the VOLUME 8: Issue 2: Spring 2018 TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST UNITED KINGDOM ASSOCIATION FOR TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS’ QUARTERLY MAGAZINE

CONTENTS News and views From the Editors, Ali Bird & Celia Simpson ...... 2 Congratulations UKATA Medals; exam success; Diplomas; Welcome new members ...... 2 D&SR update ...... 2 General Data Protection Regulation GDPR and us as practitioners by Mark Head ...... 3 A personal journey to GDPR compliance by Jan Baker ...... 6 Focus on: Conference UKATA, 2018 ‘Beyond the Rainbow’: Opening address by Andy Williams ...... 8 Breaking the silence by Marion Umney ...... 12 Gender identity and multiplicity in clinical practice by Briony Nicholls and Karen Minikin ...... 14 The Muriel James Living Principles Award, 2018: awarded to Ann Heathcote by the Nominators ...... 16 The Connections Group by Lyn Hayward...... 19 Diversity & Social Responsibility Cultural Scripting: difference and diversity by Divya Sharma...... 20 D&SR Workshops and Resources Manual...... 22 Book reviews introduced by Marion Umney...... 23 What counsellors and spiritual directors can learn from each other by PM Gubi(ed) Reviewed by Owen Griffiths...... 23 This is Me! Becoming who you are using Transactional Analysis by Lieuwe Koopmans Reviewed by Giles Barrow...... 24 New writing Asperger’s in the therapy room – 9 by Dr Peter Flowerdew ...... 26 Columns Grace notes XXV by Dr Salma Siddique...... 30 Wisdom’s children by Owen Griffiths...... 31 Reflections Photograph by Celia Simpson ‘Don’t’ – a poem by Richard Bamford...... 32 Liverpool, UKATA Conference, 2018. Membership survey 2018 results ...... 33 Top: Receiving the UKATA medals at this year’s event are, L-R: Advertising...... 38 Pietro Cardile, Adrienne Lee, John Renwick and Andy Williams. Contact pages ...... 46

ISSN 2046-2697

News and views

NEWS & VIEWS

ELCOME TO THE late Spring 2018 issue of the CONGRATULATIONS EXAM SUCCESS! Transactional Analyst. Our main focus this Wquarter is on the very successful conference Ales Zivkovic CTA held in Liverpool at the end of April. It was a success Anita Webster PTSTA because it embraced our diversity, challenged our Liverpool Conference exam successes thinking and deepened our experience of who we really Caroline Stanford CTA(P) are inside and outside the therapy room. In the following John Paradise CTA(P) pages you will find Andy Williams’ opening address, Anne de Graaf CTA(P) which he has very kindly agreed to publish in the Julia Tolley TSTA(P) magazine (p8). Thank you Andy, it’s a privilege to be able to share it with the Transactional Analyst readership. It CONGRATULATIONS UKATA MEDALS 2018 was a wonderful introduction to the conference themes of Kirsty Burgess ‘Beyond the rainbow: gender and sexual diversity.’ Pietro Cardile Marion Umney’s article – based on her workshop Adrienne Lee ‘Breaking the Silence’ – explores our own experience of John Renwick oppression and misuse of power, looking at both the Andy Williams pressure to speak out and to remain silent (p12). While Briony Nicholls and Karen Minikin’s article based on UKATA DIPLOMAS their workshop invites us to examine our personal and Mark Barnard Amanda Randall Gavin cultural Scripting, with respect to gender identity and Rachel Sills Svatopluk Jakob Geprt multiplicity in our clinical practice (p14). Caroline Smith Carolyn Scholes Ann Heathcote was the inspiring recipient of the 2018 Muriel James Living Principles Award, presented to her at the conference – her nominators leave us in little doubt WARM WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS as to why this award was so well deserved (p16). Eghosa Aiwuyo Kerry Holden Congratulations again, Ann. Lynn Usher Amanda Pontin Lyn Hayward’s efficient organisation of the Tracy Pallet Gemma Burnett- Connections Group at several annual conferences has Elizabeth Knight Hitchcock brought not just comfort, but friendship and confidence, Amy Miles Emma Griffin to conference-goers for years. Here she shares a bit about Chris White Louise Hall her own experience this year (p19). Sarah Howroyd Paul McManus And to GDPR – General Data Protection Regulation – Jodie Smethem Rachel Richards which came into force as we were going to press. Mark Stefan Carl-McGrath Fiona Templeton Head excellently tells it like it is (p3) while Jan Baker Anna Tuttle Debbie Bloomfield shares her amusing countdown week to compliance (p6). Anna McDonald Alison Mackiewicz So with all the usual sections: Marion’s excellent book Susan Robson Laura Knight reviews; Peter Flowerdew’s clear series on TA and Rosie Jeffery Tracy Mainolfi Asperger’s; the diversity and social responsibility section Adam Payne-Ross Nathan Chesney – in this issue Divya Sharma tells her own story of the Ryan Reed Robert Dawson journey from India to the UK; the columns – Owen Kenneth Dawson Amanda Bradley Griffith’s continuing fascination with Martin Buber, and Caroline Holden Salma Siddique’s wonderings about the link between gift giving and therapy – there is always a lot to read and DIVERSITY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY NEWS ponder in your mag... and there’s a poem too (p32). ur aim is to keep you updated with the excellent NB Membership survey results are published on p33. work we are doing as a committee and we Best wishes from the editors, Ali Bird & Celia Simpson Owelcome any questions, comments or feedback [email protected] you may have about our workshops and Resources [email protected] Manual. •• See page 22 for full update of DSR news ••

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GDPR and us as practitioners

MARK HEAD outlines the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which came into effect at the end of May which applies to all practitioners who hold data on clients.

E NOW LIVE in a world that is dramatically significant changes. First, while consent has always been different from that of the last century. There is previously required this has now increased to explicit Wan ever-increasing amount of information held consent. Organisations can no longer used pre-ticked on all of us both in physical and electronic systems. In boxes but require you to explicitly opt-in. Second, it many ways this makes our lives easier, we can get access covers a wider set of manual records that includes to things and services we are more likely to want based anything that can be classified as a relevant filing system. on previous preferences. Yet at the same time this There is also a reduced period within which to provide information is open to misuse and abuse. The situation information in the event of an information request. with Cambridge Analytica is a case in point – where data The GDPR provides the following rights (ICO, 2018c) obtained via Facebook was used to covertly influence for individuals: people’s voting preferences in the US presidential elections in 2016. 1. The right to be informed On May 26 2018 the new General Data Protection 2. The right of access Regulation (GDPR) came into effect which will address 3. The right to rectification some of the issues concerning how organisations manage 4. The right to erasure data. You will have noticed the recent flood of e-mails 5. The right to restrict processing regarding GDPR from organisations, asking you to ‘opt- 6. The right to data portability in’ to them keeping your mailing and other data. 7. The right to object 8. Rights in relation to automated decision making What is GDPR? and profiling GDPR is the data protection legislation concerned with protecting the rights and privacy of an individual’s data How does it affect me? that is based in EU (and post Brexit UK) law. It is It may be at this point you are wondering how this affects concerned with personal data, which is ‘any information you. Much of the information made available by the ICO relating to an identifiable person who can be directly or is focused on organisations and indeed it is easy to see indirectly identified’ (ICO, 2018a). In the UK GDPR how GDPR has been driven by both the misuse of data by compliance is overseen by the Information large organisations and the increasing technological Commissioners Office (ICO). The GDPR operate under 5 platforms for using data. That said, this is still regulation principles (ICO, 2018b) concerning people’s data, these to which we all need to adhere, and the fact is that as are that data is: therapists we hold sensitive personal data, in terms of intake/assessment information and our client notes. Non- 1. Processed lawfully and transparently compliance can leave you open to a discretionary fine 2. Collected for specified, explicit purposes from the ICO. The maximum fine being 4% of turnover or 3. Accurate – kept up to date 20 million euros, whichever is the higher figure (BACP, 4. Presented in an identifiable form and kept no longer 2018)! than necessary Before you panic at those figures (because I don’t 5. Appropriately secure know about you, but I don’t have 20 million euros just lying around!) it is worth mentioning that the ICO seeks The previous Data Protection Act was introduced in to take more of an educative rather than a disciplinary 1998, and the ICO see GDPR as ‘an evolution in data role. As Denham (2018) points out fining is really seen as protection, not a burdensome revolution’ (Wood, 2018). a last resort by the ICO. Depending on how compliant an organisation was with At this point, it might be that you are thinking that this the previous legislation, will impact on how much work does not affect you because you keep client information GDPR compliance will involve. anonymised. However, firstly you will probably have As Jenkins (2018) points out, the formal legal basis intake/assessment/contact information that identifies the remains largely unchanged, however, there are some person. Also, the BACP (2018) point out,

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‘Personal data that has been pseudonymised (for organisations/register/self-assessment/ (ICO, 2018f). If example key-coded) may fall under GDPR requirements, you do, this will involve a yearly fee. depending on how difficult it is to match the code to a If you do not need to register, this does not mean that specific individual and whether that individual could be GDPR doesn’t apply to you, the ICO reminds us that it is identified through the contents of the data. For example, still important to adhere to the GDPR principles and removing a client’s name may not be enough if the client understand best practices (ICO,2018f) could be identified through other information on the file, 3. Undertake an audit of the data you hold. This should such as marital status, address or issues arising.’ include what personal data you hold, why you hold it, So here are some ways in which you are affected: how it is processed, who it is shared with, how it is • You will need to seek explicit consent for holding the stored. data you are holding – if you have not already done so. 4. Development or updating of client consent forms. If you receive a request to hand over notes to the This may well include developing what are known as police or solicitors again you would need explicit “privacy notices” informing clients of what data you keep consent (UKCP, 2018). and their rights. The ICO state that these should not be • In the event of a data breach (e.g. loss of client incorporated within terms and conditions (eg confidentiality or records) you have 72 hours from administrative contracts) but rather require a separate becoming aware to inform the person themselves, your sign-off, to evidence the client opt-in. Things to cover in a governing body (UKATA and maybe UKCP or BACP), privacy notice are detailed later. and if there is a risk to their ‘rights and freedoms’ 5. Check and, if necessary, update your digital security, (which involves any form of damage to the individual, this may involve ensuring that personal data is password including emotional distress) the ICO. protected. • If you receive an information request – someone 6. If you have a website, check the website cookie wanting to see the data you hold on them – you have a policy and what information your website collects and month within which to comply with the request. As this what is done with that information. You may need to needs to be a clear and identifiable format you may check this with website provider. Update your website need to do some editing before providing the privacy statement to include information about what is information. collected, what is done with it and what is shared with • You need to ensure that data is kept for no longer than others. necessary. In terms of keeping notes there is no legal 7. Maintain CPD regarding GDPR requirement. That said UKATA Code of Professional Practice (2015) states that there is a requirement for Our privacy notices are the main way that we are able practitioners to keep notes. They go on to recommend to evidence compliance with the GDPR. They not only keeping them for a duration of 8 years or after the inform the client of what happens with their data but also clients 25th birthday if a child. This is concerned with their rights and procedures related to holding their data. the window within which legal action can be taken Suggested information to include is: should someone deem that they have suffered from the work you have done. • A statement of who is the data controller and data • Be aware that the individual has a ‘right to be processors – in most cases it will only be you who forgotten’ or erasure (ICO, 2018d). They may request controls and processes the data. that you delete all data that you hold on them. Before immediately complying with this request it is worth • A statement concerning the lawful basis on which the bearing in mind that this right is not absolute and that data is gathered. In most cases this will be consent, there are criteria for exemption (ICO, 2018d). however there are other lawful bases on which data can be gathered (ICO, 2018g). One basis that may be What do I need to do? relevant for some counsellors is when it is necessary to In terms of specific actions for GDPR compliance of your protect vital interests of the person who is physically or practice, the following steps will help you in that legally incapable of giving consent. If working with direction: children, this would mean ensuring that you have a 1. Familiarise yourself with GDPR. There is a wealth of clear process for obtaining parental consent. information on the ICO website, you may want to look at ‘Preparing for the GDPR – 12 Steps’ (ICO, 2018e). • A clear process that allows for the withdrawal of 2. Check to see whether you need to register with the consent. ICO. Depending on the way your practice is set up you may need to register. There is an ICO self-assessment • A statement regarding the individual’s rights regarding checklist at https://ico.org.uk/for- privacy – as detailed previously.

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• Details of what data is stored, the purposes for which it References is stored, how it is stored and used, with whom this BACP (2018) FAQs about GDPR: A quick guide to the new data may be shared and why it is shared. This would General Data Protection Regulation. include intake/assessment information and client https://www.bacp.co.uk/about-us/contact-us/gdpr/ notes. Denham, E., (2018). GDPR: Sorting the fact from the You may want to include here: how information may be fiction. https://iconewsblog.org.uk/2017/08/09/gdpr-sorting- used in supervision, limits to confidentiality, the-fact-from-the-fiction/ information in a professional will, if it could be used in European Commission (2018) An overview of the National a case study, what occurs if a request is made by the Data Protection Authorities. police or a solicitor. http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/article29/item- detail.cfm?item_id=612080 • Outline where and how information is stored. This ICO (2018a) Key Definitions. https://ico.org.uk/for- might include information held on computer, in a filing organisations/guide-to-the-general-data-protection- cabinet, on a phone, or in a diary. regulation-gdpr/key-definitions/ ICO (2018b) Principles. https://ico.org.uk/for- • Information concerning what security measures you organisations/guide-to-the-general-data-protection- have in place to avoid a data breach. This would regulation-gdpr/principles/ include physical security as well as using password ICO (2018c) Individual Rights. https://ico.org.uk/for- protection and digital security software. organisations/guide-to-the-general-data-protection- regulation-gdpr/individual-rights/ • A statement concerning the length of time information (ICO, 2018d) Right to erasure. https://ico.org.uk/for- is stored, bearing in mind the ICO’s viewpoint that it organisations/guide-to-the-general-data-protection- should only be stored as long as necessary. Here you regulation-gdpr/individual-rights/right-to-erasure/ might also outline how the data is destroyed at the end (ICO, 2018e) Preparing for the GDPR – 12 Steps. of the period. https://ico.org.uk/media/1624219/preparing-for-the-gdpr- 12-steps.pdf • A process for how information requests will be handled (ICO, 2018f) Registration Self-assessment. and the timescales for complying with them. https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/register/self- assessment/ • A procedure for managing data breaches and their (ICO, 2018g) Lawful basis for processing. investigation, including timescales and who will be https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-the-general- informed. data-protection-regulation-gdpr/lawful-basis-for- processing/ • A process for the individual to lodge a concern should Jenkins, P(2018) Article: GDPR: Thoughts on Implications they be unhappy in how their data is being treated. for Practice By Peter Jenkin. This would include contact details for the ICO if in the http://www.theprofessionalpractitioner.net/index.php/article UK, or if working with people from other EU countries s/50-article-gdpr-implications-for-practice-by-peter-jenkins their appropriate supervisory authority (details of UKATA (2015) The UKATA Code of Ethics and the which can be found on the European Commission Requirements and Recommendations for Professional (2018) website at Practice http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/article29/item- http://www.uktransactionalanalysis.co.uk/images/pdf/Part- detail.cfm?item_id=612080 11-Document-1-UKATA-Code-of-Ethics-and-Requirements- and-Recommendation.pdf • A sign-off with a date to say that the individual UKCP (2018) General Data Protection Regulation. consents to their data being held in this way. https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk/registers-standards/gdpr/ Wood, S (2018) https://iconewsblog.org.uk/2017/08/25/gdpr- In conclusion is-an-evolution-in-data-protection-not-a-burdensome- Like it or not GDPR has come into effect at the end of revolution/ May 2018. While it is mainly focused on curbing the excesses of large corporate enterprises, this has a knock- on effect within our and many other industries. While it may well be that you never experience someone raising a Mark Head TSTA(P) is a director of the Link Centre, a TA concern with the ICO, GDPR compliance can be seen as training centre in East Sussex. He divides his time between part and parcel of maintaining an ongoing professional his private client practice, supervising and training. and ethical practice.

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A personal journey to GDPR compliance

JAN BAKER’s countdown to compliance with the new General Data Protection Regulation involves a week of determination, delays, dilemmas and decisions

AM, MONDAY MAY 14, 2018: I hardly get past the first paragraph when I encounter A week after landing home following the wonderful my first dilemmas. 8and inspiring UKATA National Conference in This is not going to be as straightforward as I had first Liverpool, I prepare for a busy day at my private practice thought, and my dyslexia does nothing to enhance my in North Lincolnshire. ability to make sense of complex phrases and legal I momentarily remember having a conversation in the jargon. bar of the conference hotel about the Data Protection laws How do I account for text messages, voicemails, my changing in May 2018. current clients agreements and my ‘professional will’? I My day takes over, and I make a mental note to think I can ensure the safety of client personal data I have a bit of a ‘Google’ later, and see if this change might hold, but what about the client contact details, I send affect me – I then put this out of my mind and get on electronically to a colleague to manage in the event of my with my day. incapacity to work? I decide to ask for help – not usually my forte, however 8am, Tuesday, May 15, 2018: I am beginning to think the need for implementing my I note over breakfast, that my inbox seemed fuller than professional will is getting ever nearer with all this stress usual with messages, mainly from companies and of GDPR. So tomorrow I will seek help… and the emails organisations I have never heard of, asking if I would l keep on coming, adding to my feelings of inadequacy in still like to hear from them. I delete them and allow my managing this. thoughts to move on to my first client of the day. Thought: This GDPR stuff is probably more to do with Friday, May 18 –Sunday, May 20, 2018: the large corporates than my practice. Days off – I need them!

