A theory of personality and communication
Transactional Analysis
>> Transactional Analysis is a theory of personality and communication developed from ideas originated by psychiatrist Eric Berne.
These statements form the basis for the therapeutic relationship. TA work involves a collaborative relationship between client and therapist, intended to be as equal as possible, with neither party considered to be 'in control' or more dominant than the other. In TA, clients are asked to take responsibility for their insights, development and change, and to overtly state their needs to maximise the opportunities to get them met by the therapeutic process.
One fundamental theory of TA involves the use and understanding of ego states. The ego states of TA are described as being either Parent, Adult or Child, terms which encapsulate forms of behaviour and emotional processes we use in everyday life. Taking control of our ego states can help to ensure we maximise our potential for effective decision making, and ensure our relationships with others are as appropriate and dynamic as possible.
By analysing our 'transactions' - the ways in which we communicate and express ourselves (both to others and to ourselves) - TA can help us understand and identify the damaging, limiting or restrictive decisions we make, and provide us with a starting point for undertaking steps to improve our life, our relationships and our sense of personal OK-ness.
TA can address deeply rooted issues to link personality (who we are) with communication (how we engage with others). Working with an awareness of cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes offers long-term opportunities for in-depth insight and change, with a flexibility that allows for the focus to be either on the developmental journey itself, or on working towards a specific end point, to suit you.
Different therapists will use the ideas and models of TA in different ways - my personal working style draws on elements from existential, integrative and psychodynamic traditions.
>> For more information about Transactional Analysis, contact me, or visit my resources page for other websites which may offer support and information.
One fundamental theory of TA involves the use and understanding of ego states. The ego states of TA are described as being either Parent, Adult or Child, terms which encapsulate forms of behaviour and emotional processes we use in everyday life. Taking control of our ego states can help to ensure we maximise our potential for effective decision making, and ensure our relationships with others are as appropriate and dynamic as possible.
By analysing our 'transactions' - the ways in which we communicate and express ourselves (both to others and to ourselves) - TA can help us understand and identify the damaging, limiting or restrictive decisions we make, and provide us with a starting point for undertaking steps to improve our life, our relationships and our sense of personal OK-ness.
TA can address deeply rooted issues to link personality (who we are) with communication (how we engage with others). Working with an awareness of cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes offers long-term opportunities for in-depth insight and change, with a flexibility that allows for the focus to be either on the developmental journey itself, or on working towards a specific end point, to suit you.
Different therapists will use the ideas and models of TA in different ways - my personal working style draws on elements from existential, integrative and psychodynamic traditions.
>> For more information about Transactional Analysis, contact me, or visit my resources page for other websites which may offer support and information.
Towards awareness, spontaneity and intimacy.
Copyright Gareth Davies © 2008-10
Email: gareth@wayforwardcounselling.co.uk
Email: gareth@wayforwardcounselling.co.uk
TA counselling and therapy work is undertaken with an initial acceptance of three basic assumptions, which I express in the following ways:
| • | You were born 'OK' |
| • | You are free to make your own life choices and decisions |
| • | You can change these choices and decisions at any time |
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