Using an anonymous current client or one you have worked with in the past, apply the methods discussed in this module to their case and discuss what you think could have been achieved.
Abstract This essay will show the application of Transactional Analysis (TA) and Gestalt Counselling (GC) to a client, and will consider what possible outcomes could be achieved. Introduction For the purpose of this essay I will be using a current client, so to hide his identity he will be called Mr. A. Mr. A is a young male who is currently having difficulties in being able to partake in long term relationships with females. He finds it difficult to commit because he is afraid of getting hurt. He therefore just sleeps with many different women keeping his emotions at bay. Mr. A however does want to have a relationship and “stop messing with girls, and treat them in the same way that I want to be treated”. Mr. A says he has been hurt in the past by a female he was in love with. He idolised her in every way and thought she was perfect. She left him with no explanation or reason and never spoke to him again, and Mr. A has not been able to move on from this since. Transactional Analysis TA is the theory of the personality and helps understand and explain personal growth and personal change. It looks at the interaction between people and our internal interactions between our different selves. TA philosophy consists of three assumptions about people and life.
• People are ok: All people have worth. This not related to their accomplishments, but just accepting that I am me and you are you and we both have worth even if we do not like what the other do.
• Everyone has the capacity to think: All people (par those who are severely brain damaged) can think. For that reason it is all our individual responsibility to decided what it is we want from life. Each person will live with what he or she decides.
• People decide their own destiny, and these decisions can be changed: People use strategies to help them in life which were first used in their childhood. These strategies were used as a way for the child to survive and get what they want,
• People are ok: All people have worth. This not related to their accomplishments, but just accepting that I am me and you are you and we both have worth even if we do not like what the other do.
• Everyone has the capacity to think: All people (par those who are severely brain damaged) can think. For that reason it is all our individual responsibility to decided what it is we want from life. Each person will live with what he or she decides.
• People decide their own destiny, and these decisions can be changed: People use strategies to help them in life which were first used in their childhood. These strategies were used as a way for the child to survive and get what they want,
References: Fow, N.R. (1998). Partner-focused reversal in couples therapy. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training. 35(2), 231-237. Kimball, S.P. (2007). What is Gestalt therapy? Retrieved July 6, 2008, http://www.susankimball.net/what-is-gestalt-therapy.shtml Perls, F.S. (1969) Gestalt Therapy Verbatim. Moab, UT: Real People Press. Stewart, I and Joines, V (1987). Ta Today A new introduction to Transactional Analysis . 16th ed. Nottingham: Lifespace Publishing. 7.