workshops.
» top
What
Classes are Like:
- Co-Counseling is usually taught in a group class of ten to
twenty people.
- Classes is taught using a variety of formats including: once
a week for sixteen weeks, over two weekends, or a combination
of weekly classes and weekends.
- Classes focus on learning techniques used in co-counseling
sessions through practice and demonstrations.
- Cost for the class varies according to teacher and location.
Many teachers offer sliding scales and/or payment plans.
- Most classes are for adults only, though some children's
and teen's classes are offered.
- Classes are fun, challenging, growthful, and celebratory!
» top How
to get Started: Free introductory evenings are held
before the start of a class to give you an opportunity to learn
more about co-counseling. For more information about an introductory
evening or classes in your area contact
your local CCI - USA representative.
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Logo
courtesy of CCI - Scotland