Synopses & Reviews
This text represents the first examination of both the theory and practice of co-therapy. It explores in depth the co-therapy relationship, its creation, and the potential therapeutic value of its successful utilization.
The Practice of the Art of Co-Therapy considers why a therapist would choose to practice co-therapy, elucidating the major benefits for therapists and patients alike. The crucial points to be considered in choosing a co-therapist are thoroughly analyzed and, to facilitate the selection process, insightful questionnaires and other helpful tools are provided. The reasons underlying the success of co-therapy teams (e.g., compatibility, equality, communication) are highlighted, as are those factors leading to impasses and crises. Rounding out Part I is a demonstration of co-therapy in action as the authors chronicle their treatment of a borderline personality and a narcissistic personality using co-therapy.
Part II features contributions from other master practitioners of co-therapy. Included among these is a model for viewing the co-therapy relationship as one that develops incrementally over time. Also offered are a highly personal account of a husband-wife co-therapy team in practice over two decades and a provocative commentary on co-therapy and the nature of the therapy process itself.
Given that many therapists will practice co-therapy at some point in their careers, The Art of Co-Therapy satisfies a long-neglected need for a practical handbook geared to those just initiating a co-therapy relationship as well as those faced with the immediate challenge of
Review
"Mix a professional marriage for Process with a personal marriage for power. Then spice with clinical research and add a section by Virginia Satir. The result is an excellent short course on co-therapy."--Carl Whitaker, M.D.
"As one who has spent his entire career immersed in the practice of co-therapy, I am delighted to find a cogent and useful book addressed to this uniquely intimate work relationship....This is an insightful and helpful book. It gives us threads of specific wisdom, and a weave that connotes the positiveness of co-therapy as a hopeful and expansive linking up of two individuals for the common good. I only wish Virginia Satir, whose chapter is by itself worth the price of the book, could have gone on and on...."--Augustius Y. Napier in Journal of Family Psychotherapy
Review
"As one who has spent his entire career immersed in the practice of co-therapy, I am delighted to find a cogent and useful book addressed to this uniquely intimate work relationship....This is an insightful and helpful book."--Journal of Family Psychotherapy
Synopsis
Although the last decade has witnessed a widespread increase in the use of co-therapy, until now, there has been no single resource on the topic for practicing co-therapists or for those considering a co-therapy relationship. Filling that need, this text represents the first examination of both the theory and practice of co-therapy. It explores in depth the co-therapy relationship, its creation, and the potential therapeutic value of its successful utilization.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 238-246) and index.
About the Author
Bill Roller, M.A., is a licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor in private practice as a psychotherapist and a organizational consultant in Berkeley, California.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.
I. PRACTICING THE ART.
1. Why Choose Co-Therapy?
2. Educational Reasons for Shared Leadership.
3. How to Choose a Co-Therapist.
4. Why a Co-Therapy Team Becomes Successful.
5. Co-Therapy Teams in Trouble: Impasses and Crises.
6. Treatment of a Borderline and a Narcissistic Patient in Co-Therapy
II. MASTER PRACTITIONERS
7. Phases of Co-Therapy Team Development, Dugo & Beck.
8. An Intimate Model for Co-Therapy, Goulding & Goulding.
9. Therapists and Parents as Models for Being Human, Satir.