What is Transactional Analysis?

Transactional analysis is...

Transactional analysis is a psychological and social theory of interaction with mutual contracting for growth and change.  Transactional analysis is also a cognitive behavioral theory because I help my clients evaluate their thinking, their feelings and the manner in which they act.  It was started in 1958 by Dr. Eric Berne, a psychiatrist, that became famous when he wrote the book called Games People Play.  He was a very intelligent gentleman that had an IQ higher than 200.  

What is a Transaction?  It is a stimulus + a response.  Transactions are verbal and nonverbal. 

The goal of TA is autonomy, which is defined as awareness, spontaneity, and the capacity for intimacy.  I teach this statement to my clients by saying: In order to have a balanced life it is important that your responsible, make good choices, and take good care of yourself.  These key words: RESPONSIBLE, MAKE GOOD CHOICES OR DECISIONS, and TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF.  And I will repeat that over and over and over to them until it becomes part of their thinking.