A Summary of Transactional Analysis Key
Ideas
For more comprehensive descriptions of Transactional
Analysis theory and practice you can also purchase Therapeutic Journey,
Practice and Life. 2005, TA Press, Oakland California by James Allen M.D.
(click here) or you can read or
download: "A Summary of Transactional Analysis Concepts I Use" by Fanita
English (click here) and "Transactional Analysis;
An Elegant Theory and Practice" by Claude Steiner PhD.
(click here).
I'm OK - You're OK
"I'm OK - You're OK" is probably the best-known expression
of the purpose of transactional analysis: to establish and reinforce the
position that recognizes the value and worth of every person. Transactional
analysts regard people as basically "OK" and thus capable of change, growth,
and healthy interactions.
Strokes
Berne observed that people need strokes, the units of
interpersonal recognition, to survive and thrive. Understanding how people give
and receive positive and negative strokes and changing unhealthy patterns of
stroking are powerful aspects of work in transactional analysis.
Ego States
Eric Berne made complex interpersonal transactions
understandable when he recognized that the human personality is made up of
three "ego states". Each ego state is an entire system of thoughts, feelings,
and behaviors from which we interact with one another. The Parent, Adult and
Child ego states and the interaction between them form the foundation of
transactional analysis theory. These concepts have spread into many areas of
therapy, education, and consulting as practiced today.
Transactions
Transactions refer to the communication exchanges between
people. Transactional analysts are trained to recognize which ego states people
are transacting from and to follow the transactional sequences so they can
intervene and improve the quality and effectiveness of communication.
Games People Play
Berne defined certain socially dysfunctional behavioral
patterns as "games." These repetitive, devious transactions are principally
intended to obtain strokes but instead they reinforce negative feelings and
self-concepts, and mask the direct expression of thoughts and emotions. Berne
tagged these games with such instantly recognizable names as "Why Don't You,
Yes But," "Now I've Got You, You SOB," and "I'm Only Trying to Help You."
Berne's book Games People Play achieved wide popular success in the
early 60's.
Life Script
Eric Berne proposed that dysfunctional behavior is the
result of self-limiting decisions made in childhood in the interest of
survival. Such decisions culminate in what Berne called the "life script," the
pre-conscious life plan that governs the way life is lived out. Changing the
life script is the aim of transactional analysis psychotherapy. Replacing
violent organizational or societal scripting with cooperative non-violent
behavior is the aim of other applications of transactional analysis.
Contracts
Transactional analysis practice is based upon mutual
contracting for change. Transactional analysts view people as capable of
deciding what they want for their lives. Accordingly transactional analysis
does its work on a contractual basis between the client and the therapist,
educator, or consultant.
Additional Ideas
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