Interesting Stuff

This page is a 'mish mash' of information, websites, links, articles, quotes and anything that I think may be interesting or useful.

Testimonials

'Thanks so much for being such a legend over my exam period and in general. Thanks so much for supporting me so much and being there when I found it difficult, it really meant a lot to be able to talk to you."

Phoebe aged 18

"Words cannot explain how much you have helped me. You have helped me to stay alive. You have a massive part of my heart." Aliya aged 15

"Thank you so much for supporting me, caring for me and not giving up on me. Without you I may not be how I am today. Keep helping people and changing lives like you did mine." Kyle aged 16

"Thank you for being amazing. I have really enjoyed working with you and you always being there for me." Billy aged 14

"You were the only one that really listened to me and accepted me as me. It has made such a massive difference to my life." Sam aged 16

"I just wanted to say a huge thank you for all your support and guidance over the last few years. I have really appreciated your help and level headedness, especially at times when I have felt at the end of my tether." Parent

"Just to say thank you for all the work that you have done over the last few years with all the kids. They will remember your kindness, compassion, patience and understanding." Head of Year, Henry Beaufort School

About Transactional Analysis

Transactional Analysis is a Psychoanalytic theory that was developed by Canadian Psychiatrist, Eric Berne, in the late 1950s. The theory is still very much alive today. It is a way of exploring human behaviour and communication.

It stems from the ideas of Freud but with a distinct difference. Rather than focussing on personalities, as Freud did, Berne believed that you would learn more about people by observing and analysing their social interactions.

The basic philosophy of TA is that…

People are okay – each person has validity, importance and equality of respect
Positive reinforcement increases our feelings of being okay
All people have a basic, loveable core and a desire for positive growth
Everyone has the capacity to think (except in exceptional cases such as brain damage)
People decide their story and their destiny – these decisions can be changed
Emotional difficulties are curable

According to the ITAA (International Transactional Analysis Association), Transactional Analysis works on the following basic principles:

Ego-States

The human personality is made up of 3 ‘ego-states”. The Parent, the Adult and the Child (PAC).

Each one of these ego-states is an entire system of thoughts, feelings and behaviours from which we interact with one another. The ego-states and the interaction between them form the foundation of TA theory.

Transactions are communication exchanges between people. As a TA Counsellor I will recognise which ego-state is at play in transactions between my clients and myself and in transactions they describe with other people. Understanding this can help clients see how they can change.

‘I’m okay - You're okay'

This is an expression of the purpose of TA to ‘establish and reinforce a position that recognises the value and worth of every person’ (ITAA)

TA practitioners regard people as basically OK and thus capable of change, growth and healthy interactions.

Strokes

Berne recognised that all people need interpersonal recognition to survive and thrive. He called a unit of recognition a ‘stroke’.

Understanding how people give and receive positive and negative strokes and changing unhealthy patterns of stroking are powerful aspects of TA.

If you would like more information on Transactional Analysis visit www.itaaworld.com