Created by Eric Berne in the 1950s, transactional analysis is a versatile approach based on human behaviour. At present, there are many national organizations offering training and Certification in Transactional Analysis. The course involves the study of various tools and the core concept of the transactions which you can use in your everyday life for yourself or help others. Gradually, the analysis process has been explored and enhanced in-depth by many writers, experts, and counsellors.

Essential tools of transactional analysis training

Ego state of mind The therapists following this concept believe that a person can be placed in any one of the three ego-states.

1. Adult Ego

This is a 'grown-up' and matured level wherein the adult behaviour reflects the ability to analyse the circumstance before making a judgment. The response in this ego state is based on reasoning, facts, wisdom, and knowledge. He works practically, acts as a data processor, communicates with confidence, and isn't influenced by emotions.

 2. Parent Ego

It is a 'dependent' level wherein the thoughts and ideas of an individual rely on the external world. His upbringing as a young child and parents' teaching remain embedded in his mind and consciousness. The response in this ego state reflects pampering, security, discontent, a reference to rules, and poor performance. They come in the category of

• Critical and negative parent ego 
• Nurturing and positive parent ego 

3. Child Ego

This is an 'impulsive' level, where feelings and expressions are spontaneous. It reflects things a person underwent as a child generally up to the age of five years. The response in this child state showcases immediate actions, joy, curiosity, frustration, and innocence. Such behaviour can be categorized as

• Natural child
• Free child 
• Rebellious child
• Conforming Child

Transactions  - The transaction is the communication between two( or more) people with different or identical ego states. Disputes arise when the ego state of one person provokes the ego state of the other person. It gives rise to the following transactions.

· Complementary Transactions

This condition occurs when one Ego State individual invites another Ego State to join in an interaction in a friendly way. 

· Crossed Transactions

This situation occurs when the inviting Ego State person receives an unexpected response from an uninvited Ego State. 

· Ulterior Transactions

This is a smart communication between two people wherein they convey a social message and a psychological message.

Need of Counselling

Some other tools of the analysis include strokes, games, and life scripts. All these conceptual tools are used to help people reach their fullest potential in all fields of life. It is a common psychological way to understand people, manage relationships, resolve emotional conflicts, and also to examine their limitations. The counselling session can be carried out for an individual, family, couple, or team. The analysis becomes extremely useful where there is a need to find the motive behind an individual’s argument, behaviour, and relationships. The transactional analysis counselling session will guide you through meaningful interaction and make you realize that life free from unnecessary baggage is worth it.