Transference and Transactions: Perspectives from Developmental Theory, Object Relations, and Transformational Processes

This article proposes a theory of self based on Berne's (1961/1986) original structural model of ego states and on elements of object relations theory and self psychology. Consideration is given to the implications of this theory for psychotherapeutic methodology—including the therapist's use of self—as they relate to understanding and working with the internal dynamics of the Child ego state. The authors suggest that a congruent methodology for deconfusing the Child involves using the transferential relationship as the vehicle for deconfusion, and they identify four interrelated steps in this process. Transference and countertransference are defined and explored, case material is presented to demonstrate the therapist's use of self, and figures based on the structural model of ego states are offered for each step. When we refer to the therapist's interventions and behavior we mean to imply that the therapist always functions in the Adult. The authors demonstrate how Berne's therapeutic operations provide a valuable skeleton for mapping the processes of decontamination and deconfusion.

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Deconfusion of the Child Ego State: A Relational Perspective

Hargaden

Sills

2001

“…Relational transactional analysis already has a history in the TA literature (Blackstone, 1993;Clark, 1991;Erskine, 1991Erskine, ,2003Hargaden & Sills, 2002;Haykin, 1980;Moiso, 1985;Novellino, 1984;Shmukler, 1991Shmukler, ,2003Sills & Hargaden, 2003;Summers & Tudor, 2000). Drawing on the coconstructed meanings that have evolved on the relational transactional analysis Internet discussion forum set up by Hargaden (see www.relationalta.co.uk), I choose to define relational transactional analysis as described in the following paragraphs.…”

Section: A Relational Methodologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Confusion and Introjection: A Model for Understanding the Defensive Structures of the Parent and Child Ego States

Fowlie

2005

This article discusses the interrelated processes of confusion and introjection, which take place in the Child and Parent ego states respectively. Drawing on British object relations theory, the author explores the development of the Parent and Child ego states based on the original model of structural ego states (Berne, 1961). Viewing both as pathological structures, she examines the kind of experiences that act as catalysts for their development and the defenses that are adopted as part of this process. A model for deconfusion and a relational methodology for work with these defenses is suggested.

“…This challenge was, and to a certain extent still is, twofold: one, to understand, or at times readjust, transactional analysis concepts into an in-depth relational approach, and two, to understand and readjust existing analytic concepts into a transactional analysis relational approach. Hargaden and Sills (2002) published Transactional Analysis: A Relational Perspective, which won the Eric Berne Memorial Award in 2007, and several other theoretical contributions were made over the years showing a rich tapestry of thinking (Erskine, 1991; Moiso, 1985; Müller, 2002; Novellino, 1984, 2003; Shmukler, 1991, 2001; van Beekum, 2006). Fowlie and Sills (2011) recently edited a collection of articles about the practice of the relational approach in transactional analysis, and Leigh (2011) wrote a practical contribution on how to train psychotherapists in this relational frame.…”

Section: Establishing a Theory Of Relational Transactional Analysismentioning

confidence: 99%

A Relational Approach in Consulting

Beekum¹

2015

The author explores how the relational approach, which is prevalent in psychotherapy, can be applied to organizational consulting in which the client system is often so much more complex than in one-onone therapy. In addition, he elaborates on some analytic concepts that can be implemented in relational transactional analysis consulting, providing there is a willingness to expand from a cognitive, informational, and behavioral use of transactional analysis toward a transformational one by focusing on the undertow of organizational dynamics as they occur in the work between consultant and client.