Transactional Analysis Podcast

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

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.

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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

eatanews.org

Summary

Ronen Stilman discusses the shift in transactional analysis from an ego-centric theory to an eco-centric theory, focusing on wider systems and the impact of technology. He highlights the significance of our relationship with technology and how it shapes the way we relate and identify. Stilman emphasizes the attachment and dependency we have on technology, as well as the potential impact on relationships. He explores the dialectics of progress and the borderless world created by technology, while also acknowledging the challenges and costs associated with it. Stilman also discusses the shift from regulation to stimulation and the potential disconnection it can cause. The conversation explores the influence of technology on script process and identity formation. It highlights the impact of virtual interactions on day-to-day experiences, relationships, and even mental health. The discussion also touches on the power dynamics and privilege associated with technology access. The concept of ulterior transactions in transactional analysis is introduced as a way to understand the psychological level of interaction in the virtual space. The importance of recognizing and researching the significance of technology in our lives is emphasized, as well as the need for the TA community to engage in this discourse.

Takeaways

Transactional analysis is shifting from an ego-centric theory to an eco-centric theory, focusing on wider systems and the impact of technology.

Our relationship with technology is significant and shapes the way we relate and identify.

We have a deep attachment and dependency on technology, which can impact our relationships.

Technology has created a borderless world, but there are also challenges and costs associated with it.

There is a shift from regulation to stimulation, which can lead to disconnection. Technology has a significant impact on script process and identity formation.

Virtual interactions in the digital space influence day-to-day experiences and relationships.

Power dynamics and privilege play a role in technology access and its effects.

Ulterior transactions in transactional analysis help understand the psychological level of interaction in the virtual space.

Recognizing and researching the significance of technology is crucial for the TA community.

Further exploration and discussion are needed to fully understand the implications of technology in our lives.

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.

In this episode, we announce several changes to the podcast. John and Matt have spent the last six months considering how to ensure the longevity of the podcast project, which was initiated in 2019. The outcome is a decision to change the name of the podcast from "3 People In Your Head" to "Transactional Analysis Podcast (TAP)", the creation of a Community Interest Company limited by guarantee (a not-for-profit company) and the creation of a board to oversee the governance of the project. We introduce James Longwell (PTSTA), the new Chair of the Board, and discuss our vision and mission to promote TA.

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.

eatanews.org

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

In this panel discussion, we talk about Functional Fluency and the Temple Index of Functional Fluency (TIFF), a model about human behaviour that was developed from the functional ego states TA model. Our guests, share their insights and experiences of how the model has been a valuable resource personally and its influence on their work with clients. 

Our guests are Beatrijs Dijkman, Layo Seriki, Liz Jackson and Valerie Cionca

You can learn more about Functional Fluency and gain access to many resources by visiting functionalfluency.com

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.

eatanews.org

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

Seven Things You Need to Know About TA II (Introductory Series 1 - Episode 2.)

In this episode, John Fleming and Matt Taylor share an update on the seven things you need to know about Transactional Analysis (TA). If you’re unfamiliar with TA, this would be worth listening to before you listen to our other podcasts. 

We cover a little bit of Transactional Analysis history, theory and practice.

For more information on Transactional Analysis and your hosts, visit:

https://tapodcast.com

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.

eatanews.org

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