Constructivist and Neuroconstructivist Transactional Analysis

Abstract

After a brief description of postmodernism, constructionism, and constructivism, the author describes constructivist therapies in general and then distinguishes one variety of a transactional analysis societal constructionist approach and three varieties of individual constructivist approaches. Neuro-physiological processes, however, subserve ego states, transactions, and scripts. Those transactional analytic theories and practices that include consideration of changes in the brain through the development, maintenance, or modification of neural networks might well be called “neuroconstructivist transactional analysis.” Through relationships and therapeutic interactions, we use our minds to change both our brains and the brains of others.

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Notes on contributors

James R. Allen

James R. Allen is professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and Rainbolt Chair in Child Psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. An Eric Berne Memorial Award winner, Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), and ITAA past president, he can be reached at the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, OUHSC, PO Box 26901, Oklahoma City, OK 73126-0901, U.S.A.; e-mail: [email protected].