Transactional Analysis

LEARN PSYCOTHERAPY, COACHING AND COUNSELLING

The Basic Concepts of Transactional Analysis

We are all OK. We all have a basic lovable core and a desire for positive growth. All of our many parts have a positive value for us in some way. Positive strokes increase feelings of ‘OKness’. We are all responsible for the way we think, feel, and act. Our beliefs and behaviour are results of decisions we have made at critical times in our development, hence, an out-dated decision can be re-decided. All emotional difficulties are curable. We all want positive loving relationships.

Transactional Analysis - Dr Linda Gregory

Introduction to Transactional Analysis

Transactional Analysis is a theory of personality, based on three Ego States, Parent, Child and Adult. Firstly, it is a theory of communication, and child development. Secondly, a theory of analysing Life Scripts, and how we replay childhood strategies = repetition compulsion, therefore a theory of psychopathology.

What are Life Scripts?

An extensive unconscious life plan. (Berne, TA in Psychotherapy, 1961). In simple terms, each person decided in early childhood how he/she will live, and what he/she needs to do to survive. These decisions were made as a result of many early messages received from parents and parent figures. The ultimate goal of TA is to understand and become conscious of the client’s script, therefore make new updated, healthier decisions. This is known as Redecision therapy, one of the main schools of TA. Script Analysis

What is a Game?

Most people have heard of the famous book of E. Berne’s, Games People Play. We have all played a game at some time. It is an unconscious series of ulterior communications progressing to a predictable payoff outcome. When people feel, “Here we go again”, it is most likely a game. What is a payoff? Can be many things. A justified reason to leave, go shopping and spend money, go out and get drunk or drugged, start a fight or war, have an affair or prove the other person wrong. Why do we play games? Many reasons. Something to do. Confirm old beliefs about Self, Others and Life. Games provide a high level of Strokes, however usually negative drama ones. People who are not comfortable with intimacy play games to keep a distance. There are more reasons that are taught in the TA 101 course. Game Positions There are three game positions, Persecutor, Rescuer and Victim., and players usually switch positions. There are many identified games. A few of the names of games consist of; Poor Me, What would You do Without me?, Now I’ve Got You, Wooden Leg, Kick Me, Blemish, and See How Hard I have Tried. The first step to stop playing games is to become aware that you are playing them.

What are Strokes?

A stroke is a unit of recognition. Whenever someone recognises you, or what you are doing, by a look, a word, a gesture or touch, they are stroking you or giving you a stroke. Transactions are exchanges of strokes between people – “G’day Linda!”, “Hi Sue” are transactions, of two strokes, one per person. Our need to be recognised – stroked – is one of the main reasons we transact with others. Types of Strokes Strokes are classified into types. Some strokes we get are for being, therefore they recognise our existence and our value as human beings and individuals. These are called unconditional strokes, and may be positive (You’re OK by me!) or negative (You’re not OK by me!). While is contrast, we get stroked for what we do. Strokes for doing are called conditional strokes, and recognise the value of our actions with others. They may be positive (You’re doing OK by me!) or negative (You’re not doing OK by me!), (I like what you are doing, or I don’t like what you are doing). Positive strokes are sometimes called Warm Fuzzies, because that is how people tend to feel when they are recognised in a way that says, “You’re OK” or “You’re doing OK”. Negative strokes on the other hand, tend to encourage cold and prickly feelings, and so are called … Cold Pricklies! Transactional Analysis Proper

” The ultimate goal is regaining internal awareness, becoming fully conscious “

How Is Transactional Analysis Used

Above all the client is a fully involved participant in the healing, coaching, and supervision process,

Therefore change is most likely to occur when the adviser and the client are both fully invested in their relationship of working together towards a clear, healthy contract for the behavioural change sought.

The ultimate goal is regaining internal awareness, becoming fully conscious and in harmony with self and others.

Additionally, to function with a capacity for spontaneity, and authentic, open intimate communication with others is an important goal. An increased ability to use our intuitition is an additional benefit of TA.

Reaching Forgiveness is one of the main goals of TA. Forgiveness on many levels. Forgiveness of self, others and life.

Forgiving self for any supposed wrong doings that may be causing guilt, likewise, forgiving others, as in parents, children, siblings, and friends, and forgiving life for not being fair or perfect.

Transactional Analysis Course

I offer the first step to TA, which is the Official TA 101 course.

When completed you will be awarded a certificate that allows you to join ATAA and ITAA. You can then proceed to the Advanced TA training if you choose.

Buy this course in my shop. Some of the topics I cover in this course are Ego States – When we converse with others, how we experience that communication and what transpires between people.

Transactions – Why is it that communication flows easily at times, and at other times it breaks down abruptly, turns nasty, and how to get it back on track. Life Positions – Our view of self, others and life. Games – Why we play games and how to turn them from drama into constructive wins.

As a result of learning TA, you will become aware of yourself, and others. Become spontaneous and authentic so you can truly have intimacy in relationships.

Only qualified trainers can teach the official TA 101 course and issue certificates. Once you have completed TA 101 and received your certificate it allows you to apply for membership of ATAA or ITAA, and you can proceed to Advanced Training.

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