What is Transactional Analysis?

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a theory of human development, personality, and communication. It was founded by Eric Berne (1910-1970). It has concepts that can be learned and applied as tools for personal and professional growth and change. The underlying philosophy is one of mutual self-respect and caring and a belief in peoples' ability to be responsible, think for themselves and make their own decisions.

TA theories and models are easy to understand and use, and can be related to:

• Personal development



• Working in teams and groups



• Attitudes to self and others, building self esteem



• Personal styles, assertiveness, parenting, discipline



• Positive communication in social and professional spheres
  



• Learning and transformation

PARENT-ADULT-CHILD

This model describes how we communicate from various aspects of our personality - as a Controlling Parent (CP), Nurturing Parent (NP), Adult (A), Adapted Child (AC) or Natural Child (NC)

DRAMA TRIANGLE

This model describes the psychological positions we take up resulting in games and unhealthy relationships. The WINNERS TRIANGLE gives options for change.

WINDOWS ON THE WORLD

This model describes our attitudes to ourselves and others, a respect for our common humanity, as being OK (+) or not OK (-)

STROKES

Strokes are units of recognition given and received.

They may be positive or negative and can be for BEING (unconditional) or DOING (conditional)

SCRIPT

Our script is the story of our lives - it is influenced by the big people in our life when we are growing up.
There are both positive and negative influences from others. We can update our scripts and begin to live a richer story. We can learn to understand and use our strengths.

DISCOUNTING and ACCOUNTING

Discounting is an internal mechanism that involves a person ignoring some aspect of herself, others, or the situation. This maintains her belief about herself and life (her script).

Accounting takes notice of the evidence and its significance, and enables the person to take responsibility to find solutions and act on them. This can be an empowering process for all concerned.

SYMBIOSIS

Symbiosis refers to dependance and counter-dependency. It is defined as when two or more people behave as though they share one set of ego states between them. Each person is discounting certain ego states.