What If My “I’m OK, You’re OK” Is Different From Yours? Could the Inherent Optimism in Transactional Analysis Be a Form of Compulsory Ableism?

Abstract

The author challenges what she considers to be the potential oversimplification of the human condition in the way transactional analysis (TA) is sometimes taught. Referring to Steiner’s idea of egalitarian empowerment available to all and taking inspiration from Robert McCruer’s crip theory, she asks readers to question if the inherent optimism in TA is a version of compulsory ableism. She offers vignettes of reported experiences as well as some of her own in TA training and psychotherapy whereby clients and trainees felt marginalized for being differently abled. Using the title of Joyce McDougall’s book, the author makes her own “plea for a measure of abnormality” and questions the application of some theoretical models (such as symbiosis) in their apparent pathologizing of those who have a vital need for others in order to provide a complementary function.

Keywords:

• Normativity
• disability
• camouflage
• imposter syndrome
• expectation
• power
• marginalization
• ADHD
• neurodiversity
• transactional analysis
• I’m OK, You’re OK

Disclosure statement

The author declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Steff Oates

Steff Oates, Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), works in the northwest of England and is currently ITAA Vice President Research and Innovation. Steff is passionate about pushing the boundaries of what she can understand about herself and others through the privilege of this learning community. She can be reached at Swallowfield, Slade Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, WA16 7QN, United Kingdom; email: [email protected].