The Uses and Abuses of Co-Therapy

The literature on co-therapy suggests increased interest in this treatment procedure. There is some agreement over advantages and disadvantages, but there is also confusion on indications and counter-indications. This paper summarizes the current use and abuse of co-therapy. The reported clinical experiences of several co-therapist teams, including spouse co-therapists, are also discussed. It appears that co-therapy will remain controversial until outcomes are rigorously measured and compared with the results of other therapeutic modalities in a standardized, acceptable way.