Theory-Building Case Study Examining Empathic Transactions in Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy

Abstract

This theory-building case study examined the relational transactional analysis concept of empathic transactions (ETs) developed by Hargaden and Sills. The researchers analyzed the transactions between a 28-year-old woman and her therapist during their 26-session therapy. Client progress was assessed using the Assimilation of Problematic Experiences Sequence (APES) as well as standard symptom intensity inventories. Results were largely consistent with theoretical accounts offered by the concept of ETs in facilitating psychological change. All of the ETs were employed, but five of the ETs—inquiry, confrontation, specification, illustration, and explanation—were particularly useful in this case. Results also pointed to aspects of the theories that need refinement or modification. For example, the sequencing of ETs suggested by Hargaden and Sills was not uniformly confirmed.

Keywords:

• Empathic transactions
• assimilation model
• theory-building research
• case-study research
• psychological change
• confrontation
• decontamination
• deconfusion
• relational theory
• transactional analysis

Disclosure statement

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

Additional information

Funding

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

Notes on contributors

Mica Douglas

Mica Douglas works at Metanoia Institute, London, and TA East, London. She can be reached at Holly Lodge, Chapel Road, Isle of Grain, Rochester, Kent, ME3 0DT, United Kingdom; email: [email protected].

Giovanni Felice Pace

Giovanni Felice Pace works at Metanoia Institute, London. She can be reached at Flat 11 Parkside Court, 135 Palmerston Road, N22 8RW, London, United Kingdom; email: [email protected].

Valeria Villa

Valeria Villa works at Metanoia Institute, London. She can be reached at 104 Whitestile Road, TW8 9NL, London, United Kingdom, or 102 Chemin de la Planche Brûlée, Ferney-Voltaire, France; email: [email protected].

William B. Stiles

William B. Stiles works at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, United States, and Metanoia Institute, London, United Kingdom. He can be reached at PO Box 27, Glendale Springs, NC 29629, USA; email: [email protected].