What is Co-Counseling?
Peer structure
In a Co-Counseling Session:
- You split time with another trained co-counselor.
- For half the time, you are the client (or talker), choosing what to explore or process.
- The other person is the counselor (or listener), witnessing you with deep attention, offering prompts if requested.
- Then the two of you switch roles—it’s a peer process.
Community based
CCI co-counselors celebrate the good in ourselves and each other, listen without judgment, and support each other in creating a life—and world—we love.
While CCI-USA began in the Northeast there are other CCI communities, and many co-counselors elsewhere in the U.S. There are also around the world, including those based in the United Kingdom, Europe, Israel, and New Zealand.
Online classes, gatherings and workshops allow for participation from anywhere.
Self directed
Co-counselors are in charge of their own session, enabling them to go as deep as they wish. With self-directed co-counseling, individuals enhance emotional well-being, experience positive changes in their lives, and further their own journeys toward healing.
Confidential
Confidentiality is a crucial aspect of co-counseling sessions. It means that anything shared during the session is kept private. It is not shared with anyone outside of the session, not even with the client, unless the client wishes to bring it up. This creates a safe and trusting environment where individuals can feel comfortable sharing their personal work.
Benefits of Co-Counseling
Stress relief
Co-Counseling offers you emotional support and tools to safely express and release frustration, anxiety or other emotions surrounding stress.
emotional competence
If you don't know how to access or recognize your emotions, or are afraid of your (or other people's), Co-Counseling will teach you an emotional vocabulary and ways to safely identify, accept and express them.
self awareness/
actualization
You will gain greater insights into your whole self - behaviors, fears, limiting beliefs, parts, goals and desires, strengths, capabilities and inspiration. It is a great way to learn more about who you really are.
behavior change
If you are trying to make a change to a behavior that is unhelpful, hurtful to others, or even self-destructive, Co-Counseling can teach you to identify the triggers, payoffs and costs of that behavior and help you find a new more positive way of being that serves you better.
supportive community
Once you have successfully completed your Fundamentals training you can set up Co-Counseling sessions, attend workshops, or join support groups with anyone from the USA and international community.
financially accessible
Co-Counseling International is designed around the currency of equal time. Once you have paid for your Fundamentals class (and there are often financial assistance for those in need), you can find a session partner and session for free.
Hear from real Co-Counselors
Who Is Co-Counseling For?
We welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment for anyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, or sexual orientation.
At its core, it is a simple process anyone can learn - you don't have to be a trained mental health professional to participate.
Is Co-Counseling Right For You?
maybe
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You have empathy for yourself and others.
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You can hold your focus and attention for another person.
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You have a strong desire to work on yourself and help others do the same.
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You want to be part of a community of like-minded people who are striving to grow and heal.
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You are willing to refrain from alcohol or recreational drug use during training and sessions.
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You want active direction from a professional
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It's challenging to hold space for yourself or others.
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Your distress is too overwhelming to handle without professional support.
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You struggle to hold boundaries or confidentiality.
Testimonials
Alexa Young, CA
“It’s a way to repair our own hurts, in order to then stand boldly in the world"
Morgan James, NY
"It helped me identify what I was doing over and over again that wasn’t working for me anymore."
Lisa Driver, MI
“I can say “yes” or “no” as I see fit in any situation now… my choice levels have increased exponentially.”