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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.

Cognitive family therapy is a new short-term psychotherapy which facilitates self-disclosure. The paper defines self-disclosure and differentiates cognitive self-disclosure from self-exposure and emotional self-disclosure. The relationship of cognitive self-disclosure in facilitating marital intimacy is developed. A case history is presented which describes the therapeutic process and suggests possible future research to understand what constitutes the specific change process in Cognitive family therapy. Data from an uncontrolled outcome study involving eleven families is discussed. Results from objective self-report tests given prior to treatment and at follow-up are examined, with the outcome suggesting that cognitive family therapy merits further evaluation.

It has been well documented that couples presenting for sex therapy frequently have difficulties in resolving conflict and in expressing emotional as well as physical intimacy. Recent studies have shown that intimacy is an important variable in determining the health or pathology in the dyadic system. Furthermore, the level of intimacy is influenced by a capacity for self disclosure and an ability to consider the partner's opinion. This paper describes a method of treatment that combines well-known strategies to treat sexual problems with a new approach to couples therapy, which encourages self-disclosure to facilitate mutual understanding, decrease conflict, and increase intimacy.

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