The pre-dawn darkness was no match for the anticipation bubbling within me as I geared up for a two-day virtual dive into Transactional Analysis (TA) with Physis Scotland. Excitement and curiosity washed away any sleepiness at 5 am, as the workshop marked the beginning of a journey into new depths of professional and personal enrichment.

Right from the start, the workshop exuded warmth and inclusivity. Fi and Fifi, our trainers, and a diverse group of participants created a rich learning environment. The group’s openness and multifaceted perspectives highlighted TA’s universal appeal and application. As we navigated through discussions and exercises, it became evident that this weekend would significantly influence my understanding of psychotherapy and myself.

As Eric Berne coined, Transactional Analysis bridges the realms of psychotherapy and personality theory to facilitate meaningful personal change. As someone entrenched in the world of Mind-Body Medicine (MBM), I found the integrative nature of TA to be a profound complement to my existing practices. It provided a fresh lens through which to view the therapeutic journey, connecting the dots between classic psychotherapeutic theories and modern holistic approaches.

A poignant exercise tasked us with connecting to a childhood fairy tale. Struggling initially, I later found a deep connection with “The Stolen Child,” a narrative that resonated with the concept of TA “scripts” we live out, often unknowingly. Yeats’ poem, significant in my 20s, mirrored the internal narratives shaped by my experiences and the scripts that guided my life’s direction.

TA’s delineation of ego states — Parent, Adult, and Child — offered a framework to decipher the intricate web of messages we internalize. My goal shifted toward nurturing the Adult state, striving for balanced, aware interactions that foster genuine connections and self-understanding.

The course delved into the nuanced intricacies of TA, exploring the second-order structural ego state model, egograms, intergenerational messaging, and pathology within ego states. We examined the dynamics of transactions, strokes, racketeering, and games, each concept layering over the previous to construct a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour and communication.

This exploration into TA transcended academic learning, marking a milestone in my professional and personal growth. It reinforced the significance of recognizing our life scripts and their power over our narratives. Integrating TA into my MBM practice has lent me new tools and perspectives to guide others more effectively on their healing journey.

This course was a testament to the power of self-discovery and professional development. It reminded me of the transformative potential of understanding our stories—not just those we tell but, more importantly, those we live. Armed with the insights and knowledge gained from TA 101, I’m invigorated to traverse new paths, both in my practice and in supporting the journeys of those I work with.

Reflecting on this enriching experience, I’m grateful for the connections forged, the wisdom shared, and the new horizons that have emerged. The principles of TA have broadened my therapeutic toolkit and deepened my appreciation for the complex interplay of mind, body, and spirit. In this journey of continuous growth and exploration, I’m eager to see where these newfound understandings will lead, enhancing my ability to foster healing and transformation in the lives of others.