Transactional Analysis Therapy (TA)
TA therapy is highly versatile, and can be used in a wide range of areas in order to help you break free from any unhealthy relating patterns of behaviour and thinking that affect your moods.
What is Transactional Analysis Therapy (TA)?
Transactional analysis (TA) is a widely recognised form of modern psychology, and one of the most accessible theories of psychology. Put into simple terms, TA is designed to promote personal growth and change. It is considered a fundamental therapy for well-being and for helping individuals to reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives.
Understanding Transactional Analysis
Originally conceived by Eric Berne in the 1950’s and based on the theory that each individual has three ego-states: parent, adult and child. These are used along with other key transactional analysis concepts, tools and models to analyse how individuals communicate and to identify what interaction is needed in order to create a more positive outcome.
Throughout therapy, the TA therapist will work directly on problem-solving behaviours, whilst helping you to develop day-to-day tools for finding constructive, creative solutions. The ultimate goal is to ensure you regain absolute autonomy over you life. Eric Berne defines this autonomy as the recovery of three vital human capacities – spontaneity, awareness and intimacy.
The Key Concepts of Transactional Analysis
TA analysis is the method used to analyse this process of transactions in communication with others. It requires us to become aware of how we feel, think, and behave during interactions with others around you.
When we encounter a person or group we can get stuck playing unconscious ‘roles’. This is why we can behave one way with one person or group, and completely different around another. TA therapy has a theory that these ‘transactions’ happen because of what it calls ‘ego states’, different sides of ourselves we take on that have their own way of thinking and behaving.
The ‘parent’ ego state is when we are are being dominating and judgemental. The ‘child’ ego state sees us sulking, being rebellious, or people pleasing. Transactional analysis helps us to become conscious of our thoughts and behaviours and shift to the ‘adult’ ego state, where we are rational, objective and thoughtful.
Donna Marie Thomas
Hello, my name is Donna, I am a qualified counsellor, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist and Registered Member of BACP based in Pontefract, West Yorkshire.
I have a passion for helping people to enjoy a happier, more fulfilling life via a person centred approach to therapy tailored to meet each individuals specific needs.
Get in touch to find out more or book an appointment with me today.
How is Transactional Analysis Used in Counselling and Therapy?
Transactional analysis is a talking therapy and each session is specifically tailored to explore an individual’s personality and how this has been shaped by past experiences, particularly those stemming from childhood. In order to achieve this, the therapist will ask a range of skilful questions combined with various other psychotherapy tools and techniques..
Counselling sessions can be carried out on a one-on-one basis, with families, couples or groups. While it’s commonly recognised as a brief and solution-focused approach, transactional analysis can also be applied as an effective long-term therapy.
TA therapy is highly versatile, and can be used in a wide range of areas, incorporating key themes from humanistic, integrative and psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapies.
The atmosphere in which transactional analysis is carried out is one which is non-judgemental, secure and respectful. This compassionate setting ensures that a positive relationship is forged between the therapist and individual in order to provide a foundation for future relationships and communication that are developed outside of therapy.
Working together, the therapist and individual will identify what has gone wrong in their communication and provide opportunities for them to change repetitive patterns that limit their potential.
What Problems Can Transactional Analysis Therapy and Counselling Help With?
Transactional analysis therapy is highly regarded in helping individuals suffering with the following:
- Anxiety and social anxiety
- Borderline personality disorder
- Communication issues
- Depression and low mood
- Low self-esteem
- Family problems
- Fear of intimacy
- Relationship problems
- Workplace issues
One of the greatest benefits of transactional analysis therapy is that it helps people develop coping skills that can be useful both now and in the future.
Benefits of Transactional Analysis
Designed to promote personal growth and change, transactional analysis offers the opportunity to develop all kinds of skills that can be applied to all areas of life.
Transactional analysis sees your social interactions as the root of any issues you might have. By breaking out of unhelpful relating patterns and role playing, and learning to recognise and troubleshoot the ways you think and feel, you can create a life you are happier in.
This makes TA valuable for helping to solve many types of problems including:
- Eliminate unhelpful ways of thinking, feeling, and behaving
- Learn how to communicate in productive over destructive ways
- Become more self-aware and develop self-reflection
- Have healthier instead of draining everyday interactions with others
- Break out of long held patterns of thinking and stop feeling trapped
- Move towards a life you actually want
How Innerworth Counselling Can Help
With transactional analysis therapy you will receive a safe, soothing and confidential space where you can begin to discuss and understand the root causes of your negative thought patterns and emotions.
It is also a space where you can begin to explore both the emotional and physical aspects of your problems and learn a range of techniques which will allow you to cope better with the symptoms enabling you to take back control of your life.
Take the First Step Now
I offer private transactional analysis therapy, and take a person-centred approach, meaning that I’m non-judgemental, see clients as equals, and collaborate on your healing journey together.
If you feel that you could benefit from TA therapy, please book an initial consultation. You don’t have to prepare for this, just come as you are and we can look into how I might be able to help.
Additional Information
Here are some links that you may find helpful:
Mind
The team at Mind provide information on a range of mental health problems.
www.mind.org.uk
Samaritans
The Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need a response immediately, it’s best to call them on: 116 123.
www.samaritans.org
Contact me today to book a confidential consulation
What My Clients Say
Jason Osborne
I shall be forever bewildered by the effectiveness of hypnotherapy. I had always remained sceptical until my very last session, then the “weight” that suddenly lifted was both physical and emotional and continues to benefit both myself and those around me three years on – thank you Donna.
Jason Osborne
Abigail Johnson
I’ve finally found a solution to my dependency on food. Your weight-loss therapy sessions have seriously transformed my life. Honestly, I could cry, I am so happy and feel like a totally new person, inside and out! Truly amazing Donna.
Abigail Johnson
Charlotte Dickinson
I went to see Donna because my anxiety and depression had spiralled out of control. I now have skills and techniques that I can use for the rest of my life to help me cope with any challenges. Thoroughly recommend psychotherapy from Innerworth Counselling. Donna is warm, professional and clearly passionate about what she does.