This week, Sue did a presentation on Transactional Analysis; in particular Sue talked about the ego-states, what they are and how they represent us.
Transactional Analysis was founded in the late 1950’s by Eric Berne, and is a therapy based on the theory that each person has three ego-states: Parent, Adult and Child. These are different from real parents, children and adults in that they represent our different concepts of life.
The PARENT ego-state is our “Taught” concept of life. These are a set of thoughts, feelings and behaviours which were learnt from our parents and other important people. When this ego-state is accessed in a positive way it can be calming, nurturing and supportive. When acted out negatively, this part of our personality can be controlling, critical and patronising.
The ADULT ego-state is our “Thought” concept of life. This relates to direct responses and experiences in the here-and-now which are not influenced by our past. This is the most rational and logical part of our personality and can only be activated positively.
The CHILD ego-state is our “Felt” concept of life. This concept is a set of thoughts, feelings and behaviours learnt from our childhood. These can be curious, playful, creative and spontaneous in the positive. Negative aspects are being rebellious, difficult and insecure. These responses could also be free and natural or strongly adapted by parental influences.
The Transaction part of TA refers to any interaction when two individuals communicate; their ego-states meet and thus create Transactions. If the ego-states interact and blend in a healthy way, transactions tend to be healthier. Sometimes however, ego-states can clash, or contaminate each other, causing skewed views of the world. If in the middle of a heated argument or a childish tantrum you become aware of and notice which ego-state you are currently set to, it allows you to take a step back mentally and quickly reconfigure yourself to be more “Adult”. This will help immensely, as being more Adult in our transactions with other people enhance our relationships, and we tend not to fall back into unhelpful or destructive ways of interacting with others.
The aim of Transactional Analysis is to help clients develop practical conceptual tools which empower them and find their own creative solutions, thus regaining absolute autonomy and agency within their own lives. It promotes personal growth and change and is considered a fundamental therapy for well-being and for helping individuals reach their full potential.
