A theory of personality and communication
Transactional Analysis
Transactional Analysis is a theory of personality and communication developed from ideas originated by Eric Berne, MD., in America in the 1950s and '60s.
These basic assumptions inform the working methods undertaken in therapy sessions, to examine the life decisions we made as children, which may be continuing to reinforce our decisions and beliefs about ourselves, others and the world we live in as adults.
TA work involves a collaborative relationship between client and therapist. The working relationship is 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 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. Different from traditional psychoanalytic principles of ego, super-ego and id, 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.
Unlike some other short-term, fast-acting, low-impact approaches to therapy, which primarily address symptomatic relief of problems, TA can address issues related to more deeply rooted personality and character styles. As such it can offer long-term opportunities for in-depth change, with a flexibility in its approach that allows for the focus to be either on the developmental journey itself, or on working towards a specific end point, to suit you.
For more information about Transactional Analysis, contact me, or visit my resources page for other websites which may offer support and information.
TA work involves a collaborative relationship between client and therapist. The working relationship is 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 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. Different from traditional psychoanalytic principles of ego, super-ego and id, 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.
Unlike some other short-term, fast-acting, low-impact approaches to therapy, which primarily address symptomatic relief of problems, TA can address issues related to more deeply rooted personality and character styles. As such it can offer long-term opportunities for in-depth change, with a flexibility in its approach that allows for the focus to be either on the developmental journey itself, or on working towards a specific end point, to suit you.
For more information about Transactional Analysis, contact me, or visit my resources page for other websites which may offer support and information.
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Towards awareness, spontaneity and intimacy.
Copyright Gareth Davies © 2008-10
Email: gareth@wayforwardcounselling.co.uk
Email: gareth@wayforwardcounselling.co.uk
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TA counselling and therapy work is undertaken with an initial acceptance of three basic principles, which I express in the following ways:
| · | YOU WERE BORN 'OKAY' |
| · | YOU HAVE THE CAPACITY TO MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS |
| · | YOU CAN CHANGE THESE DECISIONS AT ANY TIME |