10pm, Wednesday, May 16, 2018: 4am, Monday, May 21, 2018: Just before bed, I think I really ought to have a search for I have not slept well. I will call BACP and UKCP today, GDPR information, but where to start? I ‘Google’ – top hit when the phone lines are open. is from a law firm which strikes fear in my heart, and the Later, I try the main number for BACP with no second is from Wikipedia; can I really rely on the response after 30 minutes, so go straight for the ethics accuracy of this? department – no response. I am not even sure if this is an Then I come across the Information Commissioner’s ethical issue, although it sure feels like it. I leave a Office, (ICO) website; https://ico.org.uk I know this is the message to which they promise to respond within 48 right one because it wouldn’t load – too much traffic I hours. They are busy. I sense again I am not alone with imagine. I’ll look again tomorrow. ‘I decide to ask for help – 7am, Thursday, May17, 2018: not usually my forte, however I am I try the ICO website again and this time I get beginning to think the need for through easily (ha ha beat the rush), and note some ‘useful’ information that seems to apply to me, implementing my professional will is so using this, I open a new ‘Word’ document on my getting ever nearer with all this laptop and start to write what I hope will be a clear Data Protection Policy for my clients stress of GDPR.’ and my practice.

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my concerns. In the meantime I look at UKCP’s website; https://www.psychotherapy.org.uk and search for more support, although this is also in the form of general guidelines and not very helpful to me. I tussle a bit more with writing my policy on and off throughout the day.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018: Busy day, interspersed with a few rants from my Child to my wonderful UKATA colleagues about how difficult this Parental GDPR stuff is making my life. I know that as we speak, UKATA Council are busy preparing their policies too.

10am, Wednesday, May 23, 2018: I miss a call back from BACP and call again – I can’t get through – I leave another message. Later I receive an email with a list of general guidelines taken from the ICO website which I had already downloaded – back to the beginning! I have now got to the part of writing into my policy how long I might hold personal data. The emails keep coming – I feel a failure – I feel like I don’t know how to protect my clients personal data!

5pm, Thursday, May 24, 2018: One day left.... I call my daughter, an HR manager for a large company. I play Victim. She is reassuring and helpful. At least she understands my needs. I call my insurers legal helpline, they listen and explain clearly about consent and the length of time I need to hold data that differs from BACP/ UKCP and HMRC (tax) policies and legal requirements. I call ICO and get through after 45 minutes – I am persistent and polite and definitely now coming from Adult. They cannot answer all of my queries but think I probably need to register with them. I do more work on my policy and log on to the ICO website to register. The website is down. I delete another deluge of unsolicited emails. I pour a large G and T and go to bed. I’ll try again tomorrow.

Friday, MAY 25, 2018 ‘I’VE DONE IT!!’ If you would like a copy of my policy for general guidance only, please feel free to adapt for your own practice, do email me at: [email protected] Jan Baker PTSTA, MSc(P), has a (I promise I will delete your email address from my private psychotherapy practice in computer after sending the policy.) North Lincolnshire and Hull working with individuals, groups, You can also access UKATA’s comprehensive Privacy couples and supervisees. Policy and find really useful information [email protected] on GDPR on the UKATA website: www.therapyworks4u.co.uk https://www.uktransactionalanalysis.co.uk

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Focus on: Conference UKATA 2018

‘Beyond the Rainbow’ Opening Address

ANDY WILLIAMS gave a deeply personal, poignant and inspiring welcome address to this year’s UKATA conference held in Liverpool focusing on gender and sexual diversity.

s part of the National UKATA Conference, Andy predictably we began to engage, laugh, fight and make Williams TSTA(P) was invited to give an opening up. Aaddress, welcoming delegates and setting the tone We discussed the practitioner’s utility and availability for the event. Andy decided to base his address on his for their client if they kept their sexuality hidden. This personal experience of having been drawn into an for me was a debate about transference, object-relations organisation that offered ‘conversion therapy’ back and projection – and do we as therapists need to be the in the 1990s. needed-object by our clients – and might this mean we Conversion therapy can be described as ‘the keep our sexuality identity under wraps as a therapist? pseudoscientific practice of trying to change an individual’s I, perhaps in my closeted semi-terror, advocated sexual orientation from homosexual or bisexual to keeping one’s sexuality low key – ‘thus allowing the heterosexual using psychological or spiritual interventions’. therapist to be fully available to their client, and the In reality, the term could be applied to any culturally- client’s transferential projections allowing the therapist to pressurised change to a person’s sexuality – but in the be whoever the client needed the therapist to be at that main, this raft of techniques and organisations have their time’ – I thought this idea – and I – was immensely roots in evangelical and religious Christian frameworks – clever! It also never occurred to me that perhaps one or and seek to ‘return’ a person’s sexuality to the ‘God-given two of my clients or colleagues might have some order’. discernment, intuition or indeed a decently-functioning Andy’s personal experience of this process was one of ‘gaydar’ and understand that I might present with some acute trauma and distress, resulting in a terrible period of kind of alternative or minority sexuality. poor mental health and collapse. Here’s his address: Others I experienced – dare I say it – as OK, but slightly brash. One female colleague, in sensible shoes, ADIES AND GENTLEMEN, Cisfemales, Cismales, suggested that gay therapists should declare their those who are Agender (genderless), Androgyne sexuality, should wear a pink triangle badge and be out LBigender, Genderqueer and non-binary – those who and proud. describe themselves as Gender benders, Hijra, Pangender Having gained a little wisdom since then – and with and those from the Third Gender community: Akava’ine, the warm echoes of Adrienne Lee’s voice in my head – Bakla, Bissu, Calabai, Fa’afafine, Fakaleiti, Kathoey, ‘be your own person and get in your own fucking boots’ – Khanith, Koekchuch, Mahu Maknyah, Mukhannathun, Muxe, Sworn virgin, Takatapui, Travesti and Two-Spirit ‘I strongly believe that both ends of the – and other. First, I would like to thank Rachel Curtis as spectrum of the argument are firmly Conference Chair and the whole Conference Committee right. Yes, be fully you as a practitioner plus helpers for their warm welcome to Liverpool 2018 and the conference theme: ‘Beyond the Rainbow: Gender in full congruity, but also let’s not and Sexual Diversity’. dominate the therapeutic field to such I experience it as an immense privilege to be invited to an extent that our clients, whoever they speak with you, and to welcome you to this landmark event in the history of TA conferences in the UK. It was may be, can’t get a transferential foot in not long ago – probably in Keele or York – at a TA the door and do the work that they are conference, where I recall there being an initial meeting of those interested in LGBTQ issues as transactional there to do.’ analysts. We met, some sheepishly, in a room where

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I now realise that it is up to the individual to work on want Cirque De Soleil acts their sexuality congruity and depth of consistency. And, – they didn’t even seem to strangely, I strongly believe that both ends of the want tigers and lions – they spectrum of the argument are firmly right. Yes, be fully wanted elephants. They you as a practitioner in full congruity, but also let’s not demanded elephants, and dominate the therapeutic field to such an extent that our no cruel and no outdated clients, whoever they may be, can’t get a transferential elephant acts equalled no foot in the door and do the work that they are there to do. sales and no audience. Over the past twelve months, two events have Historically, the public happened that have changed my world. Lin Cheung, my seemed to be willing to not long-suffering colleague at TA Training Org knows that I enter the shadow space. To have a passion for elephants. So much so, that when I not look at the endless you was a five-year-old child, and the visiting drama group tube videos of circus came to my school to run an audience participation show elephants being bull- – I stated very clearly, that when I grew up, ‘I wanted to hooked into submission. To be an elephant.’ ‘Surely you mean a zoo keeper?’ said not look at baby elephants being taken from their mother the convergently-thinking and slightly panicked 1970s and herd and literally tied and trained into performing teacher. ‘No’, I said, quite clear in my mind, ‘I want to be humiliating tricks and routines. The UK too has its an elephant’ – and to their credit the visiting drama historic equivalents – Mary Chipperfield charged with group got out sets of trunk-like socks and flappy cruelty to her chimpanzees and Bobby Roberts beating elephant-ear sacks and turned me into an elephant and Anne the Elephant until her rescue and permanent fed me a banana as I recall. I wonder if it was an early retirement to Longleat. equivalent of a transvestite male aching to cross-dress The metaphor I would offer is the circus ring, filled and visiting an agency to become the female-attired with pseudo-light, with the powerful leaders and crowd figure that he longs to be? I’m not into dressing in forcing and pushing the sensitive and elegant elephants female clothes – but I do sometime eye an elephant to perform tricks to their satisfaction, to music and onesie-suit with longing on ebay! Next time Jane, my rhythm that culturally doesn’t belong to the elephants. If wife, is out at book club I might need to experiment. the elephants comply they are rewarded with food and a On Sunday, May 21, 2017, Ringling Bros and Barnum loss of pain, but outside the circus ring there is shadow & Bailey USA Circus said its final farewell to a sold-out and darkness. The elephants are left to then stagnate in crowd of incredibly enthusiastic fans. In this moment in ritualised behaviours, chained in an airless holding tent. 2017 ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’, 150 years old, closed. If they attempt to be fully elephant they are goaded, Phineas Taylor Barnum (July 5, 1810 – April 7, 1891) punished, hurt and beaten to get them back into line – to was an American showman, politician and businessman conform. remembered for promoting celebrated hoaxes and for And then suddenly this age of the freak-show, of the founding the Barnum & Bailey Circus (1871–2017). This elephant-man and the bearded-lady, is over. global institution that over the years had presented Enlightenment dawns – and suddenly elephants are left Jumbo the Elephant, Bearded-Ladies, Freaks, Dwarves to be elephanty! and many other vulnerable and misnamed individuals I mentioned two things that have happened that have closed its tent flaps for the last time; the roar of the had significance to me. The second is this: in July, 2017, abused tiger and the trumpet of the bullied elephant the General Synod of the Anglican Church in York disappearing into the echoes of time. backed a motion calling for a ban on the practice of What the glossy press releases didn’t say is that the Conversion Therapy aimed at altering sexual orientation. closure of this famous and infamous circus was all about Members of the Church’s national assembly, which held the loss of elephants. Parallel animal rights groups across its annual July sessions in York, voted to endorse a the Atlantic and Europe have been consistently working Memorandum of Understanding on Conversion Therapy to end wild animal-based circus acts – this especially signed by The Royal College of Psychiatrists and others focused on the liberation and the emancipation of circus condemning the practice. elephants. The joint statement describes Conversion Therapy as Jumbo the Elephant (pictured above) was one of ‘unethical, potentially harmful’ and having ‘no place in Barnum’s first elephants, taken to the USA by Barnum in the modern world’. Opening the debate Ms Ozanne said: 1882 and in May 2016 all circus elephants in USA were ‘In short, conversion therapy is harmful, dangerous and retired and rehoused at vast expense in Florida at just doesn’t work. . . . People may be able to alter their $65,000 dollars a year per pachyderm. And ticket sales behaviour but they can never alter their innate desire.’ fell through the floor. Ringling Circus customers didn’t She added: ‘This debate is actually quite simple. Do we

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trust our medical health professions and academics (including many sincere godly Christians) to know what ‘And so in the raise of a voting hand – they are talking about? Should we listen to the voices of conversion therapy is condemned those we and others have unwittingly harmed? Should to the past, in the same way that a we learn from our mistakes, and seek to protect future generations from the sort of damage that was done to me sparkling, pirouetting circus and so many others?’ elephant is liberated into acres of Speaking during the debate the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said: ‘The sooner the practice of so-called green pasture.’ conversion therapy is banned, I can sleep at night.’ The Bishop of Liverpool, Paul Bayes, said: ‘As the world listens to us the world needs to hear us say that LGBTI+ was as conditional as my all-boys school, and encouraged orientation and identity is not a crime.’ the splitting process even more. I was lovable and And so in the raise of a voting hand – conversion acceptable and worthy as long as I didn’t express the key therapy is condemned to the past, in the same way that a central part of my identity. And try as I could, I couldn’t sparkling, pirouetting circus elephant is liberated into manage this divergent, splitting process. acres of green pasture. Counsel was sought and a residential programme The reason that this was highly significant to me, is identified in North London that offered a one year that this was my story – and as part of locating the programme to align sexuality with God’s will. So I left importance of this conference and content – this circus my secure job, packed my bag, not forgetting my soft toy elephant would like to tell a short part of his story. It elephant, and at 25 years old, arrived on the steps of the does involve a closet – and coming out of it, and going community house full of expectation and wonder. I’m back into it several times – making Lucy, Edmund, Peter sure there were no guarantees offered, but I was unable and Susan look like amateurs (A Narnia Lion, Witch and to hear that and certainly there was huge energy from my the Wardrobe reference!). church behind this process. The point I am wanting to make was one made to me I found the therapeutic and spiritual process horrific. by my colleague in Leeds, Mike, whom I work with. Certain devices from cult were employed – Mike is a gay, male counsellor. He doesn’t have horns or unintentionally and with good will – but damaging none- a forked tail. He is a great and valued therapist, plays the-less. I was totally separated from family and not too much Play Station or equivalent and what he said to encouraged to see them. My sister lived less than ten me is: miles from our location and I saw her once in the year ‘Do you know what Andy, growing up and having a under supervision. I was frequently escorted to work and childhood in a heteronormative world as a young gay guy then, after work, met at the door and escorted home has totally traumatised me. I feel like I’ve got PTSD – again. and it will never go away.’ Mike describes a utopian I entered one-to-one therapy with a male therapist who world which has a post-closet narrative. employed deep regression techniques such as rebirthing I first knew I was attracted to men when I fell in love – so deep, primal work. He then suddenly left the or lust with a man on a beach when I was 10. It was at programme with no warning and never said goodbye. White Sands Bay in South Wales. Back at home I was Therapy also consisted of Gestalt-style sessions with little attending a very typical, all boys grammar school where I or no contracting in the group and dual relationships – remained, despite protestations, until the end of sixth with the programme directors also conducting form. For 11 years from junior school to exiting to go to therapeutic sessions into the evening. university I had the experience of being an alien and One of the components of the programme was disconnected. No mirror of OK-ness was held up where I attending church as a block. It was rather like taking the could see that my personhood was of value. The only small minibus to school. So we, the special people, mirror available was of a stereotypical, heteronormative, arrived at a big Anglican church in the small minibus and male, misogynistic identity of the 1970s and 1980s – and were subject to all sorts of fascinating responses from I didn’t fit. This led to depression and suicidality. members of the congregation from revulsion to If we consider here work by Berne in terms of fascination. Quite a circus-like, freak show experience legitimate relational hungers and work by Hargaden & now that I come to think of it. Sills, I left school yearning for connection, mirroring and As it turned out, this was the last residential year for love – and I believed that I had found it eventually in an the organisation. The house was abandoned by the evangelical church in Leeds who offered me various jig- leadership and those of us who remained were left to saw pieces that fitted – as long as I didn’t express my true manage ourselves. sexuality. Apparently I had found home, but actually it For those of you who might have read The Bell by Iris

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‘What is our social and political his own therapeutic path might have been taken from him. Currently I have no reply for him, swirling in my responsibility as transactional analysts archaic pain of the experience, but I guess we need to and how much do we allow or even note his protests and consider the ethical complications encourage the personal, the and his autonomy. Jane and I have been married for 21 years. Together professional, the political and the ethical we have two children who are at the beginning of their to become one?’ lives. We delight in living in a non-heteronormative household with the possibilities that Reuben and Lily can bring home anyone they like – as long as their potential lovers are kind and respectful to self and other. Jane, my Murdoch – there is nothing quite like the collapse of a wife, is an incredible person – generous and kind and she religious community. And this is what befell the has been deeply courageous in our process and marriage programme. Within the house, sexual relationships together. Jane's deeper thoughts on the matter at the overtook any previous doctrine and members found their moment are private and hers; she is very much her own own way through the abandonment. I psychologically person but she does state that she will choose what she disintegrated and entered therapy in North London which wants to make important or not in a relationship. was a life saver. My memory of this time was standing at a cashpoint machine, having no idea what my number So I have come to an end – and I warmly welcome all was, failing to be able to recall my last name and then delegates to your conference, generously created by realising that I was lost in this town with no recollection Council and the committees of UKATA. of how to get home. I tell you this account, not wanting your pity but seeking your potency and professionalism. I have discovered the need to be alert in my professional and personal identity as a transactional analyst. What is our social and political responsibility as transactional analysts and how much do we allow or even encourage the personal, the professional, the political and the ethical to become one? Certainly congruity seems to be found in that integrative process. I think I am developing a life-long commitment and interest in difference, diversity, constructivism and what is taking my attention at the moment is intersectionality – when the loss of power transects more than one domain – for example the difference between being a lesbian female and a black, lesbian female. The recent Royal Wedding has recently taken me to a disturbing edge. A white and western friend of mine commented on how uncomfortable the black, male preacher ‘made him’. ‘I think he has done race relations harm – surely he should have conformed more to the norms of a traditional, Anglican wedding and toned it down a bit!’ I was stunned at this comment and the implication that the black minority holds ‘the difference’ – that the black culture should appease the white – and comply in order that the white, powerful majority might feel more comfortable on their sofas watching the Andy WIlliams TSTA(P) lives near proceedings. What is our response to this as to Leeds. Along with Lin Cheung transactional analysts? By the way – the dress was and Jane Williams he runs the TA stunning! Training Organisation offering To finish I would like to talk about more complexity training and CPD opportunities in and joy. I have a friend who has been through the the North UK. conversion therapy process, judges it helpful and www.awpsychotherapy.co.uk successful for him and is angry that his right to choose www.thehorsforthcentre.co.uk

