Co-counselling

Co-counselling is a form of peer counseling where individuals take turns in the roles of counselor and client. This practice is based on the principle that people can help each other work through emotional issues and personal development by providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

History

Co-counselling was developed in the 1950s by Harvey Jackins, who founded the organization Re-evaluation Counseling (RC). The practice has since spread globally, with various organizations and independent practitioners adopting and adapting the methods.

Principles

The core principles of co-counselling include:

• Mutual Support: Participants take turns being the counselor and the client, providing mutual support.
• Confidentiality: All shared information is kept confidential to create a safe space for emotional expression.
• Non-judgmental Listening: The counselor listens without judgment, allowing the client to explore their feelings and thoughts freely.
• Empowerment: The process aims to empower individuals to resolve their own issues and gain insights into their behavior and emotions.

Practice

In a typical co-counselling session, two individuals agree on the amount of time each will spend as the client and the counselor. The client talks about whatever is on their mind, while the counselor listens attentively and may ask questions to help the client explore their feelings more deeply. The roles are then reversed.

Benefits

Co-counselling offers several benefits, including:

• Emotional Release: Provides a safe space for emotional expression and release.
• Personal Growth: Encourages self-reflection and personal development.
• Cost-Effective: As a peer-based practice, it is often more affordable than traditional psychotherapy.
• Community Building: Fosters a sense of community and mutual support among participants.

Criticisms

Some criticisms of co-counselling include:

• Lack of Professional Guidance: The absence of trained professionals may limit the effectiveness for some individuals.
• Variable Quality: The quality of the counseling can vary significantly depending on the skills and experience of the participants.

Related Practices

Co-counselling is related to other forms of peer support and self-help practices, such as:

• Peer support
• Self-help groups
• Nonviolent Communication
• Active listening

See Also

• Re-evaluation Counseling
• Peer counseling
• Self-help
• Emotional intelligence
• Psychotherapy