Transactional Therapy

Transactional Analysis: Key figures in Transactional analysis are Eric Berne, Carl Steiner, Thomas Harris and Graham Barnes. This theory asserts that people can change. The individual is composed of three interacting ego states.  These ego states are child, parent, and adult. Our transactions with others come from these three states. Key to this theory are the concepts of ulterior transactions and psychological games. A simple example of an ulterior transaction might be “has anyone seen my purse?” This really means “look for my purse!”  Psychological games occur when a series of ulterior transactions are used to create a predictable outcome. The goal of Transactional Analysis is to assist the client in becoming aware of games, eliminate the need for ulterior transactions, and therefor gain the ability to have game free, genuine, and healthy relationships. The role of the counselor is to teach and make agreements with the client for change. Techniques include contracting for change, confrontation, and concentration on early memories which are believed to create the frame of reference from which the three ego states operate. Often Gestalt techniques are also used. Strengths of this theory include the fact that the concepts are easy to understand and clearly defined, it is easy to combine with other theories,  it put responsibility on the client, and is goal directed. Limitations of Transactional Therapy are that it cannot easily be used with persons of limited cognitive functioning and there is a lack of emphasis on the qualities of the counselor.