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Breaking the silence

In the wake of the Harvey Weinstein allegations, MARION UMNEY’s workshop set out to explore our own experiences of oppression, the misuse of power, and the pressure to speak out or to remain silent

ARVEY WEINSTEIN SEEMS to have the particular way sex is used to exert power and control; unintentionally inspired a shift in culture. His I am curious about both the shame which attaches to Hbehaviour towards women – while initially oppression, particularly when it is exerted through sex; accepted by many of his victims and others in the circles and, I am curious about the blindness and deafness of, in which he moved – is now seen as abusive and not only those who wield that power, but also those who oppressive, a gross misuse of power. Around the same have been subjected to it, in support of maintaining the time similar reports emerged in the UK from the Houses status quo. of Parliament and the BBC. The purpose of the conference workshop was to Prior to this both these institutions were the subject of explore these issues with colleagues, through their own accusations of child sex abuse. Some of these accusations experiences of oppression and the misuse of power and of were accepted as truthful, some were questioned. pressure to speak or to remain silent. Another institution – the church, both Catholic and Anglican, has also been found to be ‘accepting’ of a Sex, gender and power culture where those in power could use that power to Sex: Freud recognised the powerful nature of sexual abuse children. needs and desires and viewed sexuality as the key to Why have these abuses remained unspoken for so human disturbance (Shadbolt 2009). Sex is a prime long? What has shifted so that it now seems safe and motivator and common denominator for all of us. Even appropriate for at least some of the victims to speak out? the most puritanical-appearing individuals may struggle Why are so many people disturbed by this turn of events? greatly against their sexual appetites and expression, as What still needs to happen to promote a culture where evidenced by the scandals within the church. In most this sort of behaviour is totally unacceptable and where religions an attempt is made to contain and control these men, women and children can feel that society will powerful urges through marriage, although protect them (as far as possible) from this sort of understandings or assumptions about those urges and oppression and abuse? how to satisfy and contain them varies hugely within These are questions that are being debated publicly different cultures and religions. and privately, but as transactional analysts we are privy to Sexuality is also littered with shame. The infant’s training and to discussion forums which enables us to transition from taking pleasure and reassurance in being explore these issues, their origins and their effects at a touched to a desire for self-exploration which is likely to deeper level, both culturally, professionally and be prohibited or at least controlled, creates a tension in personally. the infant’s emerging sexuality and an experience of, My own response to these revelations has been a anger, frustration, loss of relationship and shame. This is degree of anger which surprised me. I was brought up in then reinforced throughout development by parental a time when sex, oppression and abuse were not spoken attitudes, sibling and peer relationships and cultural, about. I have witnessed a very gradual loosening of the social and political norms. gags and am aware of a growing understanding that as a Shadbolt (2009) writes ‘In Western culture, moral woman I was expected to tolerate, if not sexual abuse, at edicts about what is sinful, the chastity of women, the least sexual harassment both personally and socially. It is only now I am coming to a full realisation that these actions against me were oppressive and that I was ‘Cultural change is slow. Bearing in silenced. I am angry about that, but perhaps more mind that patriarchal systems have been importantly I am angry that many of my contemporaries dominant for thousands of years. . . . are still in denial and are supporting the very culture which imposed (and continues to impose) oppression on It does seem that the fog of mystification men, women and children through sex. is lifting.’ Outside of anger I am also curious. I am curious about

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sanctity of marriage, the moral degeneracy and society. Their model stated that oppression + immaturity of homosexuality, the superiority of male mystification = alienation, and that alienation is the heterosexuality, the deleterious effects of masturbation, cause of mental and emotional disturbance. Relating this gender roles, sexist imagery, biological determinism, and to the oppression of women I see mystification as being so forth are part of adult consciousness and life the Cultural Parent. It was interesting that in the experience that directly impact adult sexuality.’ (p166) workshop some participants expressed comfort in not being expected to speak of their experiences of sexual Gender and power harassment; not only because they could avoid getting in While acknowledging they are not the only group to be touch with shame that they may have been responsible in oppressed through sex, sexual abuse and harassment of some way for the way they were treated, but also because women is the focus of this workshop. This has been it felt difficult and ‘wrong’ to talk about these things as highlighted by the Harvey Weinstein accusations, the oppression. Although they could rationalise at some level blatantly sexist attitude of Donald Trump and the that this was wrong, they struggled to shake off the deep revelations from key institutions in the UK. seated belief that this was the natural order of things. Gender is a cultural construction which is embedded Radical Psychiatry’s proposal for resolution of in patriarchy. By this I mean the social system which disturbance is to disrupt the mystification leading to the promotes masculine authority in all aspects of life; the formula: Oppression + Awareness = Anger valuing of ‘logic’ over intuition; the positioning of justice Anger + Contact = Liberation (or Action) over compassion and the ‘natural’ superiority of men over This can be seen in the #metoo campaign where some women. In this system women are routinely objectified who started to speak out from a place of awareness and and disempowered, and this has been endemic in anger provided a forum for contact and support, enabling Western and (much of Eastern) culture since the others to reach awareness and anger and therefore also emergence of so called ‘civilisation’. There is no written speak out. As a result there is a flavour of liberation and, evidence of matriarchal cultures, although pockets of at least in some spheres, action has been taken. society do exist within which women have equal power with men in some spheres of life. There are some Facilitating change historians and anthropologists who maintain that pagan Cultural change is slow. Bearing in mind that patriarchal cultures were more female centric and the era in which systems have been dominant for thousands of years it paganism was prominent is generally regarded as ‘pre- would be over-optimistic to imagine that women’s civilisation’. It therefore follows that in patriarchal position in society or the misuse of male power through thinking and language women being given power is sex and other means will disappear overnight. However, ‘uncivilised’, or am I making an assumption too far? it does seem that the fog of mystification is lifting and that women (and men) are starting to consider the Gender scripting and the Cultural Parent oppression for both genders inherent in the system. As Drego’s (1983) analysis of the Cultural Parent suggests transactional analysts, whichever field we work in, there ‘etiquette’ as representing the Parent in the Cultural Parent is opportunity to embrace what we know about cultural – ie ‘What I am supposed to do or who I am supposed to scripting and radical psychiatry and to make a difference; be’; ‘technicalities’ as representing the Adult in the to help others towards awareness and anger, and to Cultural Parent – ie ‘What I have to do, or how I have to be provide contact and mutuality (Minikin, 2018) to to conform’ and ‘character’ as the Child in the Cultural facilitate action for change. Parent – ie ‘how do I feel about myself in accordance with my cultural scripting’. This scripting is transgenerational References over many generations and therefore deeply embedded in Drego, P. (1983). The Cultural Parent. TAJ 13(4) p224-227 the sense of self. Because of this, change is slow and Minikin, K. (2018). Radical Relational Psychiatry: Towards difficult. It is perhaps not unsurprising that many women a Democracy of Mind and People. TAJ 48(2) p111-125 are scared and appalled by the revelations of others and Shadbolt, C. (2009). Sexuality and Shame. TAJ 39(2) p163- the challenge to oppression and the misuse of power 172 endemic in a system which feels, safe, right and Marion Umney TSTA (P) is in private comfortable. The prospect of taking our own power and practice in East Sussex offering challenging the status quo can be highly disturbing. psychotherapy and supervision. She runs CPD workshops and a supervision Radical Psychiatry training course. Her interests are diverse Claude Steiner, along with colleagues including Hogie and include social and political aspects Wycoff developed a model of psychological disturbance of psychology. which was located not within the patient but within

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Gender identity and multiplicity in clinical practice

KAREN MINIKIN and BRIONY NICHOLLS held a workshop exploring personal and cultural Scripting, gender constructions and our own subjectivity in clinical practice.

ANY OF THE ideas we used in the conference of the language that we currently have. Is it helpful to workshop were based on a wonderful paper by think about feminine and masculine aspects of self? Is MSuzanne Johnson in the TAJ (2017). Here, we this too binary a construct? What gets lost each time we outline some of our thoughts that we opened up for apply it to ourselves or identify with a label? Within the discussion during the workshop, and some themes that group we discussed whether and how we can find ways emerged from those discussions. to free up from the constraints of binary language and how to do that in a clinical context. We discussed the Personal and cultural Scripting need to be understanding of self and other and to Our presentation and discussions of this subject were continue to develop a new language that is anti- based on premises about knowing ourselves and our oppressive and not allied to the dominant discourse. Scripts, and exploring how groups and contexts have had A key theme throughout the workshop was some an impact. As practitioners, we need to know ourselves to hopefulness. Gender identity is a subject that was be able to do clinical work, so that we can hold ourselves discussed mostly in academic circles until a few years in Script as best we can without doing harm to our ago, now it is in general discourse. In addition, the clients. For those of us who work relationally, the ability multiplicity of gender identities and performances is to relate to ourselves as a subject, by claiming our expanding, as is the information on and general authority and autonomy in confronting norms around acceptance of that. This is a cause for celebration. gender, is clearly important. We can then make use of both subject and object relating within the client Personal Scripting around gender dynamics (see below for the discussion of this). In response to the need to know ourselves to support our Our understanding is that Scripting about our sex and work as practitioners, we encouraged the group to gender is inevitable as we move through the world. discuss their influences, and therefore their Scripting in Scripting is affected by multiple influences, terms of four areas of influence (Figure 1). The wider interpersonally and culturally. Moreover, the dominant society and cultural discourses: what were the dominant discourses in our culture have great power to influence influences and discourses around gender in the past, and our Scripting – much of our identity is shaped and how has that evolved now? The gender groups that we defined in relationship to those. identify with: is ‘our group’ part of the dominant discourse, or made relatively invisible within that? How Discourses on sex and gender did that group react to the dominant discourse? And how One dominant discourse key to our discussions is were we treated as members of that group? Our family definitions and distinctions around sex and gender. We group: what were the family messages and behaviours followed the distinctions described by Johnson that sex is around our gender; what were the prohibitions, biologically defined (though there are different ways to permissions and modelling? Intrapsychic gender make that definition), whereas gender has a relationship Scripting: how do we diminish and oppress ourselves in to biological sex but is a cultural construct. Gender, and relation to our gender? how it is performed, is therefore affected by the dominant discourses and will be at least partially constructed in ‘Frequently male gender is subject in relation to these. Gender is also a fluid, dynamic, the dominant discourses . . . other emergent process and performance, rather than a ‘thing’. gender performances adapt to that As Simone de Beauvoir stated in The Second Sex (1949): ‘One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman.’ dominant discourse and are therefore This prompted discussions around how to think about objects to that dominant subject.’ gender constructions, and the difficulties and limitations

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‘I invite therapists to step outside their Wider society and cultural discourses own gender identity and to experience

Gender group their own gender multiplicity. Multiplicity discourses may be understood as accepting in Family group discourses ourselves our subjective sense of gender as “unstable, emerging”.’ Suzanne Johnson, 2017 Intrapsychic processes

Multiplicity may be understood as accepting in ourselves our subjective sense of gender as “unstable, emerging”.’ In this way, the client can find a home and some identification in us, so that we can flex and move, performing different aspects of our gender, without becoming fully defined as object by the client. In finding what clients need us for, we grow our own potential and find more aspects of our subjectivity.

Concluding thoughts By providing a space for co-created experiences, we were Fig. 1: Cultural Scripting of gender identity. Adapted from able to enjoy the vitality and engagement of the Shivanath and Hiremath, 2003 participants with us. We offered some tasters and they responded with such interesting connections and ideas. Being a subject and/or object in the client relationship In other words, we learnt much from the group. Though In the therapeutic relationship, we may work as an gender and sexuality speaks to our differences, it also object, or part object for the client – providing insight and unites us as being relevant for all of us to engage with, in meeting their relational needs – or as our own subject and out of our different contexts. (Stark, 2000). Johnson argues that if a client has not References experienced an early relationship with a person who is a Beauvoir de, S. (1949/1997). The Second Sex. subject in their own self, then the child cannot develop Harmondsworth: Vintage Classics, Penguin intersubjectivity, and the possibility of I/Thou relating. Johnson, S. (2017). The trouble with gender. TAJ This means that the child cannot differentiate and 47(4):308–20. develop a sense of their self as subject in relation to Shivanath, S., Hiremath, M. (2003) ‘The psychodynamics another subject, rather than self as object to another of race and culture’. In Sills, C., and Hargaden, H. (Eds) subject. In the context of gender, frequently male gender Ego States. London: Worth Publishing. is subject in the dominant discourses and other gender Stark, M. (2000) Modes of therapeutic action. Northvale: performances adapt to that dominant discourse and are Aronson therefore objects to that dominant subject, or made invisible by the dominant discourses. Clients may, Briony Nicholls TSTA(P) is a therefore, be struggling to differentiate and perform psychotherapist and supervisor in aspects of their gender around which they have not been Oxford and Lead Tutor for the TA able to develop their own subjectivity. courses at Iron Mill College, Exeter As contemporary transactional analysts, our relationships with these clients need to offer the possibility of intersubjectivity. So we will find ourselves in a dialectic between being subject and object in relation to the client. We may also need to develop, flex and evolve Karen Minikin PTSTA(P) runs a private aspects of our own gender. Johnson recommends: clinical and supervision practice in ‘I propose that therapists might usefully cultivate an Hellingly, East Sussex, and is a tutor androgynous (both female and male) perspective in and supervisor for a number of training working with gender identity with clients. In doing so, I institutes. She is Chair of the Diversity invite therapists to step outside their own gender identity and Social Responsibility Committee and to experience their own gender multiplicity.

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Muriel James Living Principles Award 2018

ANN HEATHCOTE received the Muriel James Living Principles Award 2018 at the UKATA conference in Liverpool.

