An Introduction to Transactional Analysis - Eric Berne
CounsellingTutor - CounsellingTutor
An introduction to Eric Berne's transactional analysis, covering the Parent, Adult and Child ego states and how exchanges between them shape communication. Treat it as a reflective lens on conversations, not a way to label colleagues.
Key takeaways
- Notice which ego state you are speaking from in a tense conversation.
- Spot crossed transactions where a reply comes from an unexpected state.
- Aim for an Adult-to-Adult exchange when solving problems at work.
Reflect on it
- Which recent conversation felt crossed, and what ego states were involved?
- What could I say differently to bring a discussion back to Adult-to-Adult?
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Transactional analysis was developed by psychiatrist Eric Berne in the 1950s as a way of understanding how people communicate. This introduction from CounsellingTutor explains the core ideas.
Why it is worth watching
Many workplace misunderstandings come from the way something is said rather than what is said. Transactional analysis gives you simple language for noticing that.
The key points
- Berne described three ego states: Parent, Adult and Child.
- Each "transaction" is an exchange between people, coming from one ego state and aimed at another.
- Complementary transactions keep communication flowing; crossed transactions often lead to friction.
- The Adult state - calm, factual and present - is usually the most helpful for problem solving at work.
Where to go next
Read our full guide to understanding Eric Berne's transactional analysis.
Turn it into CPD
Watch the video, then answer the reflection questions under it and log it to your free Passport.
Add this to your CPD log
Sign in to save what you've read - we'll create a free CPD log for you.