In this episode of the Transactional Analysis Podcast, hosts James Longwell and Jr-Earn Lam sit down with Beatrijs Dijkman, a Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (TSTA-Education) based in the Netherlands.

Beatrijs shares how her work in the education field and her recent exploration of “hospicing modernity” invite us to question what we teach, how we learn, and invites us to question what aspects of TA we need to update or let go of in the times we live in now.

Their conversation ranges from the personal to the systemic, from Beatrijs’ own experience in TA education and exams to broader reflections on privilege, inequality, and how modernity shapes our professional culture.

You’ll hear them explore:

• What hospicing modernity means and why Beatrijs believes TA must question what it keeps and lets go of
• How modern education and qualification systems can unintentionally exclude or privilege certain groups.
• The tension between TA’s humanistic values and the meritocratic structures within its training and exams.
• What inclusion really looks like in TA education today
• An invitation to explore how we might create more equitable spaces for learning.

It’s a thought-provoking and compassionate dialogue that challenges us to look at TA not as a finished canon, but as a living conversation that evolves through questioning, dialogue, and connection.

Guest Information

Since January, Beatrijs has served as co-chair of the PSC (ITAA). Many of her reflections on Transactional Analysis focus on how exams are used and structured within TA pedagogy and training.

Her work is always evolving, with a long-standing involvement in social pedagogy and a deep interest in the role of creativity in learning and development. 

More recently, she has been returning to body and movement work, drawing on her earlier experience as a psychodrama and drama therapist before specialising in TA. 

Website

Connect with Beatrijs on LinkedIn to continue the conversation

Book Mentioned: 

Hospicing Modernity: Facing Humanity’s Wrongs and the Implications for Social Activism by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira

Support Us 

Want to help keep the podcast accessible for everyone? Join our community of supporters: patreon.com/TransactionalAnalysisPodcast

Your support makes it all possible. Thank you.

Connect With Us

www.tapodcast.com

[email protected] 

Thank You To Our Partners

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with the United Kingdom Association for Transactional Analysis. We’re proud to have the UK Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA as our Patronage Partner. UKATA is a vibrant professional body committed to supporting the growth and ethical practice of Transactional Analysis in the UK and beyond.

They support practitioners, trainees, and the public through professional standards, events, and access to TA education. Learn more: www.uka4ta.co.uk

We are also supported by the European Association for Transactional Analysis, and our wonderful Patreon supporters.

Support the show

In this episode of the Transactional Analysis Podcast, hosts Matt and James sit down with Dasa Szekely. Dasa is a provisional teaching and supervising transactional analyst (PTSTA) based in Frankfurt. With over 20 years of counseling experience, she runs a private practice and conducts training sessions in Transactional Analysis.

This episode explores the nuances of counseling specifically tailored for men, discussing the societal and cultural factors that influence men's emotional literacy and the importance of connection. 

Dasa shares her journey into working with men in group settings, the challenges they face, and the transformative power of counseling in fostering emotional awareness and connection.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How Dasa defines counselling specifically for men – and why it’s different from other approaches.
• The methods she uses to open up emotional availability and reconnection in male clients.
• Her perspective on men who exploit patriarchal dynamics, and the cultural forces behind it.
• Whether men’s groups naturally create safety for emotional sharing – or if that trust has to be built.
• How cultural background shapes the way men deal with conflict and relationships.
• What Dasa herself takes away from conversations with men about masculinity and connection.

Guest Information:

TA Training: https://dasausbildung.de

Counseling: https://dasacoaching.de

Cartoons on Instagram: @dasacoaching

Support Us

Want to help keep the podcast accessible for everyone? Join our community of supporters: patreon.com/TransactionalAnalysisPodcast

Or leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode - leaving a review allows more people to discover the podcast - scroll down to ratings and reviews on apple podcasts and click: write a review.

Your support makes it all possible. Thank you.