HE MURIEL JAMES Living unthought-through TA practices early Principles Award was established in training. One brilliant confrontation Tto recognise members of the ITAA of this, was the production in her who – ‘have advanced the growth of training group of a comic publication transactional analysis by personal entitled My first TA dictionary of not OK example as well as by contributions of words and phrases challenging the an exceptional and lasting nature. current training practices of Personal example involves consistently confrontation of every “it” or “should,” living the principles of transactional “but” etc. as a discount.’ analysis, which includes but is not Whatever Ann undertakes she does limited to clear Adult thinking, joyful so with diligence, passion and integrity. creativity, compassionate ethics, and a We witnessed and witness by first hand lack of gaminess in transactions with her generosity and loving attitude: Ann others. Such a person models has been always available and caring egalitarian relationships and promotes when someone was in trouble, or an I’m OK – You’re OK atmosphere in both professional and simply in an intense moment of her/his life. personal arenas. The nominee will have demonstrated Steff underlines Ann’s impact on her local TA commitment, concern, and caring for both individuals and community with these words: ‘Her recent choice to give the world community and will be active in the international up her psychotherapeutic practice to pursue becoming a advancement of the principles of transactional analysis published poet was felt as a loss to the Manchester either professionally or personally.’www.itaaworld.org/itaa-awards community, yet each one of us, knowing Ann’s commitment to valuing every persons’ personal vision N SATURDAY April 28, 2018, a very much and autonomy, was delighted to offer well-deserved appreciated person in our UK community was support and encouragement. It is completely Oawarded the Muriel James Living Principles unsurprising to me that Ann appears to have had this award. The nominating committee comprising Bill impact on the poetry writing community. Her poetry Cornell, John Heath, Marco Mazetti, Steff Oates, Carol publications it seems, are celebrated as much as her TAJ Solomon and Gloria Noriega were unanimous in articles, book reviews and editorials. These articles agreement that Ann not only fulfilled but surpassed the clearly show Ann’s profound commitment to humanity, criteria. We have all worked alongside and continue to her fairness to all and her fierce questioning of enjoy friendship with Ann. An edited version of the suppositions.’ nomination letter to the ITAA board of trustees is copied Marco Mazetti wrote that he will never forget her below for your enjoyment. support, closeness and generosity by assisting him during Like Muriel James, Ann is a skilful writer, a kind and the exciting and touching moment in which he received loving person with clear integrity, who encourages people the EBMA in 2012: ‘Ann has been invaluable: she was so in developing their skills through OK-OK relationships. supportive, caring and loving, while I was preparing and saying my speech, so that such a crucial moment in my Personal example and involvement with TA community life will be always a monument in my heart to her warmth Steff Oates, a close friend of Ann Heathcote, starts our and generosity; the present she gave me that day, with statements with a personal memory: ‘Ann’s attitude of the sentence ‘I’m proud of you’ is on the table of my respect and kindness is next to none, notwithstanding the office, and I think of her each day of my working life, and brilliance of her wry wit which challenged the tyranny of more.’ Gloria shares a similar experience: ‘In 2008,

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during the conference in South Africa, I was excited and supporting writers, Marco remembers: ‘My first contact anxious revising my speech to receive the Eric Berne with Ann has been when I submitted one of my first Memorial Award. At that time, she came as an angel articles to the TAJ; I remember my frustration after guard and supported me with the editing. I’ll be always receiving the referees’ feedback: I had the feeling that my grateful to her for this gracious moment.’ article was extremely poor, and that I had to renounce. Carol Solomon talks about the support she received Ann was so supportive! She encouraged me, took me by from Ann during the Eric Berne Archives Project: ‘About hand through the rewriting of the article until the end: I midway through the project when we had raised the first couldn’t trust that such an angel was existing! She has part of the funds (I had at this point been working on this been the best witness of the highest TA principles of for four years!) I let the team know that I was tired, in respect, Ok-ness, mutual support’; and Gloria Noriega need of some free time, and I thought that we could adds: ‘As a member of the Editorial Board of the TAJ, she consider stopping at that point. Ann disagreed was very generous and kind by helping me with the passionately, saying we just had to move forward and English editing of a couple of articles. At that time I complete the project. She offered to take over the lead learned a lot from her clear Adult thinking and excellent position for the fundraising, allowing me to continue to writing skills.’ work with the University on the project. She became the lead of fundraising and saw the project through to the Eric Berne biographer end. I will always be grateful to Ann and I count her Right from the beginning of her TA training, Ann was among my friends and most trusted colleagues.’ particularly interested, not only in the theory of TA, but in Ann has been and is also a constant presence at the Eric Berne himself. She was able to appreciate aspects of ITAA conferences: she perceived, almost as a duty, her his work and his writings by appreciating aspects of his presence at these fundamental ‘rites of belonging’ in our own life. Ann could see, very early in her career, that a TA community. She brought everywhere her openness, humanistic theory such as TA has its roots in the lived sense of humour, contact-full capacity of being in experience of an actual human life. She recognised Eric relation, friendship and, above all, a model of being a Berne and his theory are inevitably intertwined, and transactional analyst at its best. understanding one will deepen an understanding of the John Heath writes: ‘I can’t actually remember the first other. In so many ways this link between the person and time I met Ann, but it was at least 25 years ago. We were the theory is true too of Ann herself. both TA trainees, in different programmes. Ann is an Actually, Ann is probably the most informed Eric Berne enthusiastic communicator, kind, bright, humorous and living biographer. Carol says: ‘I met Ann in Montreal in very interested in people, so getting to know her would 2010 at the centennial conference when I attended her have been a seamless and effortless event. She brought a presentation about Eric Berne. I was thoroughly great deal of relational capacity with her into the TA impressed with her understanding of Eric although she training journey and has developed it to become the had never met him in person! In her workshop she skilful and mature psychological professional she now is.’ exhibited the best of TA knowledge presenting She does what she says she will do. She brings information with a clear Adult ego state, creating games commitment and energy to the tasks involved and she is for us so that we could use our Child in learning, and delightful to work with. An organisation such as the ITAA providing protection so that the workshop flowed and depends on the work of people like Ann, and she has each participant felt seen and valued. She truly given many years of tireless and effective service to our demonstrated an OK-OK position and set the tone for community. participants to do the same. At that point, I asked her to become part of the team to raise funds for the Eric Berne Contribution to the Transactional Analysis Journal Archive project. Ann readily agreed. Neither of us knew Ann Heathcote was part of the Editorial Board of the TAJ that day that we were entering into a seven year project in 2004-05, she then worked as co-editor from 2006 to which would require so much of our attention over this 2010, and again from 2012 to 2013, edited special issues, extended period of time.’ wrote beautiful articles, and has been of extraordinary support to the colleagues submitting articles. Contribution to the Eric Berne Archives Project As a long-term TAJ editor, Bill says: ‘Ann’s quiet but Ann’s dedication to ITAA, to TA and to this project is invaluable work for many years as an Editorial Board remarkable. Over the years of both exciting and trying member and co-editor of the Transactional Analysis developments Ann stayed involved, always acting in a Journal was carried out in her typically quiet way. As a dedicated, thoughtful and caring way. Her efforts to co-editor and guest editor, Ann helped bring some of our ensure the success of the Eric Berne Archives have been most creative issues of the TAJ to fruition.’ at times relentless. She was very supportive by writing Underlining Ann’s exceptional generosity in advertisements with photos and taking on from Carol the

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Focus on: Conference UKATA 2018

leadership of the project till the end. ITAA is that she stepped out of the TA power structure of We all owe her a debt of gratitude for her part in the TSTA/PTSTA training hierarchy and worked in her bringing the Eric Berne Archives to the worldwide TA own often quiet, but determined way. She was not community. Ann’s participation to the project has been seeking attention but simply offering contribution. That is probably the best evidence of her witty creativity: she the Muriel James spirit. And for those of you who know imagined and implemented fantastic initiatives for raising Ann well, you’ll know that she shares another quality funds such as the fundraising party on Eric Berne’s with Muriel, that within her quiet presence, there also birthday to raise money for the archive project. lives a bulldog.’

Conclusions She lives authentically, communicates openly, relates contractually and always in the spirit of universal OK- ness. She really does embody the principles of the method she practices and so, in our opinion, she is richly deserving of this award. We are imagining that Ann would be surprised to receive this award, as alongside her clear commitment to others is a genuine modesty about her achievements and her impact on others. We happen to know that very few others in our community will share her surprise. At the conference Bill Cornell was proud to introduce Ann as the recipient of this award. His words were extremely apposite: ‘It gives me great pleasure to announce here at the UKATA annual conference the winner of the ITAA Muriel James Living Principles Award, Ann Heathcote! ‘I had the pleasure of knowing Muriel quite well. She Ann was presented with the award by ITAA president, was a remarkable woman whose life was often not so Diane Salters easy. She did not wear the difficulties of her own life on her sleeve, but used her own life experience to infuse and inspire her work as a therapist, an educator, and a Ann Heathcote’s acceptance speech: minister – especially with regards to the lives of women. Muriel was typically soft-spoken, and yet she was one of AM DELIGHTED, and surprised, to be awarded the first women to take her place in the circle of men the Muriel James Living Principles Award. I around Eric Berne in the San Francisco Social Psychiatry Iespecially want to thank the International Seminar, at a time when the women members were Transactional Analysis Association, and also my dear known as the “dancing girls”. Muriel brought the dignity friends and colleagues for nominating me. These are and intelligence of women to that group of early TAers, a Bill Cornell, Steff Oates, John Heath, who are here dignity and force of will that was reflected in many of her tonight, and also Marco Mazzetti, Carol Solomon and books. Muriel was quite self-effacing, but there was a Gloria Noriega. From the bottom of my heart, thank bulldog inside of her ready to fight for the dignity of all you. peoples and of women in particular. The Muriel James Winning this award, this year, seems particularly Award was created by the ITAA to recognise these special as, as you may already know, Muriel James qualities of personal contribution and dedication to the sadly died earlier this year aged 100. learning and welfare of people through transactional Muriel James’ shoes are enormous, red and analysis. sparkling – like Dorothy’s in the Wizard of Oz – and This is the spirit of Ann Heathcote, and she is a perfect hard to follow. My own shoes seem tiny and grey in recipient of this award in Muriel’s memory and spirit. comparison. However, one thing I have learnt during Ann, too, is often soft-spoken. She has tended to do her my TA journey is how unhelpful it is to compare work in and for TA and the ITAA more from the shadows myself with others and find myself wanting. This helps than seeking the spotlight. Her many contributions have no one. So with this important learning in mind, I am included her own writing, her work as an editor for the thrilled and inspired to receive the Muriel James Transactional Analysis Journal, and her crucial work with Living Principles Award and in my own ‘quiet’ way to the Eric Berne Archives. For me personally what I have follow in her footsteps. most admired about Ann’s involvement with TA and the

18 THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018

Focus on: Conference UKATA 2018

The Connections Group 2018

Once again the Connections Group at the conference was a great success. LYN HAYWARD, its annual facilitator, talks briefly about her own three days in Liverpool

FTER MENTALLY GRAPPLING with my Sat Nav ‘As a 2nd time UKATA conference attendee the which was telling me to do a U-turn on the middle Connections Group has provided a great base to rid any Alane of the Runcorn Bridge and then paying three anxieties around meeting new people through the toll charges to enable me to access the venue, I have weekend. Lyn’s infectious generosity and warmth are decided that I really need to listen to my supervisor both always a welcome sight. This really helps with getting the on client matters and on advice that the train would be most out of the conference workshops.’ easier! Do we all do exactly what our supervisor I would like to say a special thank you to those who recommends? worked so hard to arrange and facilitate this great My journey was rather eventful, but I finally arrived conference, to presenters of the amazing workshops and safely at the hotel, and a coffee with friendly colleagues the hotel staff who worked hard to accommodate our was all I needed to be ready for whatever was to come. needs. I look forward to reconnecting with some of you While reflecting back over the years since the next year, if not before. Blackpool conference and the evolution and growth of the Finally, I would like to share this picture of the door Connections Group (formerly called the Newbies Group tags which were provided by the hotel, its purpose of run by our lovely Enid Welford) I realised that its course to alert the chambermaid that the guest was not in development parallels my own with respect to a growing the room . . . and to leave this thought-provoking confidence in attending these events. Being among such statement for you all to consider whether or not we were. a large group of people can be quite daunting not just for new attendees but for seasoned conference-goers alike. Over the years I have made many new friends while facilitating this group and have received much support from them as I hope they have from me. This year it has been a busy three days at conference, and I experienced some very lively and informative workshops, even learning the tango. (Not sure if my friends will believe I have been to a conference for counsellors and psychotherapists.) I have taken from this year’s event a wealth of information along with the knowledge that I have masses more to learn, to work with, and to work on! I will drive home with a renewed sense of enthusiasm. (Avoiding the Runcorn Bridge of course.) The following paragraphs have been written by group members, some new and some who have been with our group at previous conferences.

‘The group has provided a sense of security at a time when social anxiety can play out. It can feel sometimes like those difficult school experiences of walking into large groups and not feeling isolated. ‘This year was no exception! We met many new trainees who brought fresh ideas and positive feedback about Lyn Hayward, Dip. Couns. MBACP(Accred) MNCS(Snr having this group to aim for. Accred), facilitates the Connections Group at the UKATA ‘Some of our group were first timers and some had been annual conference. to conference many times. All of us really appreciated the [email protected] existence of this group.’

THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018 19 Diversity & Social Responsibility

Cultural Scripting difference and diversity

DIVYA SHARMA considers the influences of Cultural Parent, Scripting and Etiquette in her own personal journey from India to Great Britain to autonomy

N THIS ARTICLE I reflect on my personal journey education, wearing shorts in PE, introductions to and the impact my TA training has had in enabling volunteering, fundraising, to do ‘a golden deed’, embrace Ime to understand both the socio cultural aspects of secularism, take trips to slums, create awareness about injunctions and how they relate to my group character contraceptives, education and so on, and we were proud (Berne 1963). TA helped me to understand my own of our identity. Cultural Parent echoed in the Parent of my Child (Drego, In my late teens and early adulthood (Erikson’s 1981). This valuable insight helped me to reflect deeper, identity vs role confusion) in my Parent ego state, I leading to a sense of self-empowerment in addressing my experienced the Cultural Parent making allowances and cultural oppression (Drego, 1996). permissions for women to make their mark as equal, and After positive feedback from the Diversity Committee this was validated by examples in A2. I dreamt of a fairy on an earlier version, I was encouraged to use this space tale life; to have a career, get married to a man without on a more personal level (ie have less emphasis on dowry, have mutual respect for each other and to live theory). Consequently, I have stretched my ‘comfort zone’ happily ever after looking after our individual sets of – which hasn’t been easy – so I have also used some parents (Cultural Scripting). Cultural Parent messages theory to protect my vulnerabilities and to ensure self- from community Cultural Scripting (White and White, care. 1975) was further reinforced by media, myths, symbols Using myself as a model, I etch my journey starting and Bollywood films. Respect for elders, family honour from India and culminating in Great Britain. and family responsibility were key core messages. My Born in a small village in the traditional dominant Cultural Etiquette dictated that since I was a girl I patriarchal society of India, I was welcomed as the first needed to take the stereotypical role of women: be softly born child (OK:OK life position) by the group culture that spoken, subservient, keep smiling, be modest, crack believed I was auspicious, a reincarnation of Goddess dumb jokes and not show off my intelligence as that Lakshmi, harbinger of wealth. Two years later when my would label me as arrogant, controlling and vain. sister was born, group character dictated the group to Believing my dream I did my higher education, express expectation of a male heir. I grew up in the 1970s submitted my PhD, took exams and secured a profession in an independent India where after two decades of as a lecturer in a government sector. My script matrix freedom, India was shaping its dreams under the third (Steiner, 1966) had driver behaviour like be strong, please time re-elected Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi. To others, be perfect and try hard from my parents and I bridge the gender gap and overpopulation, she was used that modelling to secure a good career. Where, in promoting increments, family planning campaigns and so terms of transformation at the individual level and group on (Technicalities, Drego, 1983). character (Berne, 1963), along with my like-minded In my magical thinking P1, I dreamt a life as an equal friends, I could voice my passion and feelings openly woman OK:OK in new emerging India, visioning India as (A2) updating my viewpoints by reading, awareness, talks OK:OK, and on a par with other dominant cultures with on feminism, media, group discussions, debates on issues its own identity and self-worth. On a national level, like gender, caste, sex, mental illness and post- where India was creating its own identity, the group colonialism. On a social level I could feel the Cultural character expressed its openness through Cultural Parent Shadow and felt angry towards our hypocritical society reality testing decisions like sending us daughters to a high paying convent education rather than investing ‘One of the biggest learning edges for money for our future as dowry (Goulding and Goulding, 1979). I felt validated in my coeducational Christian me at the [TA] training was to claim my school where we had equal rights with boys in terms of space.’ sport, extra-curricular activities, studies, exposure to sex

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Diversity & Social Responsibility

that stigmatised and shamed people with mental illness. I sensitivity was lacking. found the traditions oppressive, claustrophobic and One of the biggest learning edges for me at the limiting. training was to claim my space (autonomy). With time I The new emerging modern woman who wanted to hit gained confidence and was quite potent in my workplace the glass ceiling had many hoops to jump through in a and general relationships. However, even after 500 hours patriarchal society. There was deep fear in the P1 and in of client work, I could find it frustrating and go into my C1 in my Child ego state where for women to get a right script, particularly with my husband, and more so when balance between career and marriage, ended up as my mother-in-law would arrive from India to visit us for spinsters and were stigmatised as they missed the six months at a time. I felt rubber-banded in my own ‘marriageable age’. A few of my friends again ended up home and felt the need to escape. I felt a threat to my in a divorce as they couldn’t comply with orthodox beliefs marriage and although my husband was sympathetic, I and stood up for their self-worth and respect. wanted things to change. (Persecutor on Drama Triangle, My P1 dictated me to go ahead with an arranged Karpman, 1968, playing the Game ‘do me something’, match but Cultural Parent gave me freedom to check it in Berne, 1964.) My British friends thought that I was a safe way if I was happy with the match and considered supposed to be traditional and may be struggling with life it suitable A2. When I got married, because of my modern as I was in the UK. It pained me to remain quiet to save upbringing, I struggled with adjusting in the joint family honour and respect of elders. During this struggle matrimonial family that was very orthodox and of mine, I had a run of three Indian clients who presented traditional. My husband, because of the respect for his themselves with similar themes. There was a lot of parents and being the responsible older son and countertransference and an introspection of my own ‘masking’ to be modern, felt stuck, and the ‘archaic part process, and I found myself giving permission to my of his child responded viscerally’ being a part of Cultural clients, and inviting their Adult to reality test, whether to Cradle (Vago, p303) and was rendered helpless in front of continue with the old age traditions which was weighing controlling, punitive Cultural Parent. As a result of stress them down, or to keep doing karma selflessly. Having and the pressure to adapt, he decided to escape (flight these clients at this crucial stage in my life, I felt great response) from India to Great Britain. empathy and connection with them. Self-reflection, For me, Britain symbolised the ‘illusion of autonomy’ synthesising similar issues in supervision, suddenly there (Berne, 1970) and reminded me of the town I grew up in, was this light bulb moment and realisation that my providing me with freedom, adventure and spontaneity. I Etiquette was still expecting my husband to speak for me. dreamt of our new life together. Again for me when native Once I realised this discount, I was able to create that people would apologise for the wrongs done in the past space for myself and I could see how I had internalised or talk of colonialism I thought that was the past and in my own oppression by responding to the archaic way the ‘here and now’ we are all equal. Like in my own PhD embedded in my Cultural Cradle. thesis on ‘The Cultural Other in the writings of DH I am surprised to see how many of us Indians have Lawrence’, Lawrence details his insight to see potential accepted Britain as our home, not because of our choice, in all cultures for reconstruction of the ‘self’. but as an escape from the influence of the traditions and Having had a career in India, it was a joy and blessing Cultural Parent. We sometimes struggle when parents to be able to spend time with children (four years, and and in-laws visit us from India, particularly with their seven months) and not worry about finding a paid job. expectations for the old traditions to be continued. Where Amidst settling, my husband finding his feet in his career, for some of us, especially first generation British Asians, and my mother-in law’s long visits to the UK, I managed we want to integrate and make a difference to society and to attain Level 1, 2 and 3 of my counselling course. In make it easier for our children, there is a strong 2011 when my younger child was six, I enrolled for a expectation from Cultural Parent to restore traditions Foundation Degree in Counselling based on TA. leading to crisis. I absolutely loved the course and gained huge India is progressing at such a pace with role models awareness from self-reflection and an understanding of like Deepika Padukone, a well-known Bollywood actress. myself. TA helped me to find my own identity and self- She spoke openly about her battle with depression and set worth. I was able to analyse my script and break away up a mental health charity, Live Love Laugh Foundation, from certain stereotypes. I had support from peers and under the chairpersonship of her TA therapist Mrs Anna tutors but felt a sense of loss when a couple of clients Murthy destigmatising and normalising mental health by with Indian backgrounds requested for a change of her openness, and giving permission to our society to counsellor because of confidentiality and stigma. In come forward. I feel British Asians, for whatever reason therapy I experienced frustration when the relationship we are here, need to open up and look into the Cultural between my therapist and I was ruptured: an Scripting and shadows of the Cultural Parent to address appreciation of Indian culture and depth of cultural our cultural oppression (Berne, 1964).

THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018 21 Diversity & Social Responsibility

References Berne, E., (1963). The structure and dynamics of News and update from the organizations and groups. New York: Grove Press Berne, E., (1964). Games People Play. New York: Grove D&SR committee Press Drego, P., (1981). Parenting in Social Process. Tasi WORKSHOPS AND RESOURCES MANUAL Darshan, 1(6), 233-245 Drego, P., (1983). The Cultural Parent. Transactional Analysis Journal, 13(4), 207-216 HE DSR COMMITTEE is pleased to announce Drego, P., (1996). Cultural Parent Oppression and that during the recent months, we have been busy Regeneration. Transactional Analysis Journal, 26 (1), 58- Tworking on various ways we could support TA and 77 non-TA supervisors, trainers and trainees with topics on Erikson, E., (1963). Childhood and Society (2nd ed.). New diversity and social responsibility. York: Norton We are extremely proud of our work so far, and would Ernst, F., (1971). The OK Corral: the grid for get-on-with. like to share with you all that in January 2018 we Transactional Analysis Journal, 1(4), 231-240 successfully delivered our first workshop in Leeds at the Goulding, R., and Goulding, M., (1976). Injunctions, Horsforth Centre! After our presentation there, and Decisions and Redecisions. Transactional Analysis having received positive and extremely encouraging Journal, 6 (1), 41-48 feedback from the participants, the DSR committee is Karpman, S., (1968). Fairy Tales and Script Drama now planning to deliver two further workshops; one in Analysis. TAB., 7(26), 39-43 London on SEPTEMBER 15, 2018, at the Metanoia Steiner, C., (1974). Scripts People Live. New York: Grove Institute, and at the Berne Institute on March 22, 2019. Press With the help and support from our TA community, so Stewart, I., and Joines, V., (1987.) TA Today: A New far we have been fortunate enough to deliver our Introduction to Transactional Analysis. Nottingham, workshops at no cost to the participants. However, post Lifespace our second presentation in September 2018, and in order White, J., and White, T., (1975). Cultural Scripting. to make our future workshops financially viable, we Transactional Analysis Journal, 5 (1), 12-23 envisage to price these at a rate that would be attractive Vago, M., (1977). The Cultural Cradle. Transactional and affordable to as many individuals as possible. Analysis Journal, 7(4), (303-305) Our future plan is, provided there is sufficient ongoing demand, to run two workshops per annum. These workshops are open to everyone interested in enhancing diversity work within their own practice, and in the training establishments they may be involved in. In addition to delivering workshops, the DSR committee is also pleased to announce that we have now produced a Resource Manual that offers all readers an insight to the diversity and social responsibility work that we have carried out so far as a committee. This includes research on funding, and other support, available to prospective trainees on low income, as well as details of training establishments that currently offer such support to help trainees embark on their TA Psychotherapy profession. Our Resources Manual will be available to everyone who visits UKATA’s website. Our aim is to keep you all updated with the excellent work we are carrying out as a committee and we Divya Sharma completed her welcome any questions, comments or feedback you may Foundation Degree in 2014, based in have about our workshops and Resources Manual. TA. She currently volunteers at a local GP surgery and also runs a We look forward to you emailing the DSR committee at small private practice. [email protected]

22 THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018

Book reviews

REVIEWS Introduced by MARION UMNEY

am writing this as I prepare to go that story-making is a fundamental component of what it is to the UKATA conference and my to be human’. I’m not sure I will buy this book at the Ithinking has been focused on the moment, not because it doesn’t intrigue me, but more theme of the conference and on the because I don’t think I have time or space at present to workshop I am delivering there. enjoy it, but when I want to rekindle some of that early When considering the range of excitement with TA it will be on my reading list. books which I know are available to Marion Umney, TSTA, support and inform the work we do [email protected] and the reviews of two very different offerings, I am struck by how easily I can hone in on just one aspect, albeit just for a while, and What Counsellors and Spiritual forget how broad and rich the intellectual and emotional Directors can learn from each other landscape is. In particular it was Owen Griffiths’ comment at the end of his review which brought me back. He says Edited by P. M. Gubi ‘This land of human flourishing cannot be claimed by any Published by Jessica Kingsley, 2017 discipline as its territory alone without reducing humanity itself.’ I love the idea that in our work we inhabit a ‘Land of human flourishing’ which has many aspects and cross overs both within our own discipline and with others. This is what I also liked about the books reviewed here. What Counsellors and Spiritual Directors Can Learn from Reviewed by OWEN GRIFFITHS Each Other edited by P.M. Gubi and reviewed by Owen Griffiths explores one of these crossovers, that between IS RING-FENCED TIME for spiritual devotion counselling and psychotherapy and spirituality. In Owen’s having just finished Martin Buber prepared to opinion this is done in a sympathetic and thoughtful way Hget on with the rest of his day when the familiar and, while not perfect it does what it says on the tin ie this sound of a visitor at his door disturbed his routine. Within series of essays reflects ‘the beginning of a conversation moments the Talmudic scholar and philosopher found between two disciplines – spiritual accompaniment and himself in conversation with a young man seeking his psychotherapy’. advice. He recounts this seemingly mundane event with The sense of a good review for me is always whether I obvious pain in his book Between Man and Man. The am clear about whether I would like to read this book or not conversation was itself without incident or note, but, for and I am certainly intrigued by this one. Buber, that was the precise reason for its significance. He The second book reviewed this month is This is Me! answered the young man’s questions – he was frequently Becoming who you are using Transactional Analysis by sought out by young people searching for answers – but Lieuwe Koopmans, reviewed by Giles Barrow. Giles’ review he never thought to wonder what questions his visitor also gave me some sense of a book focused on a was failing to ask. Some time after his questioner had crossover; this time between the world of the transactional departed Buber found out about his death and regret at analyst and the world of the uninitiated, maybe TA101 the missed opportunity to genuinely dialogue with him holder, maybe not. I remember reading Counselling for instantly flooded his conscience. Toads and Born to Win both referred to by Giles as books in This event and the contradiction of zealously observing a similar vein, as a beginning foundation student. I a time of spiritual reflection and yet missing the needs of remember the excitement I experienced as I saw different a fellow human being persuaded Buber that God is not aspects of myself. I wonder sometimes if I have lost that found in the quiet hour of pious devotion, but in every excitement in the complexity of many of the works I now moment and every encounter with another. From that read. I also loved the concept of a personal development time on he no longer divided the world and his journey being conceptualised as a play where, as Giles experience of it into the secular and the spiritual, the says, ‘the acts are prefaced with Shakespearian references profane and the holy. Rather he started to live in the light and the author works each TA concept around the notion of the sacredness of the everyday.

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Book reviews

As a representation of the difficulty of defining ‘At times the relationship between spirituality Buber’s tale is significant. Variously described as a search for meaning, an experience of the spiritual accompaniers and transcendent, a participation in the numinous or a quest psychotherapists has been one of for the sacred, the essence of spirituality can’t be easily expressed; a difficulty that is only compounded when a mutual suspicion. And yet, as this book spiritual guide of the stature of Martin Buber breaks succeeds in demonstrating, this territory down the dividing wall between the profane and the holy. is a shared landscape.’ It seems that every expression of spirituality is but one species of a vast genus. The challenge this menagerie of spirituality presents to the therapist is clear and it is one that drives Gubi to mood and style as to greet the reader like a welcome compile and edit this collection of essays. This is the meadow offering a respite from the technical challenges beginning of a conversation between two disciplines – of the high peaks. Kryimba introduces us to the familiar spiritual accompaniment and psychotherapy – that theme among Christians of the potential for growth even themselves contain a vast array of theories, traditions and in the worst of experiences, but does so with a reassuring practices. Gubi’s starting position is that, despite this, authority and sensitivity of someone who has worked for they have more in common than practitioners of either many years with clients suffering from PTSD. might realise. One difficulty Gubi clearly appreciates in Two criticisms need to be made. First, as the editor attempting to encourage dialogue is that each party to himself acknowledges, the book is overly concerned with this conversation wishes to guard its own territory, which forms of spirituality belonging to the Christian faith. It it has often seen as having been transgressed by the needs to give greater consideration to spiritualities within other. It is certainly also the case that at times the other religions to be a true representation of the relationship between spiritual accompaniers and conversation that needs to be had between the psychotherapists has been one of mutual suspicion. And disciplines. yet, as this book succeeds in demonstrating, this territory Second, the work is deferential to the point of is a shared landscape. complacency towards spirituality. In my opinion, if At times the naiveté this work wishes to dispel breaks spirituality is to be taken seriously within the the surface of its own text, particularly in relation to its psychotherapeutic community then its role in hindering portrayal of the therapeutic process, which, in the chapter as well as promoting flourishing needs to be ‘Contemplative approaches to educating spiritually acknowledged. For example, elements of clients’ literate counsellors’ is characterised as an exercise in spiritualities will exist as contaminations, having been problem solving. At other times the reader is left internalised from authority figures or survived as relics wondering whether the book’s portrayal of spiritual from an earlier magical world. Furthermore, accompaniment is not simply a reinforcing of consideration also needs to be given to the lasting and psychotherapeutic good practice. But this occasional profound effects of spiritual abuse in shaping a person’s conflating of the two disciplines serves to emphasise their script in a way that inhibits their flourishing. closeness and ultimately to reinforce the book’s central Conversations require respect and dialogues demand purpose, which is to argue for closer co-operation and trust. As an attempt to encourage further mutual greater mutual understanding. engagement and cooperation between psychotherapists Overall the contributors succeed in mapping this and spiritual accompaniers Gubi manages to introduce shared but often unfamiliar territory in a way that will be the reader to much that is good and necessary in the helpful to psychotherapists and spiritual accompaniers work of both. The psychotherapist, in particular, will find alike. For example, in his own chapter on prayer Gubi here a helpful overview of the topography being expertly signposts the potential benefits of a spiritual navigated by those concerned with the spiritual well- accompanier praying with a client, but also the many being of others, and will find it to be a helpful as they therapeutic pitfalls that lie along this particular path, look to develop their capacity to work with a client’s such as the danger that it will, in TA terms, reinforce a spirituality. This land of human flourishing cannot be client’s discount of their own capacity to solve problems. claimed by any discipline as its territory alone without The chapters on helping the dying and post traumatic reducing humanity itself. It is best we learn to speak the growth (written by Ruth Bridges and Nikki Kryimba language of those with whom we share it. respectively) are supreme examples of the synthesis of the spiritual and psychological this book is advocating. OWEN GRIFFITHS, practices transactional analysis Bridges approaches her difficult subject with great within the context of his community work in the South sensitivity. Her contribution is such a change of pace, Wales Valleys.

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Book reviews

This is Me! Becoming who you are ‘There is something refreshing in using Transactional Analysis reading about a concept like ego states by Lieuwe Koopmans treated with all the expertise of an established practitioner, yet stripped of Published by Sherwood Publishing: Hertford, 2016 theoretical complexity that can clutter the basis of a good idea.’

Reviewed by GILES BARROW ‘dumbing down’ material, or losing engagement in an HIS NEW TITLE from Sherwood Publishing is overly technical approach. I think Koopmans finds the very much in the tradition of bringing TA to a balance – purists, I am sure, will disagree. Twider public. Lieuwe Koopmans sets out in offering In recommending this title it’s important to appreciate a range of TA core concepts intended to engage the what it is, and what it is not. For those seeking a textbook reader curious to establish a more authentic way of being or technical account of TA then this will not be for you. I in the world. It’s an attractive, well written path through was aware throughout that the approach is rooted in a a series of personal development stages aimed at re- (northern) European frame of reference, although I think connecting with ‘becoming who you are’. that it will carry across outside of the region. It’s a good TA practitioners will be familiar with the content; ego- little book, delivers on what it sets out to do and deserves states, physis, autonomy, script, strokes, games – much of its place alongside those other titles setting to bring great the TA101 is here, freshly rendered in the context of a ideas to the widest readership. personal development journey. There are additional ideas, including transference, attachment and bonding all held in a coherent format tracing the building blocks of GILES BARROW TSTA(E) is a teacher, trainer, educator who we are. While the content may be familiar, the with experience in schools, adult and community narrative structure maybe less so. Koopmans frames the education and TA training and supervision. He is the stages of development as acts within a drama, each titled author of numerous books and articles. Combined with his as phases in an overarching five act play. The acts are professional educational work Giles runs a small farm in prefaced with Shakespearian references and the author rural Suffolk, which is the base for teaching and learning works each TA concept around the notion that story- amongst children, young people and adults. making is a fundamental component of what it is to be human. References This is Me! reminded me of some of those early TA Jongeward, D., James, M.(1996). Born to Win. Decapo. titles; for example – Born to Win and Counselling for de Board, R. (1998). Counselling for Toads. Routledge Toads. These books were aimed at popularising powerful psychological ideas for a more universal non-specialist readership. There is something refreshing in reading about a concept like ego states treated with all the expertise of an established practitioner, yet stripped of theoretical complexity that can clutter the basis of a good idea. Koopmans keeps it simple enough to carry his project and build momentum. There are plenty of references and comments for exploring the basic concepts for the curious reader. The book will be a handy point of reference for those who want to find out more about how TA applies to themselves, those who may have been especially engaged by the TA101 experience, or those new to TA training. It will be equally appropriate for those of us who are more experienced in TA and want others to understand a little of what it’s about. The style is accessible and the writing very readable; Koopmans enjoys telling a tale. In seeking to address the non-specialist reader, the author is obliged to tackle the dilemma of potentially

THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018 25

New writing

Asperger’s in (and outside) the therapy room – 9 In the ninth of this series about working with clients who have been, or may be, diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, PETER FLOWERDEW looks at creating dialogue by ‘weaponising’ the discount matrix BELIEVE THAT the contents of this series is relevant TYPE to all fields of TA. To create a quality of relationship 1 LEVEL Ibetween an NT and an Aspie2 that fosters mutual Stimuli Problems Options understanding, acceptance, valuing and trust is not just T1 T2 T3 for individual therapy in the therapy room: Existence The existence The existence The existence – It is relevant in working with couples and families; a of stimuli of problems of options number of Aspie/NT couples have reported profound positive changes to their relationships and parents have obtained an insight into the challenges their children have T2 T3 T4 and understanding and support are the result. Significance The The The significance/ significance significance – It is relevant to providing a learning environment meaning of of the of the options adapted to the needs of Aspie children; a number of the stimuli problem counsellors, teachers and parents have recognised T3 T4 T5 Asperger’s traits in their schoolchildren, and adapted their Change The change- The The expectations and relational style accordingly, and some possibilities ability of the solvability of change-ability very young children have received a formal diagnosis, stimuli the problem of the options releasing funding and support for them in school. – It is relevant to teaching members of organisations, how T4 Own T5 T6 to create a working environment and a quality of working Personal capacity to Own capacity Own capacity relationships that permit Aspies to be integrated and to abilities change to solve to apply stimuli/react problems options thrive, contribute to and enhance the success of the differently organisation. I have attended meetings with HR personnel, and line managers, to resolve relational and communication problems involving Aspies working in c.f. Cornell et al Antecedent Problem Consequences local government, in schools and in commercial 2016 (past) (present) (future) organisations – in each case the resolution of the Stewart & Joines 2012: Challenging perceived problem has led to positive outcomes in terms Challenging Challenging denial about denial about denial about of performance, job satisfaction and mutual valuing and how we got the present future trust. here problem outcomes The topic of this article is a tool, a technique, that adds to the repertoire of my clients, both NT and Aspie, but it was first developed to confront denial with people addicted to mood altering chemicals, and then taught to Figure 1: Reframing the discount matrix teenagers, as a tool for assertiveness. I then modified it slightly for my work with couples, as a tool to identify and help us ‘fight back’ is a ‘weapon’. I am going to share a challenge discounting, thus resolving Rackets and Games simplification and re-framing of the discount matrix, to in the relationship; and forming the ground for a warm, turn it into a tool, to empower people to confront, and affectionate, intimacy. challenge others, in order to discover who ‘is on their Why the title? In the context of ‘confronting’, side’ and keep themselves safe in non-ideal relationships. ‘challenging’ and ‘standing up for yourself’ stating ‘where you stand’ and what you want from someone who Drug treatment may not wish to ‘concede’, requires courage, and that When I began my TA training I was working with clients means that on some level we are ‘fighting’; and a tool to who had addictions, mostly to heroin or alcohol and the

