Amanda Brockman Fda, MBACP
Therapeutic Practitioner and Relational Supervisor.
Transactional Analysis is a theory that involves an individual's growth and development.
The concept of Transactional Analysis relates to open communication and helps to make sense of the connections to our past and how this influences decisions we make in the present..
Transactional Analysis was developed during the late 1950's by psychiatrist Eric Berne and relates to direct responses to the 'here and now' that are not influenced by our past.
Originally trained in psychoanalysis, Berne wanted a theory which could be understood and available to everyone and began to develop what came to be called Transactional Analysis.
TA is a theory of I'm OK Your OK, of Acceptance and Unconditional Positive Regard.
Transactional Analysis is a social psychology and a method to improve communication.
The theory outlines how we have developed and how we treat ourselves, how we relate and communicate with others, and offers suggestions and interventions which will enable us to change and grow.
Part of the Transactional Analysis Theory is the (the ego-sate model) An ego-state is a set of related behaviours, thoughts and feelings.
The Ego State Model portrays three distinct ego-states; Parent Adult and Child.
At times I may behave, think and feel in ways that are a copy of my parents I am in my Parent ego-state.
If I am behaving, thinking and feeling as a direct response to what is going on in the present I am in my Adult ego-state.
I may sometimes return to my ways of thinking, feeling and behaving I used as a child I am in my Child ego-state.
Transactional Analysis is underpinned by the philosophy that people can change and we all have a right to be in the world and be accepted.
One of the most intriguing ideas in Transactional Analysis is that as children we developed a life ‘script’ which we are unconsciously following every day.
Working on your issues in therapy will help you to identify your own ‘life script’ and 'script belief' of the world, the part that you play in it and ways to break out of ‘script’. Having a better understanding of your relationships will help you to fulfil a more autonomous and empowered life.