Follow Us On Social Media:

Instagram: @ta_podcast

Facebook: podcast.ta

TikTok: @ta_podcast

Linkedin: ta-podcast

Connect With Us

Website: www.tapodcast.com

Email: [email protected] 

Thank You To Our Partners

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with the United Kingdom Association for Transactional Analysis. We’re proud to have the UK Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA as our Patronage Partner. UKATA is a vibrant professional body committed to supporting the growth and ethical practice of Transactional Analysis in the UK and beyond.

They support practitioners, trainees, and the public through professional standards, events, and access to TA education. Learn more: www.uka4ta.co.uk

We are also supported by the European Association for Transactional Analysis, and our wonderful Patreon supporters.

Support the show

In this episode of the Transactional Analysis Podcast, hosts John and Matt return with an honest update on the future of the show - why it paused, what’s changed, and what conversations you can expect next.

After a seven-month break, they’re lifting the curtain on what’s been happening behind the scenes and how they’re building a more sustainable rhythm for sharing episodes with the TA community.

This short but important update also includes the announcement of a new sponsorship partnership and a preview of the big topics the podcast will explore in the year ahead.

Tune in to hear more about:

• Why there’s been a pause in publishing new episodes
• What’s changed behind the scenes to keep the podcast going
• The revised publishing rhythm
• The themes and conversations coming this year
• Our new sponsor and what their support means for the future
  
  

Support Us

Want to help keep the podcast accessible for everyone?

Join our community of supporters: patreon.com/TransactionalAnalysisPodcast

Or leave us a review if you enjoyed this episode - leaving a review allows more people to discover the podcast - scroll down to ratings and reviews on apple podcasts and click: write a review.

Your support makes it all possible. Thank you.

Follow Us On Social Media:

Instagram: @ta_podcast

Facebook: podcast.ta

TikTok: @ta_podcast

Linkedin: ta-podcast

Connect With Us

Website: www.tapodcast.com

Email: [email protected] 

Thank You To Our Partners

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with the United Kingdom Association for Transactional Analysis. We’re proud to have the UK Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA as our Patronage Partner. UKATA is a vibrant professional body committed to supporting the growth and ethical practice of Transactional Analysis in the UK and beyond.

They support practitioners, trainees, and the public through professional standards, events, and access to TA education. Learn more: www.uka4ta.co.uk

We are also supported by the European Association for Transactional Analysis, and our wonderful Patreon supporters.

Support the show

For five years, the Transactional Analysis Podcast has shared stories, insights, and inspiration - bringing the heart and soul of TA to life. 

What began as a bold idea has become a global platform for learning, connection, and creativity within the TA community. 

In this special episode, hosts Matt, John, and James reflect on five years of the Transactional Analysis Podcast - sharing the milestones, challenges, and moments of transformation that have shaped its success.

We celebrate the partnerships that made it possible, the guests who made TA theory come alive, and the listeners who keep the spirit of TA growing worldwide. 

Plus, we look to the future: making TAP even more accessible, embracing new technology, and inviting you to help sustain this shared resource through our Patreon campaign.

Tune in to Discover:

• How the TA Podcast began as a “side project” and became a professional podcast loved around the world.
• The recent milestone to improve accessibility to the global TA community.
• The real highs and lows of creating the TA Podcast over the past 5 years
• Stories from our guests that have brought TA theory alive
• Learn how you can help the TA Podcast continue to thrive and support the future of the show

Press play and join us as we reflect, celebrate, and look forward!

Support the Future of The Transactional Analysis Podcast

This podcast has always been about passion, not profit. If you believe in the work we’re doing, help us continue by supporting TAP on Patreon. It’s quick, affordable, and will make a real difference to our future.

Become a Supporter Here.

Keep up to date with The TA Podcast on Social Media

Instagram

Linkedin

Visit our website for more TA resources

 www.tapodcast.com

Support the show

In this episode of The Transactional Analysis Podcast, hosts Matt and John welcome Alina Comendant (Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst in the field of Psychotherapy) and Tatjana Gjurković (Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst in the field of Psychotherapy)

Alina, based in the Netherlands, and Tatjana, working in Croatia, are highly experienced play therapists and trainers. They bring unique perspectives on how play therapy and Transactional Analysis can complement each other to support the emotional and psychological well-being of children and adolescents.

