Transaction Analysis

Transaction analysis, which was developed as of 1945 by Eric Berne (1910-1970), incorporates findings from psychoanalysis, the theory of learning and elements of humanistic psychology. It has now matured into an independent method with a clear diagnositic procedures, a specific treatment plan and measurable therapy goals.

Transaction analysis describes human behavior and experience as a model of language and thought; as a theory of communication, what happens between people; and as a theory of development, the emergence of personality structures and the cause and function of psychosomatic disorders. It is characterised by its easily understandable language.

The aim of transaction analysis is to uncover and understand a persons transactions and behaviour patterns.

The transaction, meaning the words that are exchanged after one person says "Hello...." can lead to pleasant or unpleasant feelings and results. In his research on these joyful/unpleasant experiences of human encounters, Berne recognized that at certain times, in various situations, people find themselves in clearly defined ego states from which they will think, feel and act in a predictable manner.

In the parent-ego the person has stored attitudes and behavior patterns of parents and authorities, as they were mainly experienced by them themself until the age of 6. The adult ego is a neutral, objective, self-responsible and decision-making state. The child-ego contains many feelings, spontaneity, joy of life, fears, aggressive and adapted behaviour, everything that naturally occurs in the child.

These three ego states can be differently pronounced in each person. Sometimes one state is suppressed, two are in conflict with each other. An adult balanced person should have all three ego states and be able to act according to the situation.

The aim of transaction analysis is to strengthen the adult self of the client in order to make and train new and realistic life decisions from here.