TA



 I went to a lecture on transactional analysis today.
Invited by my personal counsellor, the old Irish therapist who was leading the proceedings . 
The psychoanalytical theory concentrates on the study of social interactions as a way of understanding behaviours and its premise that people work in certain ego states has a resonance with me , even though I have been trained in a more human centred therapy approach.
I still feel the new boy in the counselling field so remained quiet but present in the discussion groups even though one was a long in-depth on looking at the characteristics of the critical parent ego state which left me feeling somewhat bruised but still interested
I noticed that as this junction my old counsellor walked around each group , checking in that all was well …..as she passed me she rested a hand on my shoulder and squeezed it once…..class

28 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:34 pm

    What a lovely way for her to check in with you without a word. Llynn

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  2. Wish I had an old Irish therapist !

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  3. Barbara Anne9:18 pm

    What an interesting subject and am glad it gave you a chance to reconnect with your remarkable Irish therapist and for her to have a quiet touch with you. Charming. You're special, John! Hug yourself!

    Hugs from afar!

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    Replies
    1. It was nice to feel like a professional counsellor babs

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    2. Of course it felt good, John. You ARE a professional counselor!

      Hugs!

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  4. Nelliegrace9:30 pm

    A useful resource. Frequently I would have to tell patients plainly, “ I am not your mother, use your adult voice.”

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    1. Yes, I like when clients make the analogy themselves

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    2. Anonymous12:58 am

      To melliegrace How rude. I the imaginary patient would have walked out lizzy d

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    3. Nelliegrace11:05 am

      Absolutely essential, Anon, to give someone their right to make their decisions, with all the help and support I can give them.

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  5. She was just letting you know she has faith in you. Sometimes a small gesture says it all. No words needed. Class indeed. xx

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    1. She has taught me a great deal "Speak softly and carry a big stick

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  6. Anonymous9:44 pm

    I’m at Docks ……with a friend this time ….and very drunk already ….so I have nothing else to say

    Love ya

    Lee

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    1. lol , for those that don’t know , Docks is my favourite eating place in New York , it’s just off 42nd street …Lee knows it well as you can see

      lol enjoy Lee.i could do with a dirty martini

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    2. Anonymous10:06 pm

      lol hic ….hic x

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  7. I know she must have deep affection for you, John.

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  8. And here was me thinking that a councillor was simply someone who was a good listener! Does your 'training' ever stop?

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  9. Oh My! I looked up “critical parent ego state “ and did the glove ever fit!! I think they could add to the definition “consistently found among Roman Catholics” …

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  10. Having been to therapy myself, I find this interesting.

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  11. Anonymous8:22 am

    It’s nice to know your angel is still watching over you.
    weavinfool

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  12. A nice and heartfelt connection that makes you feel respected and known.

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  13. Anonymous9:37 am

    You've been trained in a human centred therapy approach? If your interaction with the lady in the supermarket was anything to go by you didn't learn anything. A reminder - you called her Racist Scum.

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    1. You have no power or relevance

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    2. Yorkshire Liz11:57 am

      But surely - being a qualified counsellor and therapist more than qualifies John to be able to define and call out a racist scum with authority? So where's the problem? Do tell.

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    3. Anonymous1:48 pm

      This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  14. Anonymous1:43 pm

    Wow. How wonderful John. Such a small gesture that reached out with so much warmth and understanding to you. Something to keep in your back pocket and remind yourself of. I have this image in my mind of what she looks like which is probably totally way of! Jean in Winnipeg.

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