A little mini-series on Transactional Analysis [TA], looking at psychological games — why we get stuck in them, and how to get out. This video lays some groundwork, explaining TA’s concept of three different states of mind: Parent, Adult and Child …. Here is the link to the video. Recommended TA texts: 1) Ian Stewart [...]

Eric Berne (May 10, 1910 – July 15, 1970) was a Canadian-born psychiatrist best known as the creator of transactional analysis and the author of Games People Play. Eric was born on May 10, 1910 as Eric Lennard Bernstein in Montreal, Canada. (He is unrelated to the conductor/composer Leonard Bernstein.) He was the son of [...]

Third in a series on TA, offering some of the metaphors I think can be useful in conceptualising and dealing with interactions. This third video takes a closer look at gimmicks and some different perspectives they can be viewed from — including gimmicks as faulty rules, faulty roles and faulty definitions — and then possible [...]

Part 3 of an occassional series on TA, giving an outline of games theory. This video …. 1) examines two common psychological games — ‘Yes But’ and ‘Rapo’; 2) looks at what motivates people to play games; and 3) suggests ways of dealing with them. The video is here. – Recommended TA texts: 1) Ian [...]

I’m OK – You’re OK “I’m OK – You’re OK” is probably the best-known expression of the purpose of transactional analysis: to establish and reinforce the position that recognizes the value and worth of every person. Transactional analysts regard people as basically “OK” and thus capable of change, growth, and healthy interactions. Strokes Berne observed [...]