3) It's as easy as this...... Honestly

A Series of short introductions to Mental Health.

By Peter Thompson 

Dip.Couns.MNCS (Acc)

Shhhhhhh..This month I'm going to let you into a secret that could change the world. Well if not the world, possibly you.

I'd like to introduce you to the basics of Transactional Analysis as developed by Eric Berne in the 1950's.

TA explains the everyday interactions between people which if we could just understand and put into practice the most basic of the model, our conversations would rarely become “heated” and often lead to an end of arguments in relationships.

Please see the below diagrams...

We are all made up of three basic Ego states.

Parent – Adult – Child . When we interact, we do so from a mix of these Ego's.


 


Parent Ego – Likes to appear to be in control. To impart knowledge and to instruct. This can be seen as Pushy. Arrogant. Aggressive and offensive when left unchecked.

Child Ego - Is often vulnerable. Reactive. Temperamental. Afraid and defensive. When left unchecked.

Adult Ego – Is the one that is level headed and in control. It takes from the Parent and Child the necessary positives. Nurture. Assistance. Playfulness. Excitement. Exploration and development and seeks a mutually beneficial path.

This Ego state allows cross contamination of Ego's for the greater good.

Example – Someone you know does something in a way that you think is not correct and will fail.

What do you do....?

The overbearing parent will jump in with both feet and, without caring about consequences, will make a point of making the person feel inferior to their knowledge as they correct them and “goad” them into doing things correctly as per their instruction.

The unfortunate person slips into the Ego of a “vulnerable child” as they are made to watch and listen to your uninvited intervention. Thus putting them under pressure to get it right next time.

By remaining in the Adult you assess if your intervention is really necessary. Then if so, a friendly approach asking if they may appreciate some assistance.

If invited, instruction is given in a nurturing and cooperative manner, welcoming input from the other person.

The experience is now a positive experience for both parties and no negative traces are left to be harboured in ill feelings. It has been carried out between two Adult Ego's.

I implore you to seek further information on Eric Berne and Transactional Analysis... Imagine if it were taught to children.

Cheers


Pete Thompson

Dip.Couns. MNCS (Acc)

 If you would like to contact me please do..

ptcounselling@yahoo.com

07936700238

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