ABSTRACT
Depression has two main features—low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. Depression is a negative, pervasive and persistent frame of reference which affects the individual's sense of self, thought processes, memory, emotions, physiology, behaviours, interpersonal relationships and way of experiencing, interpreting and interacting with the world. The development of a self-compassionate, self-nurturing stance and internal dialogue is perhaps the most important task in transactional analysis therapy for depression. Working through layers of emotions, through racket feelings and into the process of deconfusion is a major part of the therapy of depression. The clients who have participated in my research have all stated that the therapist's sensitive use of challenge and caring confrontation has been beneficial. Confrontation of contaminations, discounting, and grandiosity can be extremely helpful in the therapy of depression, but also must be done carefully. It is common for people with depression to get angry with themselves and heavy confrontation can feed this process.
