Overview 

Transactional Analysis is best described as an integrative approach to psychotherapy. Transactional Analysis was Eric Berne’s model of integration. His aim was to develop an accessible, effective, and powerful theory that could be used to analyse how people relate and communicate both with themselves and with others.  He combined psychoanalytic thought with a humanistic philosophy, which emphasised the potential for change and the importance of involving the client as an equal partner in the work. In addition, he integrated theories from social psychiatry that highlighted the link between mental health and life stressors such as unemployment, racism, sexism etc., and cognitive-behavioural approaches, which revolved around helping people to identify and change unhelpful thinking, behaviour, and emotional responses. TA combines a highly accessible theory on the development of people and systems with a highly practical approach, centred on the possibility of growth and development.  

At SPTI, we will offer a training which adheres to Berne’s integrative approach and consequently we’ll explore a variety of TA schools. Our course honours TA’s psychoanalytic roots and holds its object relations and model of ego states and script as central to practice. Alongside a clear recognition of the impact of the social, cultural, political and historical contexts in which script develops. 

Underpinning the course are the humanistic values upon which Transactional Analysis is based. These include a belief that human beings are inherently relational, co- operative, growth-seeking and with a natural aspiration towards autonomy. There is also an emphasis throughout on self-responsibility and the possibility of change. We place particular emphasis on those parts of TA theory which draw upon, and bear witness to, the value Berne placed on working with unconscious processes which is termed Relational Transactional Analysis. 

Relational TA focusses on in-depth, often unconscious, relational transferential expectations and the way that these manifest in the therapeutic relationship. Central to this training is a belief in the core importance of the therapeutic relationship. The relationship – how it is established and maintained; how it can sustain the inevitable ruptures and disappointments and how it can provide a new experience in the present. 

Transactional Analysis has a variety of styles and modalities/schools and is practiced with individuals, groups, couples, families and with children. It is increasingly applied in educational and organisational settings. We will explore the application of Transactional Analysis to individuals, groups and couples throughout the training programme and across a variety of schools of Transactional Analysis.  

Study options

SPTI is developing four routes through professional training: 1) Diploma in Transactional Analysis awarded by UKATA**, 2) the Certified Transactional Analyst qualification, with psychotherapy specialty awarded by EATA**, 3) the Diploma in Relational Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy awarded by SPTI & 4) the MSc. Relational Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy awarded by Staffordshire University**. 

**Subject to Approval

All routes are in a modular structure which provides a clear sense of progression, sequence and development that is in accord with the personal and professional development of a psychotherapist from relative beginner, through intermediate phases, to competent practitioner. 

Modules build on each other and are designed to provide a developmental and progressive process of learning. Each module is specifically designed around core concepts of the conceptualization of Relational Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy and its application to individual, couple and group therapy. Each module is geared towards enhancing students’ personal and professional development. Theory is linked to its application with clinical practice. 

Register your interest

We’re working through the approval and validation processes so please bear with us.  To register your interest and to receive updates about TA, please complete the form below.