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development of CCI
Within CCI it was John Heron especially who contributed to the development of theory and culture. John produced the original CCI co-counselling manuals: how to practice the method, how to become a teacher, and suggestions for exercises. His later writings helped develop the theory and practice, including his views explaining 'The Paradigm Shift' (a discussion of spirituality and CCI) and 'Catharsis in Human Development'. These publications are freely available .6 [John's other publications, more academic in nature, include: 'Helping the Client (1990)7, Feeling and Personhood (1992)7, Co-operative Inquiry (1996)7 and Sacred Science (1998)7]
An important contribution to the understanding of the historical beginnings of CCI was the dialogue between John Heron and Dency Sargent in 1997 at the international CCI meeting held in Auckland, in Aotearoa/New Zealand8. Much of the information in this section of this article comes from that meeting.
The American contribution to the development of CCI co-counselling was more practically orientated. They paid special attention to issues of community building - for example, to decision making by consensus. The 'mini' was another good invention, a session that takes only one or two minutes each way, used to handle any distracting emotions that may suddenly arise during a business meeting, or elsewhere. In some cases the Americans developed their own terminology. For example, they offer each other 'caring and aware attention' during sessions, while the rest of the world uses the term 'free attention'. Their phrase, 'culture of validation' is a lovely expression of CCI's unconditional appreciation and respect for individuals. In their sessions the Americans developed the practical emphasis of 'life actions', a planning method to help implement their new insights into practical behaviour. Dency Sargent and Carol Driscoll (among others) are those most strongly connected with the development of these highly effective and practical activities.
In 1998 the American CCI co-counsellors were 'incorporated' as CCI-USA, INC. i.e. registered and recognized as an official entity by the state of Connecticut and the United States government.
worldwide contributions
Thanks to the contributions of many participants and especially of John Heron, CCI co-counselling - culture, theory and practice - has spread throughout the world. It is practiced in the USA, in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Hungary and New Zealand. True to its peer based, non-hierarchical values, the structural organisation of the various communities differs from country to country. This diversity honours individuality and cultural differences.
The origin of the German community in the university city of Münster is an interesting case in point. Siglind Willms, a psychologist, founded the Centre for Psycho-therapeutic and Social Work in 1969, based in the Haus Kloppenburg on the outskirts of the city, a building nearly 400 years old! Siglind first heard of co-counselling in 1973 and she thought 'that could be the missing link for me!' and for her clients. She attended two introduction courses by John Heron in Germany in 1974 and a year later a five days' training by him in England. One of her colleagues at the Centre, the Roman Catholic priest and pastoral therapist Johannes Risse, embraced CCI co-counselling in 1977.
The policy at the Centre is that people wanting therapeutic treatment are advised (if they are fit to do so), to learn and practice co-counselling. 'This offers them the possibility to co-create their own therapeutic process, and also to own the responsibility for that', says Siglind. 'Besides,' she continues, 'it is an excellent way to handle our own emotions in our daily lives.'
Siglind lost all contact with Co-Counselling International for more than 20 years. Then in 1995 she and Johannes visited with John Heron (who was very surprised to meet them again after all that time!) and they spent three days together discussing and sharing information. 'It was impressive to discover how much our experiences connected and how many views we shared, so we decided to firmly contact the CCI World in the future', Siglind states. And this they did, attending international CCI meetings in the USA, the Netherlands, and Scotland. In 2004 the annual CCI-Europe international gathering will be held for the first time in Germany, hosted by the Münster community.10
CCI is not a static movement or method. It has grown and developed, and it continues to evolve. It is open to all kinds of growth methods which explore or develop human potential, including the spiritual dimension. How to integrate those growth methods, ideas, feelings, discoveries, belief systems, into a progressive CCI framework, while maintaining key values, is the great challenge for further development!
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