Throughout the conversation, we explore:

• How TA theory, with concepts like ego states and scripts, enhances play therapy, helping children express their inner worlds.

• Directive vs. Non-Directive Play Therapy:  the balance between following the child’s lead versus guiding with structured methods.

• Alina and Tatjana’s favourite TA models which they use to foster resilience and autonomy in young clients.

• Why empathy, acceptance, and collaboration with parents help children feel safe and open up in therapy

• The impact of family systems, cultural scripts, and school on a child’s mental health, and why addressing these is vital for sustainable change.

Get in touch with Alina and Tatjana:

Alina Comendant

Website: www.alinacomendant.com
LinkedIn: Alina Comendant
Instagram: @the_heart_of_practice

Tatjana Gjurković

Instagram: @ad_psychotherapy_institute
Website: AD Training Institute

Resources mentioned in the episode:

International Transactional Analysts for Childhood and Adolescence ( from Italy). 

Sponsors:

The International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA) is an individual membership organisation providing the TA Journal (TAJ) and the monthly Script newsletter with archives of both from the 1970s. 

For more information about the benefits of membership please click on the link below: 

www.itaaworld.org/itaa-membership-benefits 

The European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA) has 44 member associations with more than 7550 members in 29 European countries. Its purpose is to promote knowledge and research on Transactional Analysis, to develop its theory, to ensure agreed standards of practice, and to promote cooperation in Europe in the field of Transactional Analysis. 

For more information please click on the link below: 

eatanews.org

Support the show

In this special episode of The Transactional Analysis Podcast, hosts Matt and John pay tribute to Dr. Mark Widdowson, a highly respected Transactional Analyst and a great contributor to the field, who sadly passed away in August of this year.

Dr. Widdowson was a guest on one of our earlier episodes, where he shared his deep knowledge and passion for psychotherapy and Transactional Analysis (TA). His influence on both the TA community and on each of us personally cannot be overstated.

In this episode, we honour his legacy by sharing reflections on his impact and by revisiting his powerful Research Award acceptance speech at the 2017 WTAC (World TA Conference) in Berlin, where he was presented with an award for his research on the effectiveness of TA Psychotherapy.

Dr. Widdowson’s dedication to TA research, particularly in the area of depression, continues to shape the field. His work brought significant insights into evidence-based psychotherapy, and he was known for making complex theories accessible and practical for therapists. 

His energy, humour, and commitment to improving the lives of others were felt by all who knew him, and he has left an indelible mark on the TA community.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Widdowson speaks with his characteristic wit and passion, discussing the importance of research in TA, his journey in the field, and the future of TA as an evidence-based practice. His words are as relevant today as they were then, and we hope they inspire and remind listeners of his immense contribution.

This episode is our way of saying thank you to Dr. Widdowson, for all he gave to the world of TA, and for the countless lives he touched through his work and teaching.

Sponsors:

The International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA) is an individual membership organisation providing the TA Journal (TAJ) and the monthly Script newsletter with archives of both from the 1970s. 

For more information about the benefits of membership please click on the link below: 

www.itaaworld.org/itaa-membership-benefits 

The European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA) has 44 member associations with more than 7550 members in 29 European countries. Its purpose is to promote knowledge and research on Transactional Analysis, to develop its theory, to ensure agreed standards of practice, and to promote cooperation in Europe in the field of Transactional Analysis. 

For more information please click on the link below: 

eatanews.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support the show

In this episode of the Transactional Analysis Podcast, hosts Matt and Sarah are joined by Jr-Earn Lam, who is a Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst  (PTSTA)  in the Educational Field (E).

Jr-Earn Lam is the Director of Learning at Seraphcorp Institute, leading the learning design team and faculty of a leadership consultancy in Singapore. In addition to her role, she conducts research in adult learning, writes, and coaches executives. She also serves as a Regional Exam Coordinator with the IBOC, the Book Review Editor for the Transactional Analysis Journal (TAJ), and is building a TA training practice in Southeast Asia.

