A Stark Choice Between Subjectivity and Objectivity in the Therapeutic Relationship

Abstract

The author questions the validity of the theoretical stance, originally put forward by Martha Stark, that therapists can effectively move between modes of therapeutic action by utilizing different schools of transactional analysis at different points in the therapeutic relationship. Four areas are suggested in which there is disharmony between this stance and the tenets of relational therapy. To illustrate these tensions, a new set of ego state diagrams is offered to represent the intersubjective nature of the therapeutic dyad in relational transactional analysis.

Keywords:

• Relational
• intersubjective
• enactment
• modes of therapeutic action
• ego states
• psychotherapy
• cocreative
• therapist subjectivity
• mutual regulation
• transactional analysis

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

The author received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Notes on contributors

Alistair Berlin

Alistair Berlin is a Certified Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy) with an MSc from the Metanoia Institute. His work focuses on a relational approach to psychotherapy with long-term adult clients. His private practice is based in London Bridge, London, England. He can be reached at Apartment 509, Astra House, 23-25 Arklow Road, London SE14 64BY, United Kingdom; email: [email protected]. Alistair is indebted to his wife, Megan Berlin, and his dear friend Robert Brodrick. Without their time, energy, and support in challenging his ideas and editing his writing, this article would not have been possible.