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.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jim Whiteside

Ken Lessler, PhD, CPTM, the primary author, is a clinical psychologist in private practice and is director of Human Resource Consultants in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Bob Dick, PhD, is a clinical psychologist in private practice at Human Resource Consultants, P.A.

Jim Whiteside is a doctoral candidate in counseling psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.