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The Weekend University

Transactional Analysis: An Introduction - Dr Mark Widdowson

Oct 19, 2023
Dr Mark Widdowson, Senior Lecturer in Psychotherapy and Counselling, discusses the core concepts of Transactional Analysis (TA), the benefits of TA compared with other psychotherapies, "Life Scripts" and how they can be rescripted for a better quality of life, and the importance of understanding that everyone is at the center of their own universe.
52:43

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Quick takeaways

  • Transactional Analysis (TA) explores the core concepts of ego states and life scripts, recognizing the parent, child, and adult within each individual.
  • TA offers benefits such as self-compassion, understanding repetitive patterns in relationships, and improving communication skills.

Deep dives

The Core Concepts of Transactional Analysis

Transactional Analysis (TA) is a psychological model that explores the core concepts of ego states and life scripts. TA suggests that each individual has three ego states: parent, adult, and child. The parent ego state incorporates the messages and influences that individuals have picked up from external sources such as parents, teachers, and society. The child ego state represents the feelings, experiences, and beliefs individuals developed in their early years. The adult ego state is the rational and logical part of individuals that operates in the present. Life scripts are the implicit conclusions individuals develop about themselves and others based on their experiences. These scripts shape how individuals perceive and interpret reality, and they can become self-fulfilling prophecies. Overall, TA aims to help individuals recognize their basic okness and improve their quality of life.

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