Transactional analysis

Instead of exploring the unconscious to shed light on the conscious mind, transactional analysis focuses on the three “ego states” of an individual’s personality

What is it?

Rather than asking the client questions about themselves, the therapist observes and analyzes how they interact. Then they help the client develop a strategy for operating from the adult ego state, rather than copying how their caregiver treated them when they were young (the parent ego state) or acting out how that treatment made them feel and behave as a child (the child ego state). Conflict occurs when a person
operates simultaneously from different states, for instance, one part of their personality giving orders from their parent state and another part reacting defensively from their child state. Transactional analysis helps
the client to recognize these three states and guides them toward using their adult state in all interactions. It helps the client communicate as they wish to, unhindered by patterns formed in childhood. The adult state is based in the present, and evaluates data from the child and parent states to draw a logical, intelligent conclusion that directs behavior.

PARENT Can be controlling and critical or nurturing and supportive

ADULT Makes rational choices in response to the present time

CHILD Uses feelings and behavior from childhood