Transactional Analysis
The Basics
Published on 14. July 2025
240 pages
978-1-040-37743-7 (ISBN)
Description
This accessible textbook on transactional analysis (TA) provides a comprehensive overview of TA theory, with a strong emphasis throughout on practical application.
The core theory of TA is explained, as well as how concepts have developed over time. Each theoretical concept is presented with brief examples or vignettes from different fields of application of TA (such as psychotherapy, counselling, education and organisational) and - crucially - how TA can be used in everyday life. To facilitate the learning of concepts, the book includes personal development activities at the end of chapters together with suggestions for further reading.
This is an essential text for complete beginners and first year students on TA training courses as well as students on counselling and psychotherapy training, and those undertaking training in organisational development and coaching.
The core theory of TA is explained, as well as how concepts have developed over time. Each theoretical concept is presented with brief examples or vignettes from different fields of application of TA (such as psychotherapy, counselling, education and organisational) and - crucially - how TA can be used in everyday life. To facilitate the learning of concepts, the book includes personal development activities at the end of chapters together with suggestions for further reading.
This is an essential text for complete beginners and first year students on TA training courses as well as students on counselling and psychotherapy training, and those undertaking training in organisational development and coaching.
Reviews / Votes
"Providing a contemporary introduction to Transactional Analysis, Mark skilfully weaves original core concepts with modern approaches and thinking in TA Theory and application. In this book, Mark facilitates us in a wonderful learning journey using practical exercises to help embed useful ideas for both our personal and professional lives. Typically, Mark writes in an accessible, scientifically orientated way and this book is a must have for those learning TA for the first time and for experienced practitioners wanting to build on their knowledge and integration of TA in the current wider context. Mark makes learning available and enjoyable for all."Leilani Mitchell Dip. Couns. Certified Transactional Analyst (Psychotherapy) Training and Supervising Transactional Analyst (Psychotherapy)
"This book will be invaluable to all new and prospective TA students, and for other readers too. Mark Widdowson has taken the dated core elements of TA, modernising and synthesising the language, making them easily digestible and understandable and more applicable to the 21st century. His suggestion from the outset is to "intentionally seek to develop your observing self". This is sage advice from one of the foremost trainers, psychotherapists and researchers in TA. Above all else, the book fulfils his aim of offering a modern perspective on TA concepts, many of which are now 70 or more years old, yet are still as relevant today as they were back then."
Dr Emma Haynes, PhD, TSTA, perinatal psychotherapist, trainer, supervisor, researcher, and author of A Transactional Analysis of Motherhood and Disturbances in the Maternal: From Preconception to Human Being
"Mark writes personably in a way that tweaks our curiosity and builds on our own experiences. He demonstrates real skill and talent in writing with depth, whilst staying true to the classical roots of TA. This book is both a joy to read and a wonderful educational resource. Credit to Mark for honouring Berne in this way, whilst authentically, intelligently and with great clarity, bringing TA theory into the 21st century".
Kathie Hostick, TSTA, MSc Psychotherapy, (Director of Ellesmere Counselling and Psychotherapy Training)
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
3 Tables, black and white; 14 Line drawings, black and white; 14 Illustrations, black and white
File size
1,10 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-040-37743-7 (9781040377437)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
07/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
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Book
07/2025
1st Edition
Routledge
€28.10
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Book
07/2025
Routledge
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Person
Mark Widdowson was a psychotherapist and couples therapist based in central Manchester, specialising in the therapy of depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship problems and issues around sex and sexuality. He was a teaching and supervising transactional analyst, a UKCP registered psychotherapist and an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner. He was a senior lecturer in counselling and psychotherapy at the University of Salford, Director of Manchester Psychotherapy Foundation and associate director of The Berne Institute.
Content
Introduction
Chapter 1. A Quick Start Guide to Transactional Analysis Theory
Chapter 2. The Philosophy and Context of Transactional Analysis
Chapter 3. The Internal World
Chapter 4. The Interpersonal World
Chapter 5. How We Make the World Fit Our Script
Chapter 6. Transactional Analysis in Practice
Chapter 1. A Quick Start Guide to Transactional Analysis Theory
Chapter 2. The Philosophy and Context of Transactional Analysis
Chapter 3. The Internal World
Chapter 4. The Interpersonal World
Chapter 5. How We Make the World Fit Our Script
Chapter 6. Transactional Analysis in Practice
