Transactional Analysis in Russia

An introductory speech from the editor-in-chief of the journal ”Transactional Analysis in Russia”. The article also provides an overview of the content of the journal’s spring issue no. 7 (volume 4, issue 1, 2024).

The development of personality psychology requires solving a number of methodological problems, one of which is the need to create a unified model of motivation behind the behavior of individuals. Thus, the ideas of Kurt Lewin have been becoming more and more popular these days, as he was the one who set himself the task of creating and proving the existence of the “Field Theory”, a unified theory of motivation that takes into account not only the internal factors behind behavior, but also the entire complexity of the sociocultural dynamics of reality that influences the individual in a moment. Within the framework of modern transactional analysis as a theory of personality, similar attempts are also made. This article aims to conceptualise the phenomenon of Kurt Lewin’s “field theory” in the paradigm of transactional analysis to describe the main theoretical approaches to understanding the phenomena included in the “field theory”, and compare these elements with selected psychological concepts of the school of transactional analysis. This study examines and compares such phenomena as: communication of charged systems and hidden ulterior transactions, personal life space and structural and functional models of the ego, existence within the field state and temporary symbiosis. This research paper also proposes an analogue of a psychotherapeutic plan based on the model of field change, constructed by Kurt Lewin. Understanding the field theory within the framework of selected TA concepts described in this article can allow transactional analysts to use the ideas of K. Lewin as a basis for developing and creating new theoretical models of motivation for individuals and groups.

Permissions as supportive messages are a unique antidote to all the destructive inhibitions that guide us in not choosing intimacy, spontaneity, and autonomy. This idea has evolved into the famous 3P (Potency, Protection, Permission) method, a specific method of psychotherapeutic work in the modality of transactional analysis. Pearl Drego expands on this idea and proposes to look at the topic of permissions through the unique perspective of Indian philosophy, which places great emphasis on family, community, and closeness in the clan. Permissions do not exist on their own, nor do injunctions, they cannot be contracted solely through empathy and mirror neurons. It is a kind of sacrament for the inner Child, ready or not ready to accept something important for its development from significant people around. The same resolution will have different meanings for people with different experiences, cultural backgrounds, and ages. This article provides an overview of Pearl Drego’s work on the use of permission messages through family rituals, which promotes cohesion and tenderness among loved ones. The author also presents two client cases from her own practice. The first describes the mechanism of how permission works in a family system dominated by injunctions from the parental introject. The second one shows the impact of antiscript on the quality of life and the possibility of overcoming it.

This article provides a description, definition, and some research data on passive-aggressive personality structure, as well as practical recommendations and methods for working with such clients. The article outlines the main features of passive aggression and its implications for personality adaptation. It also offers practical recommendations for therapists, including techniques for working with clients, intervention strategies, and approaches to working with clients exhibiting a high degree of passive-aggressive defenses. The article introduces the “Dictionary of Passive Aggression”, formulated by practicing psychologists who participated in the practical course for psychologists “Therapeutic Skills” with Irina Pingareva (psychoanalyst, Certified Transactional Analyst of the European Registry CTA-P-EATA, body-oriented therapist, instructor at the International Institute of Developmental TA — MIR-TA, author of trainings and seminars). This dictionary was compiled through the analysis of typical expressions and behavioral patterns observed by participants in practice. The purpose of this dictionary is to help specialists identify and understand passive-aggressive expressions and their possible roots. This article may be beneficial for both psychotherapy specialists and a broader audience interested in understanding passive aggression in everyday life.

The article discusses the significance of sexuality in psychotherapy and its insufficient coverage within Transactional Analysis (TA). The ideas from Bill Cornell’s seminar “Keeping Sexuality in Therapeutic Contact” (January 2024) and Carole Shadbolt’s article “Sexuality and Shame” (Shadbolt, 2009) are used in the article. Historical factors influencing TA’s approach to sexuality and Wilhelm Reich’s ideas are also considered. Special attention is given to the interplay between sexuality and shame, as well as ways to address shame in psychotherapy, particularly within transactional analysis. A new approach is proposed, suggesting a reexamination of classical concepts of transactional analysis. The article emphasizes the importance of openly discussing sexuality with clients at the initial stages of therapy and provides a series of questions that would be beneficial for practitioners to begin this exploration. It views sexuality as a foundational force influencing the formation of life scripts and life positions. The article also examines sexuality (erotism) in infancy and how this experience shapes personality and interpersonal relationships.

Interview with Vadim Arturovich Petrovsky, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor, Corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Education, psychologist in the modality of transactional analysis, about the synthesis of psychological practice and scientific research in the field of psychology in general and transactional analysis in particular. In this interview, issues such as the willingness of practicing psychologists of the transactional analysis modality to conduct their own research and scientific experiments are raised, the difficulties of modern psychological science, the connection and interpenetration of the practice and theory of transactional analysis are discussed. The interview also talks about the objective limitations of transactional analysis as a scientific method and the subjective characteristics of practicing psychologists in terms of writing scientific articles and conducting research. The conversation between the editor-in-chief of the journal “Transactional Analysis in Russia” and Vadim Petrovsky touched upon unexplored topics and areas of development of TA and its concepts as objects of scientific research for the psychological community not only in Russia, but also in the world. Which fields (Counseling, Psychotherapy, Education, TA in Organisations) and concepts of Transactional Analysis are most ready today to bridge the gap from practice to theory and vice versa?

Interview with Olga Sergeevna Pavlova, a practicing psychologist, head of the Department of Ethnopsychology and Psychological Problems of Multicultural Education at Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE), about the peculiarities of psychological counseling with clients from different national regions, with different religious views. In the interview, we are talking about the specifics of client requests, the specifics of the approach to choosing counseling methods, the position of a psychologist who must take into account the cultural and religious affiliation of the client. It also describes the difficulties that a psychologist may face in working with religious clients, and ways to overcome them.

An interview with Lutay Maya Vadimovna, a certified trainer, CTA, PTSTA in the field of Psychotherapy, about how she chose the modality of transactional analysis, the areas of her work and the peculiarities of teaching.

Description of the driver “Be perfect” based on the concept of Taibi Kahler on the example of film characters who have become hostages of their life script, in which one of the fundamental elements is this driver. In particular, the author proposes to look at the main characters of the films «Black Swan» (dir. Darren Aronofsky, 2010), «Whiplash» (dir. Damien Сhazell, 2013) and «The Novice» (dir. Lauren Hadaway, 2021). The author discusses whether it is possible to get out from under the influence of the driver and offers a solution that can also be gleaned from the stories of the heroes of other films, using the example of the film “Flashdance” (dir. Adrian Line, 1983), as well as literary works and the play by Evgeny Grishkovets.

A review on the book “Biohacking Parenthood: A Book for Caring Parents About the Physiology and Psychology of a Child at Every Stage of Growing up” by Ekaterina Antonova and Darya Balakhonova. In this review the author writes about her impressions of reading the book, retells the main content, and also shares her notes and those life hacks that she took into her professional practice and personal life.