| Abstract: | The self-report responses of 24 spouse (M) and 24 non-spouse (NM) professional co-therapist pairs were compared on a variety of in-therapy behaviors. The therapist groups were also divided into experienced (E) and inexperienced (IE) co-therapist pairs. Results indicated that, in general, M co-therapists, and particularly E-M co-therapists, were significantly more alike in self-described in-therapy behaviors than NM co-therapists. M therapists reported significantly more congruence in activity levels and quality of “feeling responsiveness” than NM therapists. These results are discussed in terms of the advantages and disadvantages of the co-therapist “united front” likely to be perceived by patients of spouse co-therapists. General implications for matching patients and co-therapists are considered |
