Charlotte Sills

Deconfusion of the Child Ego State: A Relational Perspective:

This article proposes a theory of self based on Bernes (1961/1986) original structural model of ego states and on elements of object relations theory and self psychology. Consideration is given to the implications of this theory for psychotherapeutic methodology—including the therapists use of self—as they relate to understanding and working with the internal dynamics of the Child ego state. The authors suggest that a congruent methodology for deconfusing the Child involves using the transferential relationship as the vehicle for deconfusion, and they identify four interrelated steps in this process. Transference and countertransference are defined and explored, case material is presented to demonstrate the therapists use of self, and figures based on the structural model of ego states are offered for each step. When we refer to the therapists interventions and behavior we mean to imply that the therapist always functions in the Adult. The authors demonstrate how Bernes therapeutic operations provide a valuable skeleton for mapping the processes of decontamination and deconfusion.

The Comparative Script System: A Tool for Developing Supervisors:

The aim of this article is to offer to transactional analysts a simple theoretical and practical tool to support relational supervision. The authors propose the comparative script system as a useful aid to the training of supervisors, with particular reference to three areas: a framework for focusing on the key issues in supervision; a practical instrument for understanding and visually representing transference-countertransference dynamics; and a clarification of the boundary between supervision and therapy. While the focus is on its use in psychotherapy, the model can be used in all fields.

Role Lock: When the Whole Group Plays a Game

One of the most vexing challenges for a group facilitator is deciding what to do when a group member seems to be interfering with the groups task (be it therapy, development, or learning) by repeatedly raising the same issues or demonstrating the same behavior. Often the group tries to “manage” such a member and then becomes stuck in group games. This article addresses the tension for the group leader between considering the needs of both the individual and the group as an entity in itself. Are the phenomena that occur in groups the result of individual tendencies, or are they the manifestations of that mysterious “meta-entity” referred to as the group-as-a-whole? In transactional analysis there is a tendency to rely on the examination of individual scripts to understand and resolve impasses in a group. This article introduces the concept of “role lock” (Bogdanoff & Elbaum, 1978) to address the meaning of impasses that involve the unconscious interaction of what Foulkes (1948/1983) called the “group-as-a-whole.”

The Man with No Name: A Response to Hargaden and Erskine

Originally delivered at the 2001 Institute of Transactional Analysis conference in Keele, England, this article is a response to a case presentation by Hargaden (2001) and a discussant paper by Erskine (2001). Both view Hargadens case from a relational point of view. This article considers the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship in terms of the theoretical model of Hargaden and Sills (1999, 2001), and some implications of the story are explored. Questions are raised about transference analysis that have significant implications for the psychotherapists work, specifically the inadvertent reinforcement of script that may occur if transferential dynamics are misunderstood.

Acceptance Speech on Receiving the 2007 Eric Berne Memorial Award

This article expresses appreciation to those responsible for the 2007 Eric Berne Memorial Award to Helena Hargaden and Charlotte Sills and then goes on to review relational psychotherapy in the context of the wider field, including some of the principles and philosophy of the approach. The features of the original theory are summarized in order to locate the work within the rapidly developing field of relational transactional analysis.

Developing clinical effectiveness in psychotherapy training: Action research

Abstract This study is an evaluation of a new approach to clinical training in Transactional Analysis using the methodology of action research. The evaluation focuses on the second year of training and placement-based clinical practice at the Metanoia Institute, UK. The design of the training year was research-based and used the concept of an ‘internship’ year. The design aimed to close the gaps between clinical practice, supervision and formal training; facilitate translation of theory into practice; and integrate findings from the ‘common factors’ research into effectiveness of psychotherapy. Training and supervision methods were linked and focused on emerging issues in clinical practice and the development of students’ capacity for critical reflection and a research attitude to practice. The evaluation was a naturalistic study which used quantitative and qualitative methodology within the action research framework to reflect on the impact of the training on the participants, the organisation and the cl...

Withdrawal, Connection, and Therapeutic Touch: A Roundtable on the Schizoid Process

This article presents excerpts from a roundtable discussion on the schizoid process held as part of a continuing education symposium at the August 1999 ITAA annual conference in San Francisco. Consideration is given to the importance of a number of factors in work with schizoid clients, including safety, autonomy, the therapeutic use of both physical and nonphysical touch, rage, the intersubjective nature of therapy, projective identification, understanding defensive processes, and the use of countertransference.

How Do I Know Who I Am

In this response to the fascinating articles by Dalal (2016) and Samuels (2016) in this issue of the Transactional Analysis Journal, the author looks at the notions of the individual as responsible agent and the individual as simply a product of society from the perspective of the almost unbearable challenge of managing that paradoxical existential tension. She links to some theoretical ideas, particularly ego states, games, and focal conflict theory, and includes vignettes from her work using psychotherapeutic concepts within organizations. She suggests that there is another aspect to being human that is important and should not be missed: seeing individuals at their finest as both part of yet separate from the world.