Holding Multiple Realities A client sits across from you and says, almost in passing, “my partners and I have been talking about…” She does not pause at the plural. She does not look up to check your face. The sentence just continues, because for her this is simply...
Transactional Analysis
Polyamory in the Therapeutic Space
Being in the “I’m OK, You’re OK” Life Position When In-Laws Sabotage Gifts
Introduction This Christmas, a friend made a lovely gift for her son-in-law. When he showed it to his parents they deliberately broke it. Now, Christmas gatherings can often amplify long-standing relational patterns. When in-laws deliberately damage or sabotage a gift...
Understanding Ware’s Sequence in Transactional Analysis
Ware’s Sequence is a well-established concept within Transactional Analysis (TA) that explains how individuals move through ego states in predictable ways when stress, conflict, or relational pressure builds. Originally described by Paul Ware in the early 1980s, it...
The Danger of Relying on the Child Ego State in Transactional Analysis
John Lanchester’s quote in Whoops! about the perils of relying on misleading information provides a compelling analogy for the dangers of being overly dependent on the Child Ego State in Transactional Analysis (TA). ‘You’re worse off relying on misleading information...
Exploring Erskine’s 8 Relational Needs: Building Connection in Psychotherapy
In psychotherapy, the focus often lies on fostering connection and understanding. Richard G. Erskine’s eight relational needs offer a practical framework for understanding human relationships and guiding therapeutic work. These needs help therapists and clients alike...
Understanding Personality Adaptations: Vann Joines’ Model in Psychotherapy
The concept of personality adaptations offers a fascinating lens for understanding how individuals develop unique ways to cope with their environments and relationships. Vann Joines, a prominent figure in Transactional Analysis (TA), expanded on personality...
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