ABSTRACT
Observation is the basis of all good clinical work, and takes precedence even over technique. Observation includes being sensitive to the client's facial expressions and fluctuations in facial muscular tone, facial colouring, gestures (even absent gestures), and wondering about the significance of these. The therapist needs to observe even minute changes on a moment-to-moment basis and maintain an attitude of curiosity about what these changes might indicate about each client's internal state. Observation of one's own internal state is particularly useful in developing social diagnosis of the client, and in monitoring one's countertransference and analysing its significance. Transactional analysts in the UK seeking certification as a transactional analyst and registration with the UK Council for Psychotherapy are required to undergo a mental health familiarization placement. An important part of the placement involves having an opportunity to sensitively observe people with a range of mental health problems.
