Transactional Analysis?

[Nat]

My gf was asked to watch and write a reaction to this video for one of her classes. I got to watch it with her and found it really interesting.



This video is only focused on a small portion of the Transactional Analysis theory. For more info on the key concepts of Transactional Analysis Theory, click here.

So,

What do you think about it?

What rings true for you?

What doesn't?

Are there things you dislike about this theory?

Have you encountered this theory before?

If so, do you think knowing about it has helped you understand and/or manage your interactions with others?

It's totally new to me, so I'm all ears.

[Lynn]

When I was in high school, in the 70's, I read a book, "I'm OK, You're OK," which is supposed to be a practical guide to TA. I found it so interesting, and it probably sparked my interest in pursuing a career in a psychological field. I had a therapist who used TA as her treatment modality, which I hated. She always wanted me to express my feelings by hitting pillows, which was embarrassing and felt contrived. The idea of TA seems simplistic to me, but, at the same time, having a way of viewing emotion and the workings of the mind is a useful metaphor in helping people understand and feel more in control of themselves.

[Nat]

Originally Posted by Lynn

She always wanted me to express my feelings by hitting pillows, which was embarrassing and felt contrived.

haha I've so been there.

[Lynn]

Originally Posted by Nat

haha I've so been there.

I can remember talking about something and then having her interrupt me in order to have me hit something and try to yell or cry, or whatever. It was nutty, and just cut short my real self-expression. I don't know, though, if that's really how it was supposed to be done.

[moxie]

Transactional Analysis gets thrown around a lot with Gestalt Theory. I don't use what people traditionally think of as transactional analysis techniques, but the empty chair technique is often used in transactional analysis (it's from Gestalt) and I use it quite often.

Transactional analysis is used a lot in the business world now-a-days.

My brain is too fried to get into great length. I will post more this weekend

[Nat]

Originally Posted by puregrrl

Transactional Analysis gets thrown around a lot with Gestalt Theory. I don't use what people traditionally think of as transactional analysis techniques, but the empty chair technique is often used in transactional analysis (it's from Gestalt) and I use it quite often.

Transactional analysis is used a lot in the business world now-a-days.

My brain is too fried to get into great length. I will post more this weekend

I look forward to reading when you have a nice unfried brain

[T D]

I had a friend back in the 80's who was totally into TA. I'm not sure I actually noticed how it did or didn't enlighten or guide his life though. Although I find the whole concept interesting.

[Nat]

Originally Posted by Lynn

I can remember talking about something and then having her interrupt me in order to have me hit something and try to yell or cry, or whatever. It was nutty, and just cut short my real self-expression. I don't know, though, if that's really how it was supposed to be done.

I have no idea either if that's how it's supposed to be done in therapy - though I've been asked to do it. Thankfully only once though. I think it went like this:

Therapist: What are you feeling right now?
Me: I don't know.
Therapist: You are feeling angry.
Me: I feel really exhausted, but I don't feel angry.
Therapist: That's because anger is an exhausting emotion
Me: Hmm. You think?
Therapist: Yes. Now, I want you to take this pillow ...

At least, that's my memory. It's been a good 10 years though.

I've been focusing a lot on the parent/child/adult stuff in the video - just sort of going through different situations in my life and connecting which part I have operated from. I have known about the id/super-ego/ego for a long time, but I never thought about interactions between people with that in mind.

One thing that occurs to me about the one-on-one therapy experience - at least my experience in therapy - is that I have tended to naturally approach it from my kid self. I think I've done a lot of work from that place - but not really addressed what it is to function and communicate well as an adult - unless it's in that parental way.

I'm sure a good therapist has the capacity to counteract this, but it seems like that sort of parent/child dynamic would come pretty naturally in that situation.

[moxie]

Originally Posted by Nat

I have no idea either if that's how it's supposed to be done in therapy - though I've been asked to do it. Thankfully only once though. I think it went like this:

Therapist: What are you feeling right now?
Me: I don't know.
Therapist: You are feeling angry.
Me: I feel really exhausted, but I don't feel angry.
Therapist: That's because anger is an exhausting emotion
Me: Hmm. You think?
Therapist: Yes. Now, I want you to take this pillow ...

At least, that's my memory. It's been a good 10 years though.

I've been focusing a lot on the parent/child/adult stuff in the video - just sort of going through different situations in my life and connecting which part I have operated from. I have known about the id/super-ego/ego for a long time, but I never thought about interactions between people with that in mind.

One thing that occurs to me about the one-on-one therapy experience - at least my experience in therapy - is that I have tended to naturally approach it from my kid self. I think I've done a lot of work from that place - but not really addressed what it is to function and communicate well as an adult - unless it's in that parental way.

I'm sure a good therapist has the capacity to counteract this, but it seems like that sort of parent/child dynamic would come pretty naturally in that situation.

Hmmm.
I don't know if I like this therapist. They shouldn't be telling you how you are feeling without telling you why they believe it to be so, like the look on your face, your posture, or your tone of voice. And it should be something like "You sound angry" or "Your posture is telling me that you are angry."

Sorry, off topic. I could talk about this kind of stuff for days.

[T D]

Originally Posted by Lynn

When I was in high school, in the 70's, I read a book, "I'm OK, You're OK," which is supposed to be a practical guide to TA. I found it so interesting, and it probably sparked my interest in pursuing a career in a psychological field. I had a therapist who used TA as her treatment modality, which I hated. She always wanted me to express my feelings by hitting pillows, which was embarrassing and felt contrived. The idea of TA seems simplistic to me, but, at the same time, having a way of viewing emotion and the workings of the mind is a useful metaphor in helping people understand and feel more in control of themselves.

I used to kick the chit outta cardboard boxes in the backyard. It did wonders for me... just sayin

[Nat]

Originally Posted by T D

I used to kick the chit outta cardboard boxes in the backyard. It did wonders for me... just sayin

I don't tend to be drawn toward physical stuff like that so much - but I've been surprised how much exercise - even walking - can help with emotional stuff. and I always thought primal scream therapy would be a blast.