Combining Traditional Ego State Theory and Relational Approaches to Transactional Analysis in Working with Trauma and Dissociation

Abstract

This article explores the treatment of dissociation that originates in childhood trauma. Specifically, the article examines how both structural (Steele & van der Hart, 2009) and relational theories (Schwartz, 2000) of trauma and dissociation can be applied in transactional analysis psychotherapy. Many of the concepts and constructs of structural theories blend well with traditional transactional analysis theory (Berne, 1961) while relational perspectives on childhood trauma resonate with the contemporary relational approaches in transactional analysis (Caizzi, 2012). The author provides an overview of both theories of trauma and dissociation and links them with transactional analysis. This leads into a clinical case presentation that emphasizes how the author integrates both theories into his work with traumatized and dissociated clients.