Jr-Earn shares her journey with Transactional Analysis (TA) and how her mother's involvement with TA introduced her to the field.

She discusses the impact of cultural dynamics on learning and teaching, the significance of curiosity in education, and her favourite TA models, including physis and the integrating adult model. 

The conversation delves into the challenges and insights of using TA across different cultural contexts and the evolving role of educators.

She emphasises the importance of holding power lightly as an educator, creating spaces for open dialogue, and disrupting traditional power dynamics through a shared learning process.

Throughout the conversation, we explore:

• How Jr-Earn Lam's early exposure to Transactional Analysis (TA) through her mother shaped her journey as an adult educator.

• The influence of cultural concepts like homonymy and autonomy on the educator-learner dynamic, especially within Asian contexts.

• How holding power lightly, curiosity and embracing uncertainty can disrupt traditional parent-child dynamics in education, fostering trust and openness.

• The impact of curiosity and playfulness in creating engaging, dynamic learning environments that encourage deeper connections.

• How past experiences and cultural scripts shape teaching approaches and the way educators interact with learners.

• Jr-Earn shares her most rewarding moments using TA to date.

Get in touch with Jr-Earn Lam on LinkedIn here

Sponsors:

The International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA) is an individual membership organisation providing the TA Journal (TAJ) and the monthly Script newsletter with archives of both from the 1970s. 

For more information about the benefits of membership please click on the link below: 

www.itaaworld.org/itaa-membership-benefits 

The European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA) has 44 member associations with more than 7550 members in 29 European countries. Its purpose is to promote knowledge and research on Transactional Analysis, to develop its theory, to ensure agreed standards of practice, and to promote cooperation in Europe in the field of Transactional Analysis. 

For more information please click on the link below: 

eatanews.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See

Support the show

In this episode of The Transactional Analysis Podcast, hosts Matt and John are joined by James Longwell, who is a Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst  (PTSTA)  in the Organisational Field (O).

James is currently an Organisation Development Consultant for Google in their EMEA region and in this episode he shares insights into his extensive experience in utilising Transactional Analysis (TA) within organisations. 

The discussion delves into James' journey from his HR beginnings at Peugeot to his current role at Google, where he helps leaders navigate change and development. 

James also explains the unique challenges and advantages of being an internal consultant, the importance of an underpinning theoretical framework in his work, and how AI tools are transforming his practice. 

Listen in to explore the intersections of Transactional analysis, organisational change, and AI, and learn how these elements are shaping the future of work and human interactions.

Tune in and discover:

• James’s professional journey to date and his introduction to Transactional Analysis
• The role of an organisational transactional analyst in organisational change and theories underpinning his work
• The unique challenges and advantages of being an internal organisational consultant using Transactional Analysis (TA)
• How TA has helped James to become a more effective executive
• The role of Artificial Intelligence in Organisational TA and its impact on various fields of Transactional Analysis from educational to counselling.
• How AI can be used as assistive intelligence and the future of AI in the workplace

Get in touch with James on LinkedIn here

*Disclaimer*: In this episode, James is expressing his personal opinions and is not speaking on behalf of Google in an official capacity.

Sponsors:

The International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA) is an individual membership organisation providing the TA Journal (TAJ) and the monthly Script newsletter with archives of both from the 1970s. 

For more information about the benefits of membership please click on the link below: 

www.itaaworld.org/itaa-membership-benefits 

The European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA) has 44 member associations with more than 7550 members in 29 European countries. Its purpose is to promote knowledge and research on Transactional Analysis, to develop its theory, to ensure agreed standards of practice, and to promote cooperation in Europe in the field of Transactional Analysis. 

For more information please click on the link below: 

eatanews.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support the show

In this episode of the Transactional Analysis Podcast, hosts Matt and Parul are joined by Linda Gillham, who is a Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst  (PTSTA)  in the Counselling Field (C).

Linda discusses her journey in the field of Transactional Analysis counselling, the challenges of the UK TA community, and the impact of technology on counselling and psychotherapy. 

