Co-Counselling has been part of the spectrum of Humanistic Psychology for many years. The basic idea is that if I am given supportive, non-judgemental attention (rather than questions, interpretations or advice) I can explore whatever is blocking me or preventing me realising my potential.
This process often uncovers set ways of responding to events which have become part of us over the years. These 'stuck' areas of our behaviour might not be appropriate for us now, and we can let go of them and develop more rational ways of living and relating to challenges. Co-Counselling trains me to offer attention to others and to use it to work on myself, so I spend equal time in client and counsellor roles.
Co-Counselling is a way in which we can add to normal everyday support from family and friends in a more focused way, in a reciprocal encounter with other similarly trained people in a peer network: we are committed to our own growth and to supporting others in theirs.
When you arrange to meet with other co-counsellors in a group setting or (more commonly) in a pair, you do so to work, not to chat, socialise or do what you do in the rest of your life. It has been found over many years of practice that it's the most productive way to support personal growth.
It doesn't offer a specific path to follow or a sales pitch for any social, philosophical, religious or any other form of organisation. It is not a way of making new friends, and it's not for those who need more attention than they can give, or for those who need one-way therapy.
Trying out something completely new is a bit risky. But it's one of the facts of life in personal development. You can't learn this sort of thing from books - only by getting in there and doing it: it's experiential! You will know when you are ready to make some (often profound) changes, and when you are willing to open up to new possibilities, take some risks and make some (sometimes difficult) choices to do so.
How do I get started?
The initial training courses are about 40 hours, usually over two or three weekends. They are challenging, intensive, demanding and fun, like all the best learning experiences! The cost of the training is kept as low as possible, about 3 an hour for the initial course. If you have a low income, a reduced fee is negotiable.
Every course is different, as the participants bring their unique mix of needs, skills and creativity. However, all courses give a similar grounding in the methods which enable any people so trained to work with each other. In the group, participants are responsible for their own learning. It's a training in emotional competence, in living your life to the full and supporting others who share that aim. You have the opportunity to learn:
After the course, you choose your own way of developing your skills with others. There are local peer groups, regional, national and international workshops you can attend if you wish: the future is up to you! Whether or not you carry on co-counselling, it will be a valuable experience which will enhance your life.