The Parent-Adult-Child Projective Drawing Task: A Therapeutic Tool in TA

Abstract

This article describes the initial development of the PAC-D, a projective drawing technique designed to elicit and assess ego state information from therapy clients. A second projective method, the Transactional Analysis Sentence Completion form (TASC) is also presented for use with the PAC-D. The author argues that projective methods have advantages over other techniques when probing for TA-relevant dynamics, and offers three case examples to illustrate the use of the PAC-D as currently developed. Based on Allen's (1981) distinction between organizational and range characteristics of ego states, an initial delineation of major interpretive dimensions and hypotheses is presented. Finally, the author contends that greater coherence and communication between TA psychodiagnosticians is needed to foster a developing interest in assessment within TA-oriented psychotherapy.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

R.J. Turner

R.J. Turner, M.A., is an ITAA Affiliate Member. He is currently completing his doctorate at Ohio State University while working as a therapist at the Child and Adult Guidance Center in Columbus.