aNALYZES

Complementary transactions (smooth communication)

Crossed transactions (miscommunication/conflict)

Ulterior transactions (double-level messaging)

gOALS

• Strengthen Adult ego state
• Increase autonomy
• Interrupt destructive games
• Rewrite life scripts
• Increase authentic intimacy
• Autonomy = awareness + spontaneity + intimacy.

Core Concepts

1. Ego States
   • TA proposes three ego states, not as traits but as functional states of being:
     • 1. Parent
       • Internalized rules, norms, critical or nurturing messages
       • “You should…”
       • Can be Critical or Nurturing
     • 2. Adult
       • Rational, data-processing, present-focused
       • Evaluates reality
       • “What are the facts?”
     • 3. Child
       • Emotional, spontaneous, adapted or rebellious
       • Early survival strategies
       • “I feel…” or “I want…”
   • Important: These are states, not developmental ages, meaning that they are initiated or utilized at different times throughout the lifespan
2. Transactions
   • Social exchange as transactions
3. Games
   • Psychological “games” = repetitive relational patterns with hidden payoff.
   • Example: “Yes, but…”
   • Client rejects every solution offered → payoff = reinforces helplessness.
   • Games maintain scripts.
4. Life Scripts
   • Unconscious life plans formed in childhood.
   • Script messages often come from Parent introjects:
     • “Don’t succeed.”
     • “Don’t be close.”
     • “Don’t exist.”
     • These shape adult relational patterns.
5. Strokes
   • Humans need recognition (strokes).
   • Positive/negative. Conditional/unconditional.
   • TA assumes people will seek negative strokes if positive ones aren’t available.

sTRENGTHS

• Clear language
• Observable interaction focus
• Good for relational dynamics
• Psychoeducation-friendly
• Works in groups

lIMITATIONS

• Can become overly simplistic
• Script theory can feel deterministic
• Less depth than classical psychodynamic
• Cultural sensitivity varies depending on practitioner