A Brief Introduction to Transactional Analysis

A Brief Introduction to Transactional Analysis

Transactional analysis is a model for understanding human behaviour and psyche, developed by the late Dr Eric Berne, in the 1950s and 60s. It was originally developed as a means of addressing what goes on between people, be they couples, groups, families or organisations. Transactions are the interactions that occur when we signal or communicate with each other. The analysis of transactions enables the Transactional Analyst to identify games and develop new, healthier strategies to replace old, unhealthy and familiar patterns of behaviour.

As well as external communication between people, Transactional Analysis considers the internal communication that takes place within each of us. This communication is most often taking place unconsciously, or outside of our awareness. Transactional Analysis is, therefore, able to address both the private psyche of the individual (via psychotherapy) and the public communication between people (via behavioural therapy).

This ability to address both inner (intrapsychic) and outer (interpsychic) world experiences serves to distinguish Transactional Analysis from other forms of psychotherapy. It is based on what is happening to the client in the present, as a means of showing him where and how he is trapped in hurtful or destructive patterns that affect his everyday life.

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a model for understanding human personality, relationships and communication. It has gained international recognition as a professional approach, aiding effectiveness in fields as diverse as psychotherapy, counselling, education, and organisations. Transactional Analysis is used in management training, industry and education, to promote good, effective relationships and hence efficiency. It offers a method of analysing systems and organisations.

Conflict situations are often better understood by applying TA, allowing for more effective interventions.

Communication is made clearer, resulting in less misunderstanding and more efficient interactions.

Recurring patterns of unproductive feelings and behaviours or ‘Games’ can be identified and changed.

Options are encouraged through active thinking, rather than passivity.

Relationships are enhanced by making better sense of each person’s point of view.

Interventions are planned, increasing the probabilities of beneficial outcomes.

TA as it is called for short is based on three philosophical principles:

People are OK. We all have worth, value and dignity as people. There are no ‘better’ or ‘worse’ people as a result of the characteristics we are born with e.g. Race, gender, etc. People may make different choices and we may disagree about these. These constitute the ‘content of our characters’. At times I may not like nor accept what you DO, but always I accept who you ARE. I may not like you or you like me, but we both have a right to our views, to think differently, to non-violently express our points of view and to exist on this planet.

Everyone has the capacity to think for themselves - except for the severely brain-damaged. We cannot be MADE to feel or behave in particular ways by others, or by our surroundings. ‘We are responsible for our own feelings and behaviour.’ However, under duress or in a trance state, we can be induced to take on another person’s will. Likewise, we can think very differently if we are afraid, or have adapted to the norms of a group or a cult. Real thinking involves being individuated as an individual and not being the mouthpiece of an advantageous position, ideology or religion.

People decide to be the way they are. This applies to the non-biological, ‘character-determined’ aspects of the human condition. We are responsible for the decisions we make - to make the best of our lives. It is about taking personal responsibility for the decisions we make, rather than resorting to blaming others for the poor choices we may have made. Instead, it is about tracing the decisions and changing them for new and more appropriate decisions. ‘These decisions can be changed,’ through an application of personal agency.

TA is a contractual form of intervention. It has clear goals and direction. The contract is agreed upon between the client and Transactional Analyst at the start of their work together. This specifies clearly what outcome the client intends from the interaction, be it a change in attitude, feeling, response or action. The responsibility for change rests with the client who is expected to take the initiative in his own reflections. TA uses simple language to get across the complex theory. The client is encouraged to explore TA ideas and to become aware of how they might apply to him. Part of the work will involve learning about self and others, and becoming aware of how we all go about unconsciously setting up problems for ourselves. To be effective, TA demands personal agency i.e. Active involvement and sustained commitment. Those seeking help from it must be prepared to be confronted by their own self-destructive behaviour.

Eric Berne pioneered TA by combining his psychoanalytic understanding of intrapsychic processes with pragmatic, behavioural interventions designed to produce more healthy interactions between people. He believed in a balanced psyche, not one based totally on reason or emotions. Balance is central to TA.

Berne encouraged professionals from many varied fields to come together in his seminars, producing a collaborative model. These included phenomenology, existentialism and gestalt. However, he was under pressure not to turn