Petruchio and Kate: Yikes!

Notes for Petruchio and Kate's first counseling session:
I have never meet such a poorly matched couple! Petruchio and Kate are so ill-matched that it seems impossible that they will ever work out their issues. When they came into my office, they were already arguing. Petruchio had ripped off Kate's hat when they opened the door, and in a fit of anger, she hit him! What an entrance! They continued to bicker over which seats they wanted and they were not pleased to discover that there was one couch for them to share. Petruchio sat at one end and Kate the other. I couldn't believe my eyes! Are they really married? I doubted that any romantic relationship was happening. Once the couple settled down, it was clear that there was a struggle for power. Kate and Petruchio continued to argue over each other and I didn't even get to ask any questions because they kept arguing! They were arguing about their terrible ride over and how Kate had fallen in mud and Petruchio yelled and Kate prayed...ect. Once I was finally able to speak (30 minutes later, mind you) I asked one question: "Let's introduce ourselves so we can truly get to know each other and feel confortable: I am Dr. Condas, what are your names or what would you liked to be called?" Katherine said, "My name is Katherine and I this is what I would like to..." before Petruchio interjected yelling, "KATE! YOUR NAME IS KATE!" I was obviously shocked. This couple couldn't even figure out their names and I began to doubt their marriage. After this awkward exchange, I realized the huge problem for this couple: they were just too similar. They always say "opposites attract" and this case, it is extremely correct. Petruchio and Kate are equally headstrong, argumentative, and rude and this is the main reason they can't seem to get along. I proceeded to ask them more questions about their relationship, "Who wears the pants in this relationship?" to which both individuals responded, "me!" I was lost for words. As I scribbled notes in my notebook, they continued to shout and scream as I observed their behavior. It was like watching a tennis match, the ball going back and forth repeatedly. Before I knew it, our session was up and I was relieved. I have spent 15 years in this business and I have never seen such a couple in this kind of distress. I have no short-term goals for this couple as I feel more sessions are in order to completely assess the situation. One long-term goal I have for the couple is I want them to begin to respect each other as equals and to stop arguing so much. I hope that Petruchio and Kate will return back to my office as I feel they really need some help. Phew, my head is killing me!