Conflict Resolution Services

Brian A Martin

Transactional Analysis [TA]

TA is an internationally recognised way of understanding the structure of  both internal and interpersonal communications. Its originator was Eric Berne who wrote the best selling book       'The Games People Play'

TA is a brilliant model for working with conflict issues

TA is a unique and powerful way of understanding self and others. It might legitimately be called 'The Science Of Communication'. It's about the way we transact [communicate] with each other and the internal psychological processes which drive thinking, feeling, and behaving.

By achieving awareness of our internal processes using TA we are able to regulate, and choose whether to change,  our response to the words and actions of others. TA also helps us understand what is happening in the mind of the other person so we are better able to respond in an appropriate way.

Key TA Concepts

Frame of Reference: The unique personal distorting lenses through which we each unconsciously construct misunderstandings.  

Ego States: The structure of the three different personalities which each of us has and how this leads to conflict or rapport. Understanding of ourselves and others in Ego State terms enables us to change destructive communication processes and regulate our own behaviour.

Six basic Personality Types and implications for communication

Workaholic, Excitable, Passive Aggressive, Manipulative, Daydreamer, Paranoid.

OK Corral: A way of thinking to change negative feelings about self or another person

Drama Triangle:  The structure of psychological games which block communication: the most common games we play without being aware.

For more information on TA  visit the Institute of Transactional Analysis at  www.ita.org.uk  or read 'TA Today' [Ian Stewart & Vann Joines, 1987]. TA Today also lists many publications and authors on TA Topics.