About Transactional Analysis (TA)

The UKATA (United Kingdom Association of Transactional Analysis) defines TA as ‘a theory of personality and a systematic psychotherapy for personal growth and personal change’. In other words it is a theory and system for understanding human behaviour and promoting change. It helps us understand what people think and feel and how they function in terms of their behaviour.

TA was founded by the psychiatrist Dr Eric Berne MD in the 1950’s and draws on the humanistic principles of unconditional positive regard and empathic understanding. TA also has its roots in psychoanalysis where intrapsychic processes (what happens within us) and how we interact with others (interpersonal transactions) can be explored.