RC incorporates contradictions and tensions which have led to a number (perhaps many) breakaways of which CCI is one. CCI is probably the only successful one, in that it is now on somewhat of a par with RC, probably because it went on to develop a sound basis of practice.

RC

Organisation
hierarchical
Culture
RC has developed an extensive body of theory and practice, particularly in relation to oppression. There are fairly strong expectations on members to participate in organised activities and to keep up to date with theory and practice. Theory and practice are, if not laid down by, vetted from the top and RC has sets of policies. RC theory claims to be complete, i.e. it does not need to draw on or be supplemented by other bodies of psychological theory.
Co-counselling practice
The counsellor in an RC session is expected to take quite an active role. The responsibility for the work is seen as a joint one between client and counsellor.

CCI

Organisation
overall, non-hierarchical. However, since there is no hierarchy to say that they can't, some local networks are organised on hierarchical bases.
Culture
CCI functions on a basis of what has been called "advanced ad-hocery". In other words, things happen because individuals want them to happen and take responsibility for doing something about it. There is no fixed body of theory, there is ongoing debate and anyone's ideas are as valuable as anyone else's. Members of CCI will draw ideas for theory and practice from anywhere that seems relevant, including RC.
Co-counselling practice
The client in a CCI session is required to be in charge and is fully responsible for their own work. They can specify the type of support they want from the counsellor from giving sustained, non speaking attention to being active in a way that is similar to the RC way of working.

RC and CCI

In other ways the two networks are similar. In both people take equal time as client. Both require a 40 hour initial training and both work with discharge (as they call it, the discharge of pent up emotion, catharsis).

CCI is more challenging - it requires people to take responsibility for their own process of change and the culture confronts may common behaviours and feelings. For those who can take the challenge it appears to be more effective. RC holds people more and is more active in encouraging and supporting people to work on their issues. The downside of this is that it can be more collusive,

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