top of page

TA: a modality for understanding ourselves and others

Writer's picture: Dr Mandy LacyDr Mandy Lacy

Sometimes the most challenging thing about difficult situations or relationship tensions (be it personal or professional) that take place in my life is reflecting on how my own behaviours and opinions may not have had the best impact.  I often find self reflection a vulnerable place mainly because I want to be accountable for my own actions and at times these actions could definitely need improvement. However, I also find self reflection a perfect window to provide deeper insights about myself and to get working on changing what isn't serving me well. Of course having an objective view can be difficult (if not impossible). Over many years I have found supervision and/or coaching immensly beneficial because I of space to talk out loud and explore my imaginings and realities about the situation with someone who can be objective. It is at these times that I have often found meaningful insights.


We are emotional beings where we can have varying degrees of stress that is dependant on so many things. When there are minimal stressors we are more likely to interact with others from an authentic 'here and now' place. However, when we are experiencing challenges many things can be going on for us from a psychological, physical and emotional way that can impact on our ability to be fully present.


There are many modalities and therapies to help us understand ourselves more fully that provide excellent information, tools and techniques. The modality that has helped me over many years both personally and professionally has been transactional analysis or TA which it is often called. TA is a theory of social psychology, personality and communication and its more than just that – it can help us understand ourselves more, gain insights and increase self-awareness and help us bring about the positive changes we want to make in our lives. TA is a framework of models, tools and techniques that can help you understand the impact you have on others. It can have a lasting effect on how you live life, communicate, related and understand others.

 

What I particularly like about TA is that Dr Eric Berne TA's founder deliberately developed models and used words that everyone could understand so as to create a level playing field. TA models offer a way to understand what happens when communication goes wrong and why you can have repeated experiences along with negative situations and what you can do about them. It can also provide you with extraordinary insights around why people think, feel and behave the way they do. By increasing our own self awareness and curiosity in relation to others we can then work on what we want to change that improves our confidence and supports living a more fulfilled life.


TA is frequently applied in the areas of medicine, communications, consulting, coaching, education, counselling and business management as well as therapy. The mainstream appeal of this technique has attracted parents, professionals, social workers, and others who strive to achieve maximum personal development. TA is considered to be one of the most effective methods of enhancing relationships with oneself and with others.


Find out more about TA here and for the upcoming TA101 course the information is here. These TA101 courses are also accredited as CCE by the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

22 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page