COUNSELLING

Counselling: Compare and Contrast Client Centred theory with Transactional Analysis

Counselling: Compare and Contrast Client Centred theory with Transactional Analysis

Introduction

In this essay I will focus on Client Centred theory (CCT) with Transactional Analysis (TA) in relation to my own personal development. In a relationship where one partner is more dominant than the other, difficulties can arise in that relationship. Transactional Analysis or TA is a method of bringing together human development theories which include communication and personality theories as well of psychological models. TA helps us in understanding the problems which arise due to communication problems in context of our personal experiences. However, Client Centred Theories are a form of therapy involving direct communication, developed by the famous psychologist Carl Rodgers during the mid 20th century. Such theories are widely used in the process of psychotherapy, and are based on the belief that a non judgemental, relaxing and empathetic environment provides for radical changes in client behaviourism, although some studies outline otherwise.

Comparison of Client Centred Theory and Transactional Analysis in my Personal Life

In a relationship where one partner is more dominant than the other, difficulties can arise in that relationship. This has been the case for me in my marriage for years, where my husband has been the most dominant especially when it has been around me wanting to study. For years we have had many arguments concerning this specific subject where my husband has not wanted me to move forward in pursuing my career or ambitions due to his insecurities. However until recently this changed due to the exact words "What have you ever done for me?"

Both theories suggest it is ourselves that control our own destination, but TA goes a further a field in particular Karpman (1968) where he suggests we are in a 'drama triangle' (p 59) Karpman has identified that there are certain positions that exist and each and every individual is always in one or another of these positions. The three positions are persecutor, victim and rescuer. In reflection, I can relate to Karpmans triangle because for many years I put others before me. For example as stated above regarding the conflicts caused between my husband and myself due to me wanting to study. I believe my husband has been the persecutor which is defined as 'over-critical and authoritarian, setting unnecessary limits on others' behaviour' (Pitman, 1984 p 59), which he has been doing for many years. I believe I have been in the position of victim. “A Victim, sees himself as unjustly discriminated against, and blames others for his problems as well as failing to take responsibility for his own behaviour” (Pitman, 1984 p: 59). In reflection I have become aware that I gave him the opportunity to fulfil his needs, therefore allowed myself to be the victim. I agree with Karpmans definition of the victim, because I could have taken the lead and not allowed myself to be a victim, I should have put myself first and fulfilled what I wanted and gone to college ...