TALKING THERAPIES T - Z

TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS - It was defined and evolved by Dr Eric Berne whose thesis was that there existed in everyone three quite clearly distinguishable sets of attitudes and behaviours. He called these ego states: that is configurations of states or frames of mind. These are readily recognisable by things that we say, the ways in which we say them and the support that we give them by way of body language gestures and mannerisms. TA involves using knowledge and skills to recognise frames of mind; and from this to adopt a frame of mind that determines whether the transaction (i.e. communication, what the sender sends and what the receiver hears) is to be effective, ineffective, business-like or a crossed transaction leading to a misunderstanding. The frames of mind (ego states) are as follows: Parent, Adult and Child. The "Parent" is further modified into Parent controlling and Parent nurturing. The "Child" is further modified into Natural Child and Adapted Child.