Transactional Analysis Theory and Spirituality

Abstract

A great deal of importance has recently been given to studies dealing with the spiritual aspect of psychological theories and approaches; the aim has been to shed light on the spiritual aspect of humanity through these conducted researches and compilations. The current study aims to explain the perspective of transactional analysis on spirituality in terms of the theory of interpersonal relations and the extent of spirituality on the understanding of transactional analysis. Mainly the views of Berne and the researchers following in his footsteps have been taken into consideration. The experience of self-transcendence has been referenced by elaborating on the concept of autonomy, which occurs in spirituality through transactional analysis. By forming a framework over the transactional analysis view on spirituality, a perspective is offered towards transactional analysis patterns and spirituality along the axis of transaction and ego states. Family prisms, which are especially effective in the process of working with families in the understanding of transactional analysis, are clarified along the axis of spirituality. In addition, brief and summary information is presented about the pilgrim model, which guides transactional analysts regarding the spiritual elements a client brings during the consultation process. This study aims to show that the understanding of transactional analysis is a theory of relations and that therapists do not exclude spirituality from the counseling process but reference spirituality, particularly when focusing on ego states, intimacy, and autonomy, although not on all the concepts discussed along the understanding axis. For this purpose, the study aims to give the point of view on spirituality in transactional analysis theory by compiling the research that has been performed.

Keywords

• transactional analysis
• autonomy
• intimacy
• self-transcendence
• spirituality