Transactional analysts work in four fields: counselling, education, organisations, and psychotherapy. Currently in Aotearoa New Zealand, almost all TA practitioners are training or certified in the field of psychotherapy, though there are a small number of organisational TA practitioners in this country.
List of current Certified Transactional Analysts (CTAs) [hyperlink to page of practitioners].
Following further training, some TA practitioners go on to become trainers and/or supervisors, i.e., a Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst, and then a (full) Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (or a Teaching Transactional Analyst, or a Supervising Transactional Analyst).
List of current Certified Teaching and/or Supervising Transactional Analysts [hyperlink to page of practitioners].
According to the Certifications and Examinations Handbook (ITAA IBoC, 2022) 'The psychotherapeutic process enables the client to recognize and change archaic, self-limiting patterns' (Section 5, page 2); as Berne (1966) himself put it: 'to fight the past in the present in order to assure the future.’ (p. 250)
TA psychotherapy is conducted in groups as well in with individuals, is offered usually on a weekly basis, and may be long-term or short-term.
Psychotherapy trainees (as Student Members) and certified transactional analysts (Psychotherapy) observe clear ethical principles which guide their conduct and professional practice, which are published in the Certification and Examinations (ITAA IBoC, 2022) [insert link]).
Certified transactional analysts who are psychotherapists in this country will be registered with the Psychotherapists Board of Aotearoa New Zealand [insert link] and, thereby, will observe its Standards of Ethical Conduct [insert link]. They may also be members of the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists (NZAP) and, thereby, observe its Code of Ethics [insert link]
TA provides a systematic approach to understanding the links between human needs and behaviours, and the ways in which organisations are effective or ineffective in solving their problems and serving their customers.
Organisational transactional analysts specialise in understanding group dynamics and leadership styles and employ a number of concepts from TA theory which relate specifically to organisational life, such as the analysis of transactions in organisations; time structuring and time management management; cycles of development for handling change; and the analysis of organisational scripts, all of which can help clarify and give direction to organisational development.
Transactional analysis working in and with organisations emphasise facilitating effective communication, avoiding non-productive competition and conflict, and developing more effective problem-solving strategies.
TA counselling is a professional activity within a clearly defined contractual relationship.
The TA counselling process enables clients to develop awareness, options and skills in daily life, through the enhancement of the individual's strengths and resources, with the aim of increasing the client's autonomy in relation to the social and cultural environment.
In its educational application, TA offers a model for understanding personality, human development, communication and personal life patterns in an educational context.
Three philosophical concepts underpin TA in education: