Significance and Complexity of Early Phases in the Development of the Co-Therapy Relationship

Co-therapy relationships evolve through 9 identifiable phases of development, which can be facilitated through supervision or training. This article focuses on the first 3 phases, identifying 7 crucial issues in the informal development of the relationship between co-therapists. A comparison with th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Group dynamics 1997-12, Vol.1 (4), p.294-305
Main Authors: Dugo, James M, Beck, Ariadne P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cotherapy
Female
Group Psychotherapy
Human
Male
Psychologists
Social Workers
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Summary:Co-therapy relationships evolve through 9 identifiable phases of development, which can be facilitated through supervision or training. This article focuses on the first 3 phases, identifying 7 crucial issues in the informal development of the relationship between co-therapists. A comparison with the literature finds broad agreement about the main themes of these phases. A case example presents the first 3 phases of a co-therapy team and its impact on the group that it is leading. Whether leading a series of short-term groups or ongoing long-term groups, the development of a mature relationship between co-therapists will facilitate the group process and provide more effective treatment to clients, with less risk to all involved. This article recommends supervisory support to facilitate relationship development to the 3rd phase before leaders are involved with groups for any length of time.
ISSN:1089-2699
1930-7802
DOI:10.1037/1089-2699.1.4.294