26 THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018

New writing

most exciting theory of the first year was the discount Anger management matrix: because here was a road map, a treatment plan, When I started working with children, I realised that for working with denial. I loved it but it was the one piece many had never had the resolution of difference, of TA theory that I could not share with my clients; it was misunderstandings or disagreements modelled in their too complicated. family. They would come, angry, frustrated, and in trouble Over time I found myself discussing the existence and because their angry feelings got expressed in angry the significance of major problems that they were behaviour; shouting, intimidation, violence; either discussing; and the possibility and desirability of making emotional deregulation or behaviours that had been different choices. modelled for them. Discounting was almost always on the level of They were experiencing something that angered them; 'Significance'. other people were responding in a way that did not work What I was intuitively doing was working in a single for them. They were experiencing discounts; so now column of the matrix, as indicated at the base of Fig. 1. these steps became a tool for assertiveness. (See Fig. 3) The model of Antecedents, Behaviour, Consequences, Some Aspies have trouble identifying their feelings, so was already being used by CBT trained therapists. Now I they may need help to express the significance of what is think of, happening in language that is meaningful to them and • Present: Accept that there is a difficulty. understandable by NTs. When working with clients who • Past: What led to being in this difficulty. are developing friendships or romantic relationships, the • Future: What can be done to minimise the significance is that ‘I don’t like/want that’ – and in a impact going forward or avoid this situation in the future. relationship where you say you care, that should be Now, just one column of the grid is considered at a reason enough for change. (See Fig. 4) time, as shown in Fig. 2, and this was my CBTA With most clients, we will draw this diagram with the (Cognitive Behavioural TA) approach to working with statements to be made to the other person filled in below people on a community drug addictions program. each step. Then I can coach them on how to say what It indicates a clear line of contracting, from they want to say. Then they take that with them. In one clarification of the problem to commitment to change that diagram we have the Awareness of what they want, the the client has identified as feasible for them, in a way that Permission to act on that awareness and the Program, the is easily communicated. It automatically gives Adult means to deliver the message. responsibility to the client and clear indications of The most generalised form that I teach to students, Fig. progress. 5, is framed as the ‘bullseye’ form of a negative This diagrammed, structured, approach can also conditional stroke – because you can hit every level of ‘anchor’ Aspies in an otherwise potentially stressful discount in one sentence. ‘open-ended’ process. Even the purpose of ‘exploration’ is Being able to express to another person what it is that given a place. reduces your comfort or trust in a relationship is the way

What might What comes next? What is So this is what needs that change your decision? to change look like? How Now we have might that an explicit change be behavioural made Personal ability contract Change Direction of possibilities movement

Significance

Existence Why there is a problem

What we are talking about

Figure 2: From denial to change. Diagramming a treatment plan

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New writing

YES Then we have an agreement Will you do that? What I would Direction of like is... movement Now hold to the I feel... You can agreement or the Games negotiate here begin again. When you...

Figure 3: The version for assertiveness, Flowerdew, P. (2009)

to achieve a sense of safety. We cannot keep ourselves individual or the management of change in an safe if we are unable to protest and be heard. So, I organisation. The tools I have outlined are designed to consider this the single most important tool in improve personal relationships by addressing Rackets relationship building. My catchphrase is: ‘if I can tell you and Games; they are fundamentally relational, can be what I don’t like and expect to get less; and I can tell you placed within the model of Time Structuring (the next what I do like and expect to get more; then this article) and can be understood as sub-elements of the relationship is becoming more valuable to me”. discount matrix, as indicated in Fig. 6. The steps can be applied to the present situation, to A bit of theory the antecedents or the consequences. If applied to all I am aware that in educational TA (Napper & Newton, three, that creates the matrix (Fig.1). The steps and the 2000) and developmental TA (Hay, 1995) there are ‘step’ matrix can be applied to ‘self’ or the ‘other’ or to the processes based on addressing levels of discounting. ‘situation. These, I understand to focus on the development of an If the conditional negative stroke is not accepted, the

Thank you Then we have an agreement Will you do that? Next time, I want/would Direction of like/ prefer movement Now hold to the I don’t like it You can agreement or the Games negotiate here. begin again. You did/said Subjective Invitation to reality intersubjective contract Objective reality

Figure 4: The version for building relationships, Flowerdew, P. (2009)

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New writing

The one choice that we never had as a child and that we do have as an adult, is to walk away from a relationship Agreed that hurts us. But many people, ‘trained’ to tolerate the intolerable, do not see that as an option, or inhibit themselves from taking it. Thank you “And if that is too much to ask” Next time, I ...I have other choices want/would like/ prefer Will you do that? Now hold to the What I You have choices too agreement or the Games would like begin again. instead Why that There are choices matters

What I At least protest! experience

Figure 5: Steps to change a relationship. Flowerdew, P. (2009)

4. Our ability for change Agreed T5 Thank you 3. Potential T6 for change Will you do T3 that? 2.Significance T2 What I would like You have choices too 1.Existence instead T1 Why that T4 matters There are You can make choices a choice What I experience

Problem Solution Figure 6: Four steps to challenge, four levels of (Protest) (Exploration and negotiation) discount person using the tool can identify on which step the Stewart I. & Joines V. (2012). TA Today 2nd Edition. discount is occurring and address it; then move upwards Nottingham: Lifespace Publishing. through the remaining steps. 1 A Neurotypical: in this context, someone not an Aspie. I hope that you find these tools useful for yourself and 2 Someone with significant traits of Asperger’s Syndrome –unhelpfully for your clients. conflated with childhood autism in DSM5, but differentiated from it in ICD10

References Cornell, W.F., de Graaf, A., Newton, T., Thunnissen, M. (Eds) (2016). Into TA: A Comprehensive Textbook on Transactional Analysis. London: Karnac Flowerdew, P. (2006). Useful Ideas and Tools to Use (Based Peter Flowerdew PhD, CTA(P), PTSTA(P), has a private practice in on the Theories of Transactional Analysis). Bristol. He is Principal Trainer at Bristol: Self-published booklet Contact Point an RTE based in Bristol; Flowerdew, P. (2009). TA101 Presentation. Unpublished and Principal Supervisor at Help! Hay, J. (1995). Donkey bridges for developmental TA. Counselling, a charity providing Watford UK: Sherwood Publishing counselling and psychotherapy to Napper, R. & Newton, T. (2000). Tactics. Ipswich:TA young people. Resources [email protected]

THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018 29

Column: Grace notes

against the traditional money banking systems. The withdrawing of cash has been radically reduced in GRACE favour of contactless payment for small purchases. The concept of contact is usually seen as a boundary that allows us to navigate contact within therapeutic relationship. If there is growing dependence on NOTES XXV contactless payments how will this affect in real terms the payment for therapy but also the notion of contactless and DR SALMA SIDDIQUE wonders what gift boundaries within relationships? Gift giving usually involves contact and the actual handing over of a gift. I giving has in common with psychotherapy wonder if contactless payment complicates the individual’s relationship to money and if it can help or RE GIFTS ABOUT exchange, bartering or hinder the therapeutic relationship by the enactment of relationship building? Whose needs are being moments of transference and countertransference, losing Amet? Anthropologists have long studied the those all too familiar patterns of avoidance, and delaying concept of gift giving. How can we apply this to a therapy the end of the relationship through the ritual of reaching session? What does it have in common with transactional into the pocket to seal the deal and make a purchase analysis and positive strokes in counselling? within the treatment frame. The nephew of Durkheim, Marcel Mauss offered an As a therapist the concept of symbolic exchange is key anthropological theory of reciprocity to explain economic to theorising about self in relation to other by maintaining phenomena. This was important as economic transactions and organising social relations. Therapy is a relationship, need to be understood as a social phenomenon. Mauss’s calculated in monetary terms as a series of acts which (2002) thesis of gift exchange whether real or symbolic maintain a relationship in the constant process of compelled the recipient to make a return. All cultures negotiation of experience and knowledge for a particular create ways of exchanging goods and services. meaning. I can give an example within my own client Ethnographical evidence from Melanesia and Polynesia, work. ‘Andy’ (changed to protect privacy) is an ex-client suggests that societies possess elaborate markets for the in his forties with an interest in making miniature models exchange of economic and symbolic goods. of cars. Often he’d bring out his phone with images of Economic goods can be in material objects of partially constructed models. I felt this was a symbolic negotiated and agreed value such as cars or symbolic exchange, a production of his potency transcending value goods such as downloading entertainment or indemnity within a capitalist frame of reference, derived from insurance. Paying for therapy can be seen as both. There society’s understanding of masculinity during a time of is a fine line between receiving therapy as a gift, chronic ill health. A week before we stopped the work especially where there is no economic transaction, or as because he had been too ill to attend, Andy offered me a an exchange between two people which commits them to pencil drawing of a miniature car on a sheet of folded a relationship and an exchange of words and feelings paper that he would make once he recovered from this which, while not mutual in power, nonetheless involves a bout of ill health. The drawing was part-payment for transaction and a contract. holding a space in my client caseload. I understood it as Berne (2010), like Mauss, suggests that all systems a symbolic gift, holding meaning for our relationship. I entwine the individual and society into contracts of guess Berne (2010) was right to focus on communication momentary freedom and obligation. This informs a being the original and ultimate cryptocurrency. person’s psychological mindedness to see relationships References between behaviours, thoughts and feelings, and share the Berne, E. (2010). What do you say after you say hello. meanings of expressing self-interest and concern for London: Random House others. Working as a therapist in the voluntary sector I Durkheim, É., & Mauss, M. (1963). Primitive see this task as reproducing the systemic transaction of classification. London: Cohen & West relationships. Berne saw TA as a classification system. As Mauss, M. (2002). The gift: The form and reason for a therapeutic frame TA is mediated by the tension exchange in archaic societies. London: Routledge between commercial self-interest and the gift; these are Dr Salma Siddique CTA(P) PTSTA is a considered unsustainable attachments. clinical anthropologist, researcher and There’s been a marked change in financial transactions academic in counselling and from notes and coins in favour of cryptocurrencies or psychotherapy at University of Aberdeen. virtual currencies (digital decentralised from the banking She works with RTEs on a consultancy system of Bitcoins, Litecoins and Ethereum.) basis for research skills and CTA prep. Cryptocurrencies use decentralised mechanisms that go groups.

30 SPRING 2018 THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST Column: Wisdom’s children

their experience then my conversation with them has fractured into an exchange of monologues. Dialogue When someone is being open to my experience and my uniqueness then they are, in Buber’s terminology, confirming me, they are summoning me into being. This is not to suggest that they are being a role model to me, between spirits to think in those terms would be to transgress the distance that exists between us, our difference. Rather it is their being present towards me in all their OWEN GRIFFITHS marvels at Martin unrepeatable uniqueness that summons me into my own Buber’s understanding of our encounters with unrepeatable uniqueness. Nor is such transformational dialogue achieved when the uniqueness of each other the focus of either person is on satisfying their own needs. This follows quite logically from Buber’s AM NOT a man given to hero worship. As a boy understanding that we are summoned into being by the Superman, Batman and Spiderman all failed to presence of the other towards and for us. Our being, in Iinspire me. I am just old enough to remember the order to emerge, must likewise be focused on the final glistenings of Welsh rugby’s golden era in the uniqueness of the other and not on our own concerns. 1970s, but even the real life superheroes Gareth Edwards Buber also argues that to be aware of the uniqueness and Phil Bennett could not get this rugby-mad boy to of the other as it is imprinted on their disposition is to pretend to be them as he spun passes with his brothers in become aware of their spirit. This scholar of Jewish the street. My passes, kicks, tries and tackles were all my religious texts’ use of the word ‘spirit’ is significant as its own and I would lend them to no one else. I have simply Hebrew equivalent, ‘ruach’ also means ‘breath’. This is never done hero worship. Until now, that is. the life energy of every living creature and so to enter Martin Buber’s philosophy of dialogue has had its into dialogue with another is to experience their life- detractors and his lack of philosophical rigour has been force, it is to commune with their spirit. seen by some as a reason to reject his work outright. To my mind no other author I have read speaks with Nevertheless the ideas of this scholar of ancient Jewish such eloquence or respect about our encounters with literature have endured and been a guide to many as each other. No author I have read speaks with such they have navigated their way through the complexities power into my everyday or professional life. and dangers of this individualised modern world. Neither Starsky nor Hutch, or even the Bionic Man At the heart of Buber’s philosophy is a rejection of the ever found their way onto my bedroom wall. Having long inner and outer worlds of the human. This dualistic ago passed from the age of heroes into the age of icons I division of human experience could not find a place in can now imagine a picture of Buber dignifying the wall the worldview of a man steeped in Jewish tradition and of my study. But what room is there for ruach in a man philosophy. Jewish culture conceived of encounters who has been reduced to two dimensions? between people not as one individual perceiving another who stands outside of and apart from them and then References processing these perceptions internally, but as a dialogue Buber, M., (2002). Between Man and Man. Abingdon: between spirits. Routledge In the creative process that is a conversation, the Buber, M., (1958). I and Thou. Edinburgh: T&T Clark Ltd active ingredient is not the content of either participant’s Friedman, M., ‘Buber and Dialogical Psychotherapy’ in thoughts, but what happens between them. Frie, R. (Ed.), (2003). Understanding Experience. Hove: Transformation and growth are not led by self-knowledge Routledge or even by self-acceptance, but through ‘being made present by the other and knowing that we are being made present by him [sic]’ (quoted from Friedman). It is this encounter with the other that forms and transforms us; it is through dialogue that we grow. But to enter into Owen Griffiths is integrating his dialogue with another is not to merely engage them in work as a TA therapist with his role conversation. We succeed in dialoguing with others when as a church minister in the we remain open to their uniqueness and, therefore, Rhondda Valleys. difference. When the other is reduced to a mere content of my experience, someone I perceive and listen to, without respecting their uniqueness or being open to

THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018 31

Reflections

Poem: ‘DON’T’

By Richard Bamford

I can’t see, smell or touch you, Yet I know that you are there. This frightened feeling is not new, But impossible to share.

Fight, flight, freeze or flop, Run and hide or disappear. A panic that I just can’t stop. I drink this poison, fear.

I play dead, am left alone. My shadow side now cannot hurt me. Deep within my thoughts I roam. My senses shot and ever murky.

Like a rubber-band it snaps me back, Crippling cramps and illusion. The intensity it has no slack, It multiplies confusion.

A silence that can deafen me, Nonsensical frustration. Perspective lost like an absent key, My script a barbed narration.

Awareness of the present moment Can save the child inside me. A positive parental voice, Attuned I breathe in deeply.

Richard Bamford is in TA training at the Wealden Institute. His passions are music, reading and writing.

32 THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018

Membership Survey 2018

Membership Survey, 2018, results

This summary report, based on the outcome of February’s Membership Survey, forms the basis of the work Council is undertaking over the next few months to address your responses.

