Using transactional analysis as a psychotherapist: how to use TA in clinical situations

Abstract

This presentation will begin with six basic personality adaptations: schizoid, paranoid, antisocial, passive–aggressive, obsessive–compulsive and histrionic. The colloquial titles are creative daydreamer, brilliant skeptic, charming manipulator, playful resistor, responsible workaholic, and enthusiastic over reactor. A technique for closing escape hatches is based on the OK coral and Berne's four basic life positions. Contracting for change about a psychosomatic illness is presented using Muriel James' questions. During the contracting cons are identified while early and present symptoms reveal injunctions and driver behavior. Being the illness and giving voice to the illness will reveal the early decision at which time a redecision can be facilitated. As a psychotherapist the issue then becomes anchoring the new decision so that support, celebrations and practice may occur.