Transactional Analysis: A Relational Perspective (Advancing Theory in Therapy)

"The material in this book extends, develops and refines the theory and methodology of the existing canon of Transactional Analysis literature by offering a coherent, integrative and universally applicable (not at all peripheral, as my colleague above believes) treatment of the "disorders" which lie deeper in the psyche than those thoughts and beliefs which are amenable to our conscious reflection and hence restructuring. The latter, as these authors suggest, need "solvent" to loosen them up whilst the former require "glue" to engender a fuller sense of self.

Helena Hargaden and Charlotte Sills have provided the ingredients by which this "glue" can be forged and applied in the therapy room. Drawing principally from the works of Heinz Kohut and Object Relations Theory,this book is not an easy read for nonprofessional psychotherapists (I'm in agreement with my colleague on that score) although the informed layperson already versed in Transactional Analysis may well derive some satisfaction from reading it.

Highly recommended. One of my staples.

I'm a Certified Transactiona Analyst in private practice.
"
~ Written on 2008-05-16

"This is an advanced theoretical work for teaching, trainee and practising psychotherapists. It brings together developments in psychodynamic psychotherapy and applies them to the relational tradition within Transactional Analysis.

It focuses on the relationship between client and therapist, the transference and countertransference, and guides you in understanding how to work in a relational way with clients."
~ Written on 2008-01-31

"This book takes TA concepts and updates them into the relational arena. The emphasis is on developing and using the transferential relationship.
It reads better than some TA texts, using case examples and some refreshingly honest descriptions of the therapist's process. But it's still tough going.
This is an important book, written by two practitioners who are at the forefront of developing this approach."
~ Written on 2004-02-16

"A very advanced material on Transaciton Analysis, mostly on very peripheral issues. As a novice to TA, I dont find this book helpful at all; and hence the 1 star."
~ Written on 2002-11-18