Transactional Analysis & Gestalt

Dr Eric Byrne, a psychiatric therapist, developed in the early 1950s a theory about personality and personality development which is closely tied to a theory about communication. Known as transactional analysis (TA) it was popularised through the books, ‘Games People Play’, and ‘I’m OK, You’re OK’. These explain ego states, and divide them into Parent, Adult and Child. 

Children are likely to think that however they feel, others must feel the same. Take for instance, a child is cold and thinks others must be cold too or feels unhappy and thinks others are unhappy too. Adults who are unaware, or who have not reflected on themselves in relation to others, all tend to think that those outside themselves are mirror images. Because they have no money, they think that others are also broke, or if they are rich, they think others have no money problems. As we become more mature, we can question more, deal more with complexities, and understand that we are independent and autonomous beings. 

 

This type of ‘mirror’ thinking is called ‘projection’ as feelings are projected from the self into others without thought of other possibilities or without taking a reality check by asking. If I am having internet problems, I should not jump to conclusions that there is a sun flare affecting the international internet. Psychotherapy helps to address this as it helps to clear us of assumptions and irrational thinking. 

The more that children stay within their own age range and peer groups, the more teenagers spend time with others with similar interests, the more adults stay within their own class, their own income range, their own professional or career structures, the more isolated they become and the more likely they are to project their thoughts and feelings on to those around them. 

Gestalt defence mechanisms are Retroflexion, It’s my fault, take feedback too far! Attribution: To assume, interpret and judge. You are saying…Projection: Your own traits and emotions unowned are attributed to others. Seeing the splinter in another person’s eye and not seeing the beam in your own.What aggravates me about another person, I feel myself. Introjection: Valued attitudes and qualities of another person are incorporated into the self. Swallowing whole whatever someone tells you without question. Deflexion: Backing away, denying validity. Changing the subject. Denial. Confluence: Agreeing and never risking disagreement. 

 

By Wendy Stokes https://wendystokes.co.uk