Linda shares insights on the confusion in the counselling field, the role of Transactional Analysis in different contexts, and the need for clarity and support in training. 

Linda also explores the application of TA concepts in online counselling, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and her experience in providing mental health support during the lockdown.

We also dive into the challenges and opportunities in the counselling and psychotherapy field, as well as the need for more clarity and conversations around these topics.

Tune in as we explore:

• Linda's journey from clinical psychology to TA counselling and her diverse counselling experiences.
• The challenges in the UK TA community and the need for clarity and support in training
• How technology has impacted psychotherapy and counselling plus the application of TA concepts in online counselling.
• The challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and Linda’s experience providing mental health services via technology during lockdown
• The importance of the integration of physical and mental health
• The need for more clarity and conversations around the distinctions between counselling and psychotherapy.
• The challenges in the counselling and psychotherapy field in the UK, including the need for more affordable and accessible services.

Get in touch with Linda Gillham here

Sponsors:

The International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA) is an individual membership organisation providing the TA Journal (TAJ) and the monthly Script newsletter with archives of both from the 1970s. 

For more information about the benefits of membership please click on the link below: 

www.itaaworld.org/itaa-membership-benefits 

The European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA) has 44 member associations with more than 7550 members in 29 European countries. Its purpose is to promote knowledge and research on Transactional Analysis, to develop its theory, to ensure agreed standards of practice, and to promote cooperation in Europe in the field of Transactional Analysis. For more information please click on the link below: 

eatanews.org

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support the show

In this episode, we speak with Keiko Hoshino who is a Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (PTSTA) in the Educational field (E).

Keiko established a training company in 2005 which specialises in hospitality and communication, and uses TA principles and theories alongside the strengths of Japanese culture to promote harmony and autonomy.  She is involved with adult education, which includes staff training (covering interpersonal relationships within households orcompanies), as well as customer service and human resources development. The education content mainly consists of two parts; one is instructing Japanese-style service manners, the other is providing workshops on communication by Transactional Analysis (TA), as well as organising TA training and supervision sessions. includes staff training covering interpersonal relationships within households or

companies, as well as customer service.

You can contact Keiko by email:  [email protected]

Takeaways

• Transactional analysis (TA) can help in understanding communication and social interactions.
• The concept of strokes in TA is useful in analyzing and improving communication.
• Autonomy is an important value in Japanese culture, and teaching TA can help individuals increase their autonomy.
• Gender issues and hierarchical structures in Japanese organizations can pose challenges to autonomy and freedom of expression. Education plays a fundamental role in shaping individuals and cultures.
• Diversity, inclusion, and an ecosystem approach are important values in both transactional analysis and Japanese culture.
• There is potential for learning and growth between Western and Japanese TA cultures.
• Embracing differences and celebrating individuality can lead to a more harmonious society.
• Education has the power to promote peace and well-being.

Sound Bites

• "I encountered the word strokes of TA. I was wondering how to work as the instructor in social and service training. But I found the way to prove wide training through this concept of strokes."
• "We can understand the communication by knowing the concept of strokes. Then how many strokes did you give the person? I can say that. Then I can bow and I can look at the person, the eye contacting, the smiling and talking, the giving words, and making, walking closely, walking close to the person."
• "You can't change others, but you can change your behaviors. Then you can make some change in communication together. Then something will change."
• "I'd like to be a bridge between Japan and other countries through TA"
• "Amae is a kind of acceptance and not symbiosis, but kind of acceptance"
• "Education makes world peace"

Sponsors:

The International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA) is an individual membership organisation providing the TA Journal (TAJ) and the monthly Script newsletter with archives of both from the 1970’s. 

For more information about the benefits of membership please click on the link below

www.itaaworld.org/itaa-membership-benefits

The European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA) has 44 member associations with more than 7550 members in 29 European countries. Its purpose is to promote knowledge and research on Transactional Analysis, to develop its theory, to ensure agreed standards of practice, and to promote cooperation in Europe in the field of Transactional Analysis.

Support the show