ABSTRACT
The particular principles and concepts that influence the author's approach to Transactional Analysis psychotherapy include aspects of both the psychodynamic and humanistic traditions. Psychopathology involves the activation of various dissociated, largely unconscious, defensive Child–Parent ego state relational units, and their involvement in psychological games, enactments, and re-enactments. The therapeutic relationship involves engagement in the transference-countertransference matrix from the perspective of a two-person psychology, consisting of a focus on the relationship between therapist and client, including the acknowledgement of a mutual unconscious interaction. The therapeutic relationship is likely to stir the defensive aspects of early attachment patterns, which will then manifest as the transference of ego state relational units. The progress with Andros seemed very slow at times, and sometimes it was as if we were going nowhere, remaining entrenched in this intellectual, emotionless engagement. Andros often seemed trapped by his fears of me and others, and his defence was to deaden his emotions.
