The name of Eric Berne became known in connection with the creation of a popular method in psychotherapy - transactional analysis. This is a universal method used by psychotherapists in individual and group work, in family counseling and in the workplace. And all because the method is really effective. E. Berne’s transactional analysis allows the client to visually see the situation from the side and even to note the mistakes made by him in communication. During the work, the therapist remains active, he leads the process, and does not take the position of an observer.
Initial theoretical background
The theory of transactional analysis of E. Berne includes certain theoretical provisions. First, it is postulated that people have different ego states. Accordingly, the process of communication takes place between these ego states. In other words, people do not refer to each other as specific individuals, but send signals from their ego state to their ego state. E. Berne's transactional analysis is based on three ego states: Adult, Parent, Child. A person at any given time can be in one of them.
Characterization of ego states
When a person is in the “parent” state, he is characterized by such features in communication as constant monitoring, unwillingness to listen to the words of the interlocutor. The parent sees other unintelligent children, does not give them the right to decide for themselves. A “parent” can be caring and controlling.
The state of “child” (“child”) is characterized by whims, unwillingness to take responsibility on oneself, immaturity in judgments. A “child” can be free and adapted. A free child is fun, relaxedness, disinhibition of judgments. An adapted child is consenting, rebellious, and alienated.
The transactional analysis of E. Berne especially highlights the state of "adult". This is the most constructive state when a person adequately responds to what is happening, correctly evaluates the situation, rationally reasoning, and is independent of other people's opinions. It is logical to assume that in conflict situations, people are least likely to be in an “adult” state.
Analysis of the interaction of ego states
The transactional analysis of E. Berne's communication is based on the consideration of the interactions of the described ego states. Most often, conflicts arise when “Parent” and “Child” communicate. In such a situation, it is rarely possible to find a compromise. Two "children" may well understand each other. The most effective communication will be between two "adults". E. Berne’s transactional analysis also notes that in communication one ego state of a person can refer to a certain state of another. For example, the “parent” of one interlocutor addresses the “child” of another, but the other responds from the position of “parent” or “adult”. So there are misunderstandings.
Thus, the transactional analysis of E. Bern allows people to clearly see what is the reason for their disagreements, and also teaches the most effective behavioral strategies (“adult”), practically without affecting the unconscious aspects of the client’s personality. Nevertheless, individuals who are experienced in the analysis of communication can play with their ego states, consciously taking one or another position in order to achieve the desired result in interaction with others.