Through professional roles supporting peer support in areas such as maternal health and community engagement, I have developed a strong interest in exploring diverse peer support approaches and sharing best practices. Individuals and communities often adapt what works from these approaches to fit their own needs.
A good friend of mine did exactly that. He was inspired by Harvey Jackins and the International Re-Evaluation Co-Counselling communities. He took the most positive, helpful parts of those approaches and created a peer support process that worked beautifully for him and the people he shared it with. I want to share it here so you can see if it might be a useful addition to your own self-help toolkit.
At its core, re-evaluation co-counselling, often called co-counselling, is about letting go of built-up emotions so your mind can think more clearly. Sometimes emotions get stuck inside us and cloud our thinking or create patterns that keep repeating. Co-counselling helps release these emotions in a safe way, which can show up as crying, laughing, shaking, yawning, or talking. This process is called discharge.
This approach is based on the work of Harvey Jackins and the International Re-Evaluation Co-Counselling communities. You might also hear it called Peer Counselling, RC, or Co-Counselling. It is a practical, hands-on way to add a proven tool to your self-help toolkit.
How a Session Usually Works
Guided by the key principles of co-counselling and following a seven-step session format, a session involves two people taking turns as client and counsellor. A session usually lasts about an hour, with each person getting thirty minutes in each role. After 10 to 15 in-person sessions, some pairs choose to continue by phone for convenience. It is important, however, to build trust and connection through the initial in-person sessions rather than starting on the phone or over Zoom.
Co-Counselling: Key Principles
- Equality: Both people take turns being counsellor and client, usually for 30 minutes each.
- Touch: A comforting hand or gentle touch can show care and presence.
- Eye Contact and Facial Expression: Being attentive and open, without judging, helps the client feel heard.
- Active Listening: Focus on feelings rather than giving advice. Ask questions like, “How did that feel?” or “What were you feeling then?”
- Feedback: Gently reflect patterns or insights, but let the client decide what makes sense to them.
- Reversals: Encourage trying opposite behaviours to release stuck emotions, often bringing laughter or surprise.
- Confidentiality: Everything shared stays private. The client is always in charge of their own story.
Co-Counselling: Seven-step session format
- News and Goods: Start on a positive note by sharing small wins or good things from the week.
- What’s on Top: Discuss the most pressing issues that have been top of mind or emotionally troubling.
- Emotional Work: This is the heart of the session, where emotions are expressed through laughter, tears, or anger.
- Re-Evaluation: After the emotional work, emotions are often released and new insights and clearer thinking emerge.
- Present Time: Help the client reconnect with the here and now through simple questions that bring them back to the present moment.
- Validation: End the session with positive feedback and appreciation. This may include a small celebration, and sometimes a hug if appropriate, though not everyone is comfortable with touch.
If you want to explore peer support further, a great resource is Peer Support: What Makes It Unique? by Shery Mead MSW and Cheryl MacNeil Ph.D. It offers additional insight into what makes peer support effective and meaningful.
The Middle Slice 