Transactional analysis of E. Berne as an effective method in psychotherapy

The name of Eric Berne became known in connection with the creation of a popular method in psychotherapy - transactional analysis. This is a universal method that is used by psychotherapists in individual and group work, in family counseling and in the workplace. And all because the method is really effective. The transactional analysis of E. Berne allows the client to visually see the situation from the side and even himself to note the mistakes made by him in communication. In the course of the work, the therapist remains active, he manages the process, and does not take the position of an observer.

Initial theoretical premises

The theory of the transactional analysis of E. Berne includes certain theoretical propositions. First, the existence of different ego states is postulated. Accordingly, the process of communication occurs between these ego states. In other words, people refer to each other not as specific individuals, but send signals from their ego-state to their ego-state. The transactional analysis of E. Berne is based on three states of the ego: Adult, Parent, Child. A person at any one time can be in one of them.

Characterization of ego states

When a person is in a "parent" state, then he has such characteristics in communication as constant control, unwillingness to listen to the words of the interlocutor. The parent sees other children in their minds, does not give them the right to decide for themselves. "Parent" can be caring and controlling.

The state of the "child" ("child") is characterized by whims, unwillingness to take responsibility for themselves, immaturity in judgments. "Child" can be free and adapted. A free child is fun, relaxed, disinhibited judgments. The adapted child happens to be agreeing, rebellious and alienated.

The transactional analysis of E. Berne particularly highlights the state of the "adult". This is the most constructive state when a person reacts adequately to what is happening, correctly assesses the situation, rationally argues, is independent of someone else's opinion. It is quite logical to assume that in conflict situations, people are least likely to be in the "adult" state.

Analysis of the interaction of ego states

Transactional analysis of E. Bern's communication is based on consideration of the interactions of the described ego states. Most often, conflicts arise when the "Parent" and "Child" communicate. In this situation, it is rarely possible to find a compromise. Two "children" can understand each other. The most effective communication will be between two "adults". The transactional analysis of E. Berne also notes that in communication one ego-state of a person can address a certain state of another. For example, the "parent" of one interlocutor refers to the "child" of another, but the other answers from the position of "parent" or "adult". And there are misunderstandings.

Thus, E. Bern's transactional analysis allows people to clearly see the reason for their disagreements, and also teaches the most effective behavior strategy ("adult"), practically without affecting the unconscious aspects of the client's personality. Nevertheless, individuals who are advanced in the analysis of communication can, as it were, play with their ego-states, consciously occupying this or that position with the aim of achieving the desired result in interaction with others.