Existential Perspectives in Transactional Analysis: The Development of the Adult Self and the Human Search for Meaning (Innovations in Transactional Analysis: Theory and Practice)

This book offers experienced practitioners and trainees in psychotherapy and counselling a new, deeply personal and theoretically-grounded perspective on clinical work that integrates existential philosophy and psychotherapy into a relational transactional analysis.

The author employs a multidisciplinary perspective grounded in the traditions of Berne’s transactional analysis, whilst providing an easily accessible explanation of existential psychotherapy and the existential givens of life. An innovative theory for the development of the adult self is offered that can be used to understand our human search for meaning and the existential life predicaments we all encounter as adults that may not originate from a difficult childhood. Using moving and personal clinical examples from her extensive professional experience as a psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer, the author highlights the different therapeutic skills that can be used when working from this stance, making this a highly practical guide for all practitioners.

Whilst predominantly for psychotherapists, counsellors and students on psychotherapy training courses, this will be essential reading for all practitioners working with human beings in groups, education and organisations, as well as those who are new to the principles of existentialism and transactional analysis.

Rachel Cook is a fully qualified UKCP registered Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor and Trainer. She has worked in psychotherapy and education for 30 years.