Co-Therapy Viewed Developmentally

Abstract

Co-therapy is observed to be an extensively used service model which, while having supporters, was strongly criticized by Berne and others. The writers propose a four-stage model of the developing co-therapy relationship, based upon their clinical and supervisory experience. Using this model, the criticisms of co-therapy are evaluated and major interpersonal, intrapersonal, and technical foci, energy distributions, and the use of supervision are discussed at each stage of the developing relationship.