Co-counseling
Co-counseling (in US-American English: co-counseling ) is a self-help procedure that usually takes place in the form of self-help groups . In a short mediation (usually two weekends) the basics are learned with which the users of co-counseling are to be able to support each other in meetings, to get to know and strengthen their inner adviser. In addition to the two large organizations Re-evaluation Counseling (RC) , based in Seattle , USA , and Co-Counseling International (CCI) , the practice of Co-Counseling is also offered by other organizations or movements, in Germany for example as part of self-help -Group therapies FORT , MRI and Trans * Inter groups based on the concept of radical therapy .
The psychological theory on which co-counseling is based essentially states that people may develop unhealthy behavior patterns , but nevertheless have the potential to break them. In the course of their socialization, children lose their ability to express spontaneous feelings. As a result, conflicts could no longer be adequately dealt with and seize up .
Co-counseling sessions usually take place in twos or threes. One person works while the other supports. Then after a precisely defined period of time, there is a change so that each person receives the same amount of attention for their work. There are also offers of co-counseling initiatives for group meetings, supervision and deepening work. In co-counseling sessions, training is given to show feelings, to let them out , which means that the working person sometimes cries uncontrollably, screams loudly, hits mattresses or laughs. This relief could have catharsic effects, which means that from then on behavior patterns would no longer be exercised. The support person does not give advice, just very carefully helps the working person to get into their feelings . Another goal of co-counseling is to clarify situations or to achieve “reassessments”, ie a better understanding or a different cognitive assessment of a problem.
Co-Counseling was founded in 1957 by the American Harvey Jackins .
In the early 1970s there was a schism . Individual co-counseling groups split off from Re-evaluation Counseling (RC) , which - primarily through the work of the British psychologist John Heron - set up Co-Counseling International (CCI) . The more hierarchically organized RC counseling has a very political self-image, ties in with feminist and Marxist theories and accordingly promotes the establishment of groups for self-liberation. The CCI, on the other hand, places greater value on openness to a variety of therapeutic methods, is more spiritually oriented, but less politically committed.
Co-counseling techniques are also an essential element of radical therapy (MRI, FORT).
literature
- Siglind Willms, Johannes Risse (2011): To liberate peace, self-help through Co-Counseling Verlag Socio-Publishing: ISBN 978-3-935431-19-4
- Anja Meulenbelt (1983): Further than anger. Essays . Munich: Verlag Frauenoffensive ISBN 978-3-88104-133-1
- Karola Berger (1996): Co-Counseling: Therapy without a therapist Reinbek near Hamburg: Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag ISBN 3-499-19954-8
- Harvey Jackins (1975): The Human Side of Human Beings. The Theory of Re-evaluation Counseling , Rational Island Publischers / PO Box 2081 / Main Office Station / Seattle / Washington 98111 / USA
- Harvey Jackins (1970): Fundamentals of Co-counseling Manual , Rational Island Publischers / PO Box 2081 / Main Office Station / Seattle / Washington 98111 / USA
- John Heron (1979): Co-Counseling. Manual for Basic Training Courses . Human Potential Research Project / Department of Adult Education / University of Surrey / Guildford GU2 5XH / England
- John Heron (1977): Co-Counseling Teacher's Manual , British PG Medical Federation / University of London