About Transactional Analysis

About Transactional Analysis

modern psychology

What Is Transactional Analysis?

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a widely recognised form of modern psychology, and one of the most accessible theories of psychology at that. In 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 life.


Founded by Eric Berne in the late 1950s, TA therapy is based on the theory that each person has three categories of 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 for a better outcome.


Throughout therapy, the TA therapist works directly on problem-solving behaviours, whilst helping clients to develop day-to-day tools for finding constructive, creative solutions. The ultimate goal is to ensure clients regain autonomy over their lives. Eric Berne defines this autonomy as the recovery of three vital human capacities - spontaneity, awareness and intimacy.

talking therapy

How Does Transactional Analysis Work?

Transactional Analysis is a talking therapy and sessions are designed to explore an individual's personality and how this has been shaped by experience - particularly those stemming from childhood. This is achieved through skilful questioning and the utilisation of various models, techniques and tools.


In counselling, TA therapy is very versatile, for it can be used in a wide range of areas and incorporates key themes from humanistic, integrative and psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapies.


The atmosphere that supports transactional analysis is non-judgemental, secure and respectful, ensuring that a positive relationship is forged between the therapist and client(s) in order to provide a model for subsequent relationships and communication that are developed outside of therapy.


In this setting, the therapist works collaboratively with the individual. Together, they will identify what has gone wrong in the client’s communication and provide opportunities for them to change repetitive patterns that limit their potential.

Key Concepts of Transactional Analysis

Below is an exploration of some of the key concepts of transactional analysis that a transactional analyst will use in their work.

  • Ego States

    Ego states refer to the three major parts of an individual's personality, and they each reflect an entire system of thought, feeling and behaviour.


    These categories of ego states are:

    • Parent - Rooted in the past; a set of thoughts, feelings and behaviours learnt from our parents and other important people. This part of our personality can be supportive or critical.
    • Adult - Rooted in the present; relates to direct responses in the 'here and now' that are not influenced by our past. This tends to be the most rational part of our personality.
    • Child - Rooted in the past; a set of thoughts, feelings and behaviours learnt from our childhood. These can be free and natural or strongly adapted to parental influences.

    Our ego states determine how we express ourselves as individuals, interact with each other and form relationships. The simplicity of the terminology used in TA makes the model very accessible.

  • Unconscious Scripts

    TA therapists recognise that we all have the potential to live the life we want, rather than the life we are programmed to live. Sometimes, however, this potential is hindered by repetitive patterns or 'unconscious scripts' that stem from childhood decisions and teachings.


    TA therapists use script theory to identify these unconscious scripts. These will be analysed using the ego-state model, and their identification is crucial to helping clients realise how certain permissions and prohibitions they received as a child are impacting their lives and how they communicate.


    These unconscious scripts often exist as repetitive patterns of behaviour, thoughts and feelings - characteristics that suggest the child ego state is overbearing and unduly influencing other parts of an individual's personality.

  • Transactions

    When individuals communicate, their ego states interact to create transactions. If the ego states interact and blend in a healthy way, transactions tend to be healthier, fulfilling and satisfying. But sometimes ego states can contaminate each other to create a distorted view of the world. 


    Transactions may be classified as straightforward, crossed, or ulterior, and understanding these is key to conflict resolution.

  • Strokes

    Strokes refer to compliments, acceptance and recognition, as well as criticisms and judgments, which are influential in how people lead their lives. TA therapy recognises that we are greatly motivated by the reinforcement we get as children, and if this was dysfunctional, we are likely to adopt dysfunctional patterns of living as we get older.

  • Relational Intimacy

    Another motivation recognised in transactional analysis is intimacy. Similarly to strokes, if the relational intimacy a child experiences is dysfunctional, it can lead to problems. Children may learn that this type of intimacy is the best that he or she can do to meet basic needs and communicate with others. This can lead to the development of repetitive patterns of behaviour that can hinder a person's potential.

  • Redecision

    This refers to an individual's capacity to ‘redecide’ and make changes to certain decisions that were made as a child - those stemming from unconscious scripts. Redecision reflects the assumption of TA therapy that individuals have the potential to lead their lives as they choose. This power is released after a redecision is made while a client is in their Child ego state. 


    Ultimately, Transactional Analysts encourage clients to challenge their current unhelpful beliefs and the way they use their life script. This will help them better to understand the direction and patterns of their life for themselves, and this awareness can help them to make the decision to change their behaviour.

personal growth and change

Who Can Benefit from 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. This makes the therapy valuable for helping to solve many types of problems.


TA has been successfully applied in a wide variety of settings outside of counselling, including organisational training and consultancy, parenting, education and coaching.


Essentially transactional analysis can be used in any field where there is a need for understanding of individuals, communication and relationships. As a result, it is particularly useful where there are issues of conflict, confusion or where something is lacking. Relationship issues – between families, friends and couples – tend to benefit greatly, as TA encourages clients to address problems that have built up over time.


Many people find TA therapy appealing as it promotes an equal relationship between client and therapist, in which the client is encouraged to focus on their commitment to change. Eric Berne believed everyone has the capacity to decide what they want for their lives, and transactional analysis psychotherapy helps clients to recognise their worth and value in order to go about achieving these goals.

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