Transactional Analysis

Transactional Analysis

Transactional Analysis, developed by Eric Berne, focuses on understanding and analysing the way we interact and communicate in relationships. It can be helpful for people struggling with social anxiety or difficulty forming relationships, those who want to resolve emotional issues. It helps with improving communication skills and to understand yourself and others better. It is useful where there are issues with conflict.

Key concepts include:

The roles we play

In simple terms, ego states are like different parts of ourselves that come out in different situations. It is a way to describe in a more practical way, what happens inside your mind during your socializing with other people. For example, when speaking about your inner talk (the comments your mind are constantly making), imagine you have three characters inside you:

Parent: This is the part that sounds like your parents or other adults in your life. It tells you what is right or wrong based on what you have learned from them. When we criticize ourselves for doing things wrong, it is probably this part that is playing a role.

Adult: This part thinks and acts based on what is happening right now. It is like your logical, problem-solving side.

Child: This part feels and reacts like you did when you were a child. It can be playful and fun or scared and upset.

So, depending on the situation, one of these characters or inner talk might take over. Understanding these ego states helps us figure out why we act the way we do and how we can communicate better with others. It is like having an internal cast of characters that influence how we see the world and how we behave.

Analysing transactions

We try to analyse what happens in your social relationships. It involves examining how individuals communicate and build relationships with one another. These so called ‘transactions’ can either be healthy, or it can foster misunderstandings and conflict.

Life script

In your script, you decide things about yourself and the world around you, based on the things you experienced as a child. These decisions might be about who you are, what you deserve, and how others will treat you. 

Your life script influences how you act and make choices without you even realising it. Sometimes it may cause you to repeat certain patterns, like always seeking approval or being afraid to take risks or trying to avoid conflict.

Working with your life script helps you become aware of these patterns so you can figure out why you do the things you do. Once you know your script you are more in control to change parts of it that might not be helping you anymore. It is about taking charge of you own story.

Games

This refers to recurring patterns of behaviour that are characterized by ulterior motives and hidden agendas. We explore how you, or others in your life, engage in so called ‘games’ to meet psychological needs. We all behave in ways to bring us recognition or attention. Some of these behaviours might be positive and affirming, while others can cause you more harm and neglect. 

Six basic yearning people have

People are hungry for: recognition, stimulation, structure, identity, position, and intimacy. In therapy we examine how you, or others in your life, seek to satisfy those needs.

Transactional Analysis is widely used in psychotherapy, counselling, and organizational development. In therapy, it can help you gain insight into your patterns of communication, understand your life script and help improve your relationships. It is often used to enhance communication, resolve conflicts, and promote healthier relationships. It can be applied in settings such as couples therapy, family therapy, and workplace dynamics.

Learn more about Transactional Analysis by visiting https://www.simplypsychology.org/transactional-analysis-eric-berne.html