Therapy AnalysisThe purpose of this article is to examine the effectiveness of my work as co-therapist during the fifth joint session with the simulated couple; Katy and Michelle. I will discuss our therapy program and the goals we hoped to achieve during the session. It is prudent to begin by providing a brief overview of the couple's current problem and the patterns of dysfunction I have identified within their relationship. In my opinion, it is the therapist's job to recognize patterns and behaviors that disrupt the intimate connection between partners. It is also important to recognize that it is essential for therapists to remain self-aware and avoid judgments based on their own understanding. This session is my first opportunity to work with a same-sex couple and see therapy unfold over the course of the trimester. I based my approach on the data presented to me via the intake forms and viewing previous sessions with the couple. To protect the couple from any negative countertransference, I filtered my observations through the theories of Gottman's (2008) Married Couples Therapy, Johnson's (2008) Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and David’s (2013a) integrated model of couples therapy (ICT). ). The bulk of this article will then examine my therapeutic approach, the theoretical concepts that support it, and my strengths and weaknesses as a therapist during the session. This will include peer feedback, instructor feedback, and self-critique. This article will conclude with a brief discussion of the future direction of therapy if I were to remain their therapist. Presenting the Problem Both Michelle and Katy came to therapy complaining of an increasing frequency of arguments. These arguments started almost a year ago and, at the moment I am...... middle of paper ......n integrated model of couples therapy. In P. David, Pair bonding & repair: Essays on intimacy and couples therapy (pp.52-64). Applied Couples Therapy Course Document, Antioch University Seattle. David, P., (2014a, Winter Quarter). Steps in assessing intimacy. Applied Couples Therapy course document. Antioch University in Seattle. Gehart, D. (2014). Mastering Family Therapy Skills: A Practical Guide to Theories and Clinical Case Documentation. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Gottman, J.M., Gottman, J.S., (2008). Couples therapy according to the Gottman method. In A. Gurman (Ed.), Clinical handbook of couples therapy (4th ed.) (pp.138-164). New York, NY: Guilford Press. Gurman, A., (Ed.), Clinical Manual of Couples Therapy (4th ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press. Johnson, S., (2008). Hold me tight: seven conversations for a lifetime of love. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company.