CCI -USA
Co-Counseling
Introduction:
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.
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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!
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Benefits of
Co-Counseling:
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We break up behavior and thought patterns that block
us from having what we want in life.
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We learn to focus our attention where we choose .
. . and not get caught reacting automatically to other people's behavior.
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We set directions and take action steps to support
the changes we want to make in our lives.
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We gain freedom in experiencing and expressing our
feelings in healthful, affirming, and safe ways.
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We learn to listen in a unique way that can make
a difference at work and at home.
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We develop skills and ease in celebrating and validating
the good in ourselves and others.
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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
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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
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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.
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Co-Counseling is usually taught in a group class of ten to twenty people.
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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.
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Classes focus on learning techniques used in co-counseling sessions through
practice and demonstrations.
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Cost for the class varies according to teacher and location. Many teachers
offer sliding scales and/or payment plans.
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Most classes are for adults only, though some children's and teen's classes
are offered.
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Classes are fun, challenging, growthful, and celebratory!
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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, see contacts:
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