HUGE THANK YOU to all members who responded website? to the recent member survey. We really appreciate 283 answered, 0 skipped Ayou taking the time to offer your thought provoking Last year – 81 ideas, comments and views and such a clear insight into Last month – 119 what you want as members. We are listening! Last week – 83 The summary report forms the basis of the work Council will be doing over the next few months to address your Q.4. What did you use the UKATA website for? survey responses. You can be kept up to date with this by 282 answered, 1 skipped accessing Council meeting minutes which are posted on the New membership or renewal – 139 UKATA website. Download info. – 58 Check your practitioner listing – 11 UKATA Members Survey, February, 2018 Something else – 74 (Direct quotes in italics) Conference info, New member browsing, Training info., There were 2 comments overall about the difficulty with search for specific info. (working with children/ online), completing this survey. contact details, find a form, check procedures, looking for Members surveyed; 845. Members Responded; 283 research papers, trainer/ exam handbook/ info., Upcoming Members in each category; events, view ethics code/ policies, promote training, find a Subscriber/ with EATA – 28/1 practitioner, news/ newsletters/ Transactional Analyst, Student – 448 UKATA Diploma info., 101 Curriculum, membership Diploma UKATA/ RTE – 16/53 category info., watched interviews, Safeguarding info, ‘cant TA Practitioner UKATA/ RTE – 10 remember’ Contractual Trainee/ CT’s with UKATA Dip./ RTE Dip./ TA Practitioner – 61/12/1/1 Q.5. How easy to navigate, do you find the Members’ Area CTA – 112 on the UKATA website? TSTA/STA/TTA/PTSTA/CTAT – 41/2/0/67/0 277 answered, 6 skipped New members (of the total) - 117 Easy – 56 Moderate – 172 Q.1. What category of UKATA membership do you Difficult – 49 currently hold? ‘Exam information. It was an extremely confusing experience 281 answered, 2 skipped because there were so many documents, many of which Subscriber – 8 turned out to not be relevant. A clearer layout and signpost Student – 117 would be much appreciated. I became disheartened by the Diploma UKATA/ RTE – 18/15 fact finding process...I would imagine many people would TA Practitioner - 8 give up at that point.’ Contractual Trainee – 21 ‘Actually I wanted to see when I last paid and what date my CTA - 33 renewal was due. I could not find this information on my TSTA/STA/TTA/PTSTA/CTAT – 61 profile.’

Q.2. In which field is your membership? Q.6. Have you ever used the following? 279 answered, 4 skipped 87 answered, (more than one option available), 196 skipped Psychotherapy – 242 Live Forum on UKATA Website – 9 Counselling – 34 UKATA Facebook Page – 80 Organisational – 2 UKATA Twitter Page – 19 Educational – 1 Q.7. How do you make use of UKATA currently? What Q.3. When was the last time you used/ visited the UKATA would you like more of/less of? i.e. What UKATA member

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Membership survey 2018

benefits would you like to have? my trainees have decided to leave UKATA sadly because they 218 answered, 65 skipped feel that they have not received their money’s worth. They Some of the ways members said they use and find UKATA have joined the UKCP instead. One of them emailed UKATA membership beneficial (in no particular order of importance), and asked what the benefits were for her to remain a member. include: She was very disappointed by the response. On comparison to • To gain information, from a number of sources such as the BACP and UKCP she felt students received very little by individual committees for specific practitioner advice, the way of support information and quarterly magazines and UKATA website, policy updates, CPD, to keep updated bulletins were none existent. I’m in agreement. Can you professionally, newsletter, forms, exam requirements and please take this feed back on as a constructive criticism. I’m competencies, EATA handbook, news and training. concerned our students feel this way we have to do something Reading, (and contributing), to the Transactional Analyst to stop the defections.’ magazine. • Networking and a sense of belonging. This includes So before moving on to the second part of this question; viewing and contributing to the Facebook page. Some ‘What respondents want more or less of from their respondents serve on Committees and said they enjoy this membership’, a couple of quotes to reflect the diverse and role as part of their UKATA membership and one person who thought-provoking responses the survey generated. is retired, made it known that they maintain membership to ‘I “use” UKATA to connect with other TA people. UKATA also continue to support UKATA. has a role as a training organisation for counsellors and Practitioner listing, including finding colleagues for referrals, therapists. I have doubts about the apparent move into finding supervisors. “member benefits” as I think this creates internal tension • To find meetings and workshops, i.e trainers’ meetings, between the role of the organisation and what members CPD “expect for their annual fee”.’ To book conference, find conference information and get discounted attendance ‘UKATA supports RTEs, oversees training stuff, oversees • Membership renewal. exams and exam system, administers the training handbook As my professional body to maintain membership/ and changes. This is plenty, in my view. If people want an all registration with UKCP/ EATA singing, all dancing organisation that provides ‘member • To gain CTA qualification benefits’ over and above these, we would have either; a)pay Some respondents expressed concerns that their for it or b) ask lots more people to do even more things for membership of UKATA felt compulsory and that this was the free. I don’t think either of these are good options.’ reality for trainees who were working towards CTA qualification. Several of these said they would not be What members want more of; members if it wasn’t for this reason. • Membership process: There was a huge response to this • In addition to the above group, respondents said they and a call for the membership renewal process to be made didn’t see any benefits, UKATA membership had no use to simpler. Respondents felt it currently is over complicated and them or they were ‘too busy’ to access any of the the renewal form does not reflect the diverse membership, membership services, or membership was too costly. They i.e. Trainees would benefit from a simplified form, as much also said they would be unlikely to renew membership. of the current form was not relevant to them. It was also ‘I make little use of UKATA as membership is compulsory but noted that different price brackets could be implemented to little is offered in return. I’d like less arbitrary decision support unpaid trainees in placement and more flexible making that isn’t properly communicated to the membership membership rates. Members would like to receive renewal (eg, the ‘surprise’ questions on the membership renewal reminders by post and acknowledgement of their renewal by form). I’m not looking for member benefits. What I’d prefer is written confirmation, a certificate or membership card, and a a slimmed down organisation that doesn’t charge such a high written summary of their application. It was also noted that membership fee – one of the most expensive in the sector!’ the renewal form was biased toward the psychotherapy field ‘I find the yearly membership registration a very long and and this should be changed to reflect all four fields and difficult task which is arduous and not user friendly at all. allow individual responses. Clearer membership categories Many of our trainees have difficulties and complain about the were required. whole process. I would like to see some improvements there at No respondents expressed having had a positive experience least. For example. Could trainees just pay by standing order of membership renewal. and have their membership renewed automatically as the Here are a couple of direct quotes from respondents on this UKCP do with their trainee membership? An email to let them issue; know that this will take place a week before hand would give ‘I would like less psychotherapy tick boxes on the renewal them prior notice of the yearly fee. Can we all have a form, which is not designed at all for O or E people. Also it is membership renewal certificate every year sent to us? Eight of impossible to subscribe to UKATA as an ordinary member, the

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Membership Survey 2018

form will not allow it. Please tell all the members that as this More presence in BACP/ UKCP magazines is a gateway for UKATA the form will be changed so that More effort to engage BME, LGBTQ, disabled and UKATA is fully inclusive once again. Bet you don’t though...’ socioeconomically disadvantaged people. More public recognition. ‘I’d like a lot less complication in the subscription renewal Appoint a non-TA business trained CEO process. I understand that you want to ensure that trainees ‘I would like to see UKATA promoting inclusion by are carefully attending to their studies and are supported by recommending all RTEs have disabled facilities to be their RTEs and supervisors but the job of subscription renewal accredited. I would also like UKATA to lobby to reduce the is simply to renew subscriptions. I found it hard to understand use of qualified therapists in unpaid posts. This is devaluing why I had to give details of my goals for next year and the whole profession. I would also like UKATA to move provide feedback from my supervisor, simply in order to pay forward on addressing the issues around access to training, my membership fee. That’s part of a separate process.’ supervision and personal therapy for people in rural areas.’

‘The membership renewal form is a shambles and discounts ‘UK has a system of devolved government. Can we see this O and E people, as it is physically impossible to answer the modelled for UKATA? Would be good to see events in Wales, questions if you’re not a P person. I know of at least 4 O/E N. Ireland – This would increase democracy. UKATA people who have made up answers simply to get registered as consultations often feel like check-box exercises which would the process is biased towards to P people. If you are now a P be improved by allowing free text input. Clarity on the organisation please tell everyone so that O and E people can relationship between UKATA and Training Organisations - find a new organisation to belong to.’ who keeps what data, why, and for what use.’

‘Less bureaucracy in terms of membership renewal. Less ‘I would like UKATA to have an interactive human face – so policing of people who have been in practice for decades, i.e. much happens on IT-based systems this can increase the requiring supervisors’ signature.’ sense of isolation especially for members who live on geographical margins.’ • UKATA Website: Respondents found the website complex to use and navigate and would like this to be rectified with There were also some very positive strokes for UKATA an update. As acknowledged in Question 4, members used generally with many being: ‘happy with how things are.’ the website for a wide variety of reasons, noting that Specifically stating; although the information is there, and much valued, i.e. the ‘I like the news updates and conference details’ news, magazine and level of detail, it is often difficult to ‘Love the newsletter and share it with USA/ TAA’, find. It would be useful to have direct links to regional ‘Great conference info’, groups, EATA competencies, conferences, resources, online ‘Represents interests of the TA community in the UK’, booklets relating to practice issues and training events. Also ‘Ethical code is user friendly’, a section for queries. ‘Excellent face to face diversity day.’ It was noted that the SEO needs to be improved and a more ‘I use UKATA as my primary source of information about ‘functioning’ website made available to members. The training, exams, competencies, ethics and procedures via the practitioner listing was ‘difficult to find’ and one described training handbook and the various committees. These are our the website as ‘turgid and off-putting.’ The website also member benefits and I get irritated with the suggestion that needs to be ‘mobile friendly’ to view pages more easily. we don’t get enough for our money. Administering training UKATA (as an organisation): Many shared thoughts of how standards, policies and procedures, the examination process, they would like UKATA to develop and be recognised in the ethics and complaints is what we pay our UKATA fees for and wider field and it is apparent there is lack of clarity on aims all these processes are *still* dependent upon the voluntary of this. Some suggestions were: work of a large number of people. If members believe they Driving policy forward; e.g support changes to stop want *more* for their membership, they have to be willing to voluntary placements pay higher membership fees or ask more people to do more Higher profile for TA stuff for free. I don’t think the issue here is that members More resilient in negotiations with UKCP don’t get enough for their money: the issue is that council and More paid roles the various committees don’t argue the case more forcefully More standardised training to gain qualification to practice that our fees are actually used very efficiently to run an earlier infrastucture in order that the rest of us can practice ethically More open representation of all of the four fields as TA practitioners.’ Represent UKATA ON BACP/ UKCP committee Centralised communication for changes to policy • Member Benefits wanted: This section attracted the most Less rigorous monitoring of RTEs diverse range of comments, wants and needs.

THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018 35

Membership survey 2018

Bursaries and grants, discounted insurance/ CPD/ workshops Dictatorial style (emails) ~ UKATA magazine available to non-members ~ university Rules, policing and bureaucracy library access ~ more info./downloads/ research articles/ Unnecessary paperwork guidance i.e. data protection and safeguarding ~ Attacking and grudges accreditation ~ resources and CPD appropriate to all four Costs of conference fields and all levels of practitioner ~ checklists, resources Cost of membership and guidance for students, essays, exam prep. and newly Disorganisation qualified, including setting up private practice ~ better ‘I’m concerned that the major decisions that UKATA make are contact info. ~ ‘more membership surveys like this’ ~ alerts too heavily influenced by the RTEs and are designed to keep by text or email on changes to handbook etc. ~ technique some of the more prominent members in the RTEs happy videos ~ ideas on ways of sharing good practice ~ rather than be for the benefit of the whole community. We conference workshops videos available ~ routes to need a clear vision on what the purpose of UKATA is and then qualifications clearer and more supported ~ library of move in that direction rather than react to every issue that resources ~ colloquium (IARTA style) ~ online peer comes our way from UKCP or EATA.’ supervision ~ book reviews ~ more ‘face to face’ days ~ collated info. on groups and training days ~ opportunities to Q.8. UKATA Council currently communicate with members practice and placement vacancies ~ clearer exam docs and through newsletters, emails, consultations and at the AGM. info. ~ place to advertise as Diploma Qualified ~ Info. on Do you have any ideas how we can improve our supervisors ~ better networking opportunities, ads and communication with membership or anything else you communication between members ~ more events in the would like to add. (21/2/18) South West ~ to hear more from committees ~ more 143 answered, 140 skipped guidance and inclusivity for new members, students and 46 respondents were satisfied with the current different ‘career’ stages. ~ more relevant content on communication and did not suggest any changes. Twitter Facebook Page and requests for contributions, student and Facebook were appreciated by some but not all, focused discussions. especially the ‘open’ communication these provided, as were ‘Would like to see all relevant documents under the one the regular updates from Chair of Council and these member place. On journey to CTA – what do you need for each stage surveys. would be extremely beneficial and documents in same place for easy access. FB update when something new goes on site. ‘I think what you have been doing in the last few months has When paying membership in instalments you don’t receive been really good – opening up communications and being up-to-date logo until after the final instalments which means more clear on what’s going on. Your physical presences is your website logo is out of date for 4 months. Could this be important at conferences and events – and being open and changed as the agreement to pay in instalments is set up friendly to all members. This has been lacking the last few immediately.’ years and has really affected how I have viewed council And one benefit that got the greatest number of requests – (despite me knowing it’s a superficial thing to all your useful Access to the TAJ! hard work!).’ • More: ‘It’s too early in my membership to say, however all I’m OK – You’re OK; communication I’ve had with the office has been helpful and Respect for members and responsive friendly’ Transparency ‘The annual survey feels good. The tone of communications Consultation and co operation around decision making suggested that UKATA got into a Not OK position with Respect for autonomy and integrity members last year and this was a surprise to some of us who Notice of changes didn’t have an issue. It feels to me as if the Council does Pride in being TA excellent work (the safeguarding offering is amazing and Being held shows what a supportive, responsible organisation UKATA is). Trust in members Maybe more could be done to promote all of the great Sense of community, fun and values services UKATA offers, because it’s easy to forget from year to A friendly voice year. The new reporting system was a surprise, and maybe • Less: more could have been done to explain the need for that. Cost of training (prohibitive) Thanks for the opportunity to comment – the work undertaken In-fighting by the committee is much appreciated.’ Politics Renewal difficulties ‘disaster!’ • Suggestion for improvement included; Emails • emails: Are often wordy, too lengthy, need to be more Monitoring of members’ professionalism inviting and structured in layout. They are often formal and

36 THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018

Membership survey 2018

bland and spelling and grammar is poor, leading to an “bigger” issues’. unprofessional look. The type font could be larger to made reading easier. The timing of emails was thought to be • Another idea to enable communication with the wider haphazard and it was suggested that less individual emails community was that back issues of the Transactional Analyst and maybe combine into a regular newsletter which could be be made available on the public area of the website. more interactive, i.e. with links to videos etc. Emails linking ‘Make the AGM a place where key decisions or ratifications to one place on the website for communication. take place – those that have had some previous discussion use of the live forum on the website – encouragement of ‘Yes, I think newsletters and emails are good however I get so letters and discussions – key committee and council reports in many emails some get lost in the spam folder. I would like to the magazine – I think back issues of the magazine should be receive a quarterly or half yearly newsletter that comes at the available on the public area of the website, as a showcase of same time every time with bulletins updates on important the work we do, our creativity and therapeutic thinking, also issues conferences feedback on meetings and anything else to stimulate discussion and debate with other TA associations newsworthy.’ in the UK and globally.’

• Nature of communication: On sent emails or phone calls • RTE communication: ‘I (and others) are frustrated at the from members; they want a more prompt and polite lack of consistency between RTEs and their qualifications – response, which is less parental and more open to should be more promotion of what TA is in wider field of consultation. psychotherapy and the huge work required to gain UKCP Promote local TAGs. recognition.’ More face to face communication was desired with maybe Council member(s), attending regional events to share ‘I think a more creative personable newsletter format would updates. be better than long winded emails from chairs. Sections on There was a general sense that more communication with consultation, updates from various committees etc. again with members should take place before decisions are made, and an emphasis on simplicity and transparency. It seems to me that the cost of attending conference, (AGM) was prohibitive that consultation and listening is key given the drama that to communication. played out a few months back. Thank you for publishing the Council minutes should be published on the website. minutes of that meeting it reassured me greatly in terms of a There was a sense of ‘sadness’ at lack of I+ U+ dilemma I had around a mismatch between my values and communication between members progression with UKATA as an organising lead.’

‘Summary and commentary on issues being discussed and And finally…. examined; before formulation and proclamation at ‘Possibly a monthly survey of what’s working, what’s not. governance level. eg For and against articles on policy; Strokes and constructive criticism that may enable members interim qualifications, ethics issues; I offer Prospect magazine feel connected to UKATA.’ as an example; and the ‘ethical dilemma’ series in the BACP magazine.’ Once again a huge thank you for taking the time to ‘Again cost of conference will prohibit many from attending, respond. The summary report will form the basis of the which means the AGM will be restricted to a few. Email work Council will be doing over the few next months to communications can feel like knee jerk reactions, and aren’t address your survey responses. You can be kept up to date always written well.’ with this by accessing Council meeting Minutes which are posted on the UKATA website. ‘After the success of TA Tuesdays a couple of years ago (organised by Onlinevents), I wonder if it might be useful to have an online conference. This would reduce geographical problems and the associated financial concerns.... although I don’t think it should replace the face-to-face conferences! The AGM, I believe, is poorly publicised and not very well understood. I think the initiation of a members forum has been a good idea but it needs to be made accessible to people who cannot make it in person to the conference (I see that this survey may be a part of that!)’

Live chat/ Forum on the website; ‘may be useful to discuss

THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018 37 Triangle TA Group

CPD, mentoring and supervision for coaches, trainers, consultants, teachers, therapists, youth, health and social workers …..

Triangle TA Group (TTAG) is a new multi-level Transactional Analysis group based in the seaside town of Torquay, Devon, UK.

