The Counselling Directory tells us, “Transactional analysis (TA) is a widely recognised form of modern psychology that involves a set of practical conceptual tools 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.”
On 21st January 2016 a number of us gathered to hear a presentation from Nigel Dawson, Transactional Analyst.
http://www.nigeldawsoncpc.co.uk/
Nigel started by telling the group about his background working in primary care and in patient services. Nigel told us that one of his most rewarding roles was working with the homeless, providing counselling and psychotherapy, which also included asylum seekers and refugees.
Nigel told us that TA is a decisional model. Some of the main focus areas of TA include Life Scripts and Ego states.
Nigel was able to illustrate these by using diagrams, welcoming questions as he went along. We learnt we all have a Life Script. Using the image of a person floating in water, Nigel explained that as individuals, we all have “floats” – our defences which we use in times of pressure. When the floats stop working…we enter therapy. You then look at what is going on under the surface of the water. Nigel explained that in TA the things that bring you down are good things. All feelings are good feelings.
We then went on to look at PAC models/ Ego States. Nigel explained there are three ego states:
Parent: Feelings, behaviours and thoughts imposed upon us from parents or other care givers, siblings, teachers etc
Adult: Feelings, behaviours and thoughts in the here and now