CCI: Co-Counselling International

The next 5-day co-counselling training workshop in Dublin will happen on:

October 12, 13, 14 and 20, 21. 2007

Booking forms from Bobby MacLaughlin, 01-6680316.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is Co-counselling International?

A:

• Co-counselling is a structured, almost cost-free DIY way of working on emotional issues. It is reciprocal and peer. This means participants take turns being client and being counsellor. They work as equal to equal, without judgement or giving advice, in total confidentiality.
• It is a network of people who have learned co-counselling techniques and have accredited after completing a Fundamentals training course. The emphasis is on de-stressing, self-empowerment, building confidence and a better self- image.

Q: Who is it for?

A: It's right for you if:

• You want to gain some basic counselling skills as a preliminary to attending a long-term professional course in Counselling and/or Psychotherapy.
• You want to gain clienting skills to work more effectively on your own issues.
• You want to explore new ways to de-stress.
• You have been getting professional counselling for a while and now feel you want to move on, but with emotional support, a "halfway house";
• You want to realise more of your potential;
• You want to increase your life skills;
• You want to gain personal support.
• You are ready to change your life;

Q: Who is it not for?

A: You may not be ready for co-counselling if:

• You are on high doses of prescribed medication or using recreational drugs or alcohol in excess.
• You are currently in crisis so severe that you can't give another person your undivided attention.

Q: What will I gain?

A: After successfully completing the basic training course and accreditation process:

• You will have a whole new support system;
• You can arrange sessions with other co-counsellors;
• You can use your new skills to work on past or present issues, e.g. role-playing a job interview for maximum success;
• You will have access to the international network of co-counsellors;
• You may attend co-counselling workshops here and in other countries;
• You may join or help form a local group.

Q: Where does it come from?

A: Co-counselling was originally developed by Harvey Jackins and named Re-evaluation Counselling. In the early 1970s John Heron and Dency Sargent broke away from Harvey's group and set up Co-counselling International (CCI) as a peer network because they felt that since co-counselling is based on equality it needs a less hierarchical organisation. CCI is made up of networks of small and large groups in Australia, Belgium, England, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland, USA and New Zealand.

Q: Will it train me to be a counsellor?

A: No. CCI Co-Counselling is a tool for self-help. It does not train you to counsel other people professionally, as a career, but it can be a useful preliminary to such training. A CCI fundamentals was for some years an integral part of a course in Psychology in Trinity College Dublin (lecturer: Nuala Rothery PhD).

Q: Did Sandor Ferenczi invent co-counselling?

A: Click here to find out.

Q: What's the international scene like?

A: Some links:

• CCI Aotearoa New Zealand
• CCI World News a Netherlands-based newsletter, editor Niek Sickenga, has a registered list of CCI teachers.
• Co-Co Circle an American site.
• Co-Co U.K. English.
• Cornucopia Scotland/Dutch, editor Jan-Pieter Hoogma

Q: How do I find out more?

A: Send an email to bobby@catalase.com. or phone her at +353 1 668 0316