Joining TTAG will give you opportunities to: • Increase your communication skills • Improve your coaching practice “Lynda’s professional, • Enhance your training practice genuine and heartfelt • Work towards TA qualifications guidance in working with us • Receive supervision on your professional practice challenged me to a higher • Network with like-minded professionals level of professional and personal awareness. We Qualifications on offer are: had a wonderful, intense • Triangle TA Practitioner Award and rich two days!” • Developmental TA Certificate and Diploma • MSc Professional Development (DTA/DTA Coaching) Gabrielle Stein • Certified Transactional Analyst exam preparation Coach, Consultant and • Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst exam Trainer, The Netherlands preparation

Upcoming workshop dates: 21 and 22 June 2018 4 and 5 April 2019 17 and 18 October 2019 25 and 26 October 2018 20 and 21 June 2019 2 and 3 April 2020

Cost: £250 plus vat (individual rate) £350 plus vat (organisational rate)

So – whether you are interested in working towards TA qualifications, or are seeking continuing professional development with a psychological approach:

Visit www.lyndatongue.com for more details I came away with very useful tools to use with my clients. Sarah, workshop participant, April 2018

ENGAGING AND THOUGHT PROVOKING WORKSHOPS AND COURSES

Let’s Get Creative in Therapy 4 day Multi-Level Counselling Skills Wed 16th May 1st/2nd and 8th/9th September Consider diferent creative approaches to therapy 3 levels for beginners/intermediate/advanced counselling and explore how working in this way can be so powerful skills. Sessions will be tailored to the needs of those attending. and look at the challenges it may bring. Through We will draw from a range of theories with an emphasis on the experiential practice, this workshop day will give practical; learning skills to take away and use. plenty of opportunity to practice and try out a range of ways of working. Working in Private Practice Sat 13th October Psychosexual Issues in Counselling Do you want a thriving private practice? Is something holding Sat 19th May you back from starting up or being as successful as you want A workshop for counsellors, psychotherapists and to be? Or have you recently started up and are wondering students who want to build their competence, confdence how to grow your practice further and maintain a full and knowledge around working with sexual issues in the practice? A workshop to explore these questions. therapy room. Wellbeing / Open Evenings Introduction to Transactional Analysis 7pm – 9pm – Free Event 14th/15th July, 13th/14th October Weds 23rd May – Understanding and Improving Relationships A weekend course for anyone interested in learning Weds 11th July – Raising your Self Esteem about themselves and others and how this learning can help in living a better life and relate with others more Part-time Counselling/Psychotherapy satisfyingly. An internationally recognised course and a Training Courses great starting point for those considering counselling / 10 weekends a year between October and July, leading to psychotherapy training. national and international accreditation. APPLY NOW FOR COURSES STARTING IN OCTOBER 2018. Working with Boarding School Survivors Sun 8th July Drawing on the work of Nick Dufell and Joy Shaverein, The Link we will look at a theoretical framework for understanding Centre Training Rooms the particular challenges ex-boarders can present and are now at ways we can work with them efectively. The workshop Plumpton College, will include discussion and experiential exercises. East Sussex.

For more information or to discuss your requirements further please visit www.thelinkcentre.co.uk or call 01892 652487 www.thelinkcentre.co.uk

OPEN MEETINGS – NEW!

As a therapist, it’s easy to feel isolated at times. Our free, monthly social gatherings allow professionals to regularly meet at The Affinity Centre, Cheadle.

Each evening includes a brief presentation with plenty of time to chat over a cup of tea. For more information and to reserve your biscuit visit: https://affinitycentre.co.uk/gatherings/

Wednesday 16 May 7 - 9pm Wednesday 11 July 7 - 9pm What is Imago Relationship Therapy? What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Wednesday 13 June 7 - 9pm Starting a Therapy Practice - 5 Key Points

COURSES

An Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 14 & 21 May 2018 This course introduces you experientially to this research-based, behavioural model that incorporates mindfulness into everyday life. You will finish the course with techniques that you can use straight away. ACT is a great model for short-term, directive work for clients with single issues such as anxiety, depression, OCD and stress.

An Introduction to Imago Relationship Therapy 4 & 11 June 2018 If you are interested in learning this fantastic model of couples therapy then this two-day course is the place to start. Both founders of Imago trained with the Gouldings and so the connections with TA are abundant. Learn the fundamentals of Imago Relationship Therapy and valuable skills you can bring into your couple s therapy practice immediately.

An Introduction to Working With Couples 2 & 9 July 2018 Want to learn how to work with couples but have no idea where to start? This course focuses on the two fundamental principles of couples wo rk; bringing safety into the room and moving the couple into connection. Learn how to do this in practical ways using Imago Relationship Therapy, TA and ACT.

Find out about everything else!

Sign up to our monthly newsletter at https://affinitycentre.co.uk

Cheadle Office The Affinity Centre Wilmslow Office 7A High Street Psychotherapy – Supervision – Training 29a Water Lane

Cheadle [email protected] Wilmslow Stockport SK8 1AX https://affinitycentre.co.uk Cheshire SK9 5AR 0161 282 0259 @AffinityCentre 01625 529 099 § TThhee BBeerrnnee IInnssttiittuuttee Training in all fields of Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy, Counselling, Educational & Organisational

Director: Adrienne Lee BA TSTA

Upgrade your CTA to MSc

Masters’ Degrees in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy Transactional Analysis Educational Transactional Analysis Organisational

MSc by Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) If you have already qualified as CTA you are eligible to apply for the award of MSc via Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). You may begin the APL process at any time of year. The APL is primarily achieved through a presentation at a Professional Excellence Workshop (PEW). Please address your enquiry for MSc via this route to Mark Widdowson via [email protected]

You can also join our well-established training courses which lead to CTA/MSc. Students follow our existing TA training course (twenty days part-time training per year), which leads to a diploma and/or the CTA examination. The final written and oral exams for the CTA are also the final exams for the award of the MSc.

Formal enrolment on the Masters’ course normally takes place at the beginning of the third year of post-Foundation training. If you have already completed some TA training, you may be eligible to enter the course in a more advanced year. Our website will give you full information on admission and other course details.

If you are a STA or TSTA you can APL and achieve a Masters’ degree in Supervision.

For further details of all training courses, information on our programme of workshops, seminars and other TA events, or any other enquiries, please contact: The Course Registrar, The Berne Institute, Berne House, 29 Derby Road, Kegworth DE74 2EN, 01509 673649, Website www.theberne.com Email [email protected]

The Berne Institute - Promoting Excellence and Autonomy

Professional Excellence Workshops at The Berne Institute, UK

Dates: Sept 7/8/9 2018, 1/2/3 March 2019, 6/7/8 Sept 2019

Do you want to enhance your professional skills in TA? Then the Professional Excellence Workshops are for you! Whether or not you have an exam in view, these workshops offer you an excellent opportunity for

advanced training and supervision. You will have the chance to sharpen your TA skills, develop your professional identity and network with colleagues, in a supportive group setting.

The workshop leaders are Adrienne Lee, Ian Stewart and Mark Widdowson. As a team with in-depth experience of the PEW format, they offer you an outstanding environment for learning.

Activities typically include: Multi-level supervision, Tape presentation, Discussion of theory and ethics, Practice exams (CTA or TSTA), Supervised teaching, Personal work, Preparation for TEW. Workshop format is highly flexible. You list your wants and needs at the beginning of the workshop, and we tailor the programme contractually to suit you.

Fee is £395. Please send payment to register your application for a place. Please make payment in UK £ only, by Eurocheque, I.M.O., or cheque drawn on a UK bank, made payable to The Berne Institute.

For bookings and further information, please contact: The Course Registrar, The Berne Institute, Berne House, 29 Derby Road, Kegworth DE74 2EN 01509 673649 Email: via website, www.theberne.com

The Berne Institute - Promoting Excellence and Autonomy

Power! The political and social responsibility of the

practitioner 10 November 2018

North East Transactional Analysis Conference - Leeds

£68 per delegate

For further information or to book A dynamic day of discussion, development and perhaps visit netaconf.wordpress.com making personal decisions? We look forward to seeing returning email [email protected] and new attendees in the heart of Leeds, 5 mins from the rail station. or call 0113 2583399 Includes 5 hrs of CPD (Suitable for UKCP, CTA & BACP).

Warm, inclusive welcome to all therapy

practitioners, counsellors, psychologists and

therapists of any persuasion. We especially welcome TA practitioners from all fields. Sponsored by UKATA

South Liverpool

Expert Therapy and Training in a nurturing

and progressive environment

TA 101 course 7th & 8th July 2018 Dr. Celia Simpson PTSTA, UKCP Reg. 9th & 10th February 2019 Carol Wain PTSTA, UKCP Reg. 6th & 7th July 2019 Dr. Celia Simpson PTSTA, UKCP Reg.

This course is the Official Introduction to Transactional Analysis. Transactional Analysis is a theory of personality which offers useful models for understanding self, communication, and relationships. The course will be helpful to therapists, social workers, educators and facilitators, parents etc., as well as for individuals on the path of self-development.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road – Play and Creativity in Therapy

17th November 2018 Michelle Hyams-Ssekasi PTSTA, UKCP Reg. Aliveness and Deadness in Therapy

Date to be confirmed Carol Wain PTSTA, UKCP Reg.

Check our website for the latest information

TA Psychotherapy Training

Red Kite Training received its RTE status in 2016 and is offering training up to the CTA in Psychotherapy. The next rolling programme starts in September 2018 and includes certificated exit points. Please contact us for further information or to express interest.

For more information see www.theredkite.net or contact Brian Simpson (Business Director) at [email protected]

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RedKiteTherapyandTraining • Advanced Clinical Training in TA Psychotherapy • UKATA Diploma, CTA and Exam preparation We offer a rich and • Foundation Certificate In TA contemporary mixture of training • TA101 and Introduction to CBT

and development, in a warm and • CPD programme for new, experienced and advanced welcoming environment, focused practitioners on practising TA in the UK today. • Evening seminars • Warm and welcoming Foundation Certificate, UKATA Diploma & CTA programme – now interviewing for environment September start.

Our CPD events:

Introduction Level TA101 (both Leeds and Buxton) For psychotherapy Introduction to CBT First Steps to Successful Private Practice training that is fresh, up Counselling Skills to date and outward

Intermediate Level looking – with an Key to Couples Work 29/30 September 2018 exciting programme of Advanced Level Getting the Most out of Countertransference CPD opportunities 17 November 2018

Evening Seminars Held once a month on Saturday evenings 5.00pm – 7.00pm. Seminars combine networking & meeting colleagues with excellent training.

CPD Groups CPD Group days held in both Leeds and Buxton

For more information, see our website or

contact us using the details below. Our training takes place at The Horsforth Centre, North West Leeds and Buxton, Derbyshire www.tatraining.org [email protected] 0113 2583399

SYSTEMIC CONSTELLATIONS Theory, practice and integration

Facilitator Enid Welford, TSTA(P)

This course is aimed at experienced TA therapists who wish to understand the theories behind systemic work, how this fits with Transactional Analysis, and to develop some experience in the practice of Constellations.

11th and 12th October 2018 Principles and practice of Hellinger's constellation.

29th and 30th November 2018 Modern developments in constellations theory.

17th and 18th January 2019 Using systemic theory in one to one settings.

Times: 10am to 5pm.

Venue: Luther King House Brighton Grove Manchester, M14 5JP Tel: 0161 224 6404

Cost: £140 for each two-day module. Participants are expected to attend all modules.

Email: [email protected] for further details.

Contacts

UKATA COMMITTEES 2018-2019 UNIT 4, SPRING GARDENS, PARK LANE, ETHICS & PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (EPPC) CROWBOROUGH, Chair Ian Argent (Chair from 1/9/17) EAST SUSSEX TN6 2QN Enid Welford Tel/Fax: 01892 664615 Carol Wain Email: [email protected] Helen Davies Web: www.uktransactionalanalysis.co.uk [email protected]

UKATA COUNCIL 2018-19 DIVERSITY & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY (D&SRC) PRINCIPAL OFFICERS Chair Karen Minikin Chair of UKATA Cari Bishop Jones John Renwick Bena Armitage [email protected] Sue Brady John liaises with council members Pietro Cardile and is supported by council. [email protected], TRAINING & ACCREDITATION STANDARDS(TASC) Vice Chair Chair Sue Brady Bev Gibbons Pietro Cardile [email protected] John Paradise Treasurer Karen Minikin Jon Henderson Steff Oates [email protected] Chris Horton Secretary Jim Davis Chris Horton Marion Umney [email protected] [email protected]

UKATA COUNCIL 2018-2019 MEMBERS SERVICES (MSC) ORDINARY MEMBERS including website, PR &Marketing Bev Gibbons Chair Anita Webster Ros Sharples Jan Baker Anita Webster Rob Hardy Ros Sharples COUNCIL SHADOWS Susan Field Jan Baker RESEARCH COMMITTEE (RC) Chair Celia Chambers EX OFFICIO William Gomes (non-voting at UKATA council meetings) Nicky James Office Manager James Sweeney Shelley Walker Ros Sharples [email protected] [email protected] Tel: 01892 664615 The administrator deals with all aspects of the FINANCE COMMITTEE (FC) UKATA administration and membership. She is Chair James Sweeney mostly the first point of contact for members and the general public. ORGANISATIONAL, EDUCATION & COUNSELLING (OEC&PC) Chair Debbie Robinson Joe Holmes Susannah Temple [email protected]

46 THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018 Contacts

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE (CC) UKATA Written Exam co-ordinator Chair Rachel Curtis Helen Rowland [email protected] Rebecca Davies T: 0 7 9 4 9 5 2 4 8 1 9 Audrey Hodgkins Enquiries and submissions of written exams should Louise Tull be addressed to: Alana Burton Helen Rowland Litton Hall Barn, Litton SAFEGUARDING OFFICERS GROUP North Yorkshire BD23 5QJ Chair Bev Gibbons Deborah Wortman The Transactional Analyst magazine Jean Lancashire Editor, Ali Bird. Michelle Hyams-Ssekasi [email protected] T: 0 7 7 8 9 3 9 7 5 5 6 EXAM COMMITTEE Assistant editor, Dr Celia Simpson Chair Kathie Hostick [email protected] Frances Townsend Reviews editor, Marion Umney Marilyn Wright [email protected] Julia Tolley [email protected]

OPERATIONAL REVIEW TASK GROUP James Sweeney Jon Henderson Peter Flowerdew (consultant)

RTE CONSULTATION PANEL Lin Cheung Kathie Hostick Frances Townsend Leilani Mitchell

OTHER CONTACTS EATA Representatives: Cathy McQuaid Barbara Clarkson [email protected] Attends EATA meetings, reports to UKATA and IDTA Council and can serve on EATA committees.

UKCP Representatives: Ian Argent [email protected] Attend UKCP meetings, report to UKATA council and UKCP/HIPS committees

EATA Supervising Examiners Evelyne Papaux [email protected]

EATA English Language exam co-ordinator Gemma Mason [email protected] T: 0 7 9 7 4 1 3 4 2 6 The EATA English Language Exam Co- ordinator deals with the procedures and process related to the oral exam process

THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018 47

Contacts

Websites UKATA: www.uktransactionalanalysis.co.uk EATA: www.eatanews.org THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST ITAA: www.itaaworld.org ADVERTISING RATES UKCP: www.psychotherapy.org.uk Publishing dates and advertising copy deadlines The Transactional Analyst is published quarterly.

Copy deadline for editorial: 1 October; 1 January; 1 April; 1 July All editorial copy should be emailed to: [email protected]

Copy deadline for advertising: 15 October; 15 January; 15 April; 15 July for publication the following month. All advertising should be emailed to: [email protected]

UKATA Display Advertising (to be supplied exact size) Full page (250 x 165 mm) £80 member/£110 non-member Half-page (115 x 165 mm) £50 member / £80 non-member Quarter-page (115 x 80 mm) £35 member / £65 non-member

Contact the UKATA Administrator for a reference number and details of where to send the inserts.

[email protected] www.uktransactionalanalysis.co.uk

The Transactional Analyst Copyright © 2018 UKATA THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST MAGAZINE ISSN 2046-2697 The publishers accept no responsibility for the content or Editor: Ali Bird. [email protected] accuracy of this publication or any websites advertised in it. M.07789 397556 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be Assistant Editor: Dr Celia Simpson reproduced in any form or by any means, including [email protected] photocopy or any information storage and retrieval system, Reviews Editor: Marion Umney mechanical or electronic, without the permission of the [email protected] editor and, where appropriate, the author. Please address Editorial Board: Ali Bird, Celia SImpson, Valerie Heppel, Robin Hobbes, Melanie Lewin, Steff Oates, Marion any requests for permission to use material in the first Umney. instance to [email protected] The Transactional Analyst is published by the United The Transactional Analyst is designed and produced by Kingdom Association for Transactional Analysis (UKATA). Ali Bird. Printed digitally by AL Mailing, Ashford, Kent UKATA is affiliated to the European Association of www.al-mailing.co.uk T.01233 664770 Transactional Analysis (EATA) and is a member organisation of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).

THE TRANSACTIONAL ANALYST SPRING 2018