Mindfulness-Based Transactional Analysis

Abstract

Mindfulness involves nonjudgmental, accepting awareness of what is going on in the present moment. In this article, the authors describe their integration of mindfulness and transactional analysis theory into mindfulness-based transactional analysis (MBTA). MBTA is a 8-week psychoeducational program that invites participants to become fully present in everyday life. It focuses on developing the capacity of mindfulness and using it in dealing with Child and Parent ego states, script patterns, unpleasant emotions, and uncomfortable transactions. MBTA offers benefits to psychotherapists as well because it develops their capacity to be fully present in psychotherapy.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Gregor Žvelc

Gregor Žvelc is an assistant professor, clinical psychologist, and doctor of psychology (University of Ljubljana). He is an ITAA and EATA Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy) and an International Integrative Psychotherapy Trainer and Supervisor (IIPA). Gregor is director of the Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy and Counseling in Ljubljana, where he has a private practice and leads trainings in transactional analysis and integrative psychotherapy. He is coeditor of the International Journal of Integrative Psychotherapy and an editorial board member for the Transactional Analysis Journal. Gregor can be reached at Institute IPSA, Stegne 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.institut-ipsa.si.

Miha Černetič

Miha Černetič is a psychologist and lecturer in tertiary education. He teaches in the psychotherapy science academic degree programs of Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, and at DOBA Faculty for Applied Business and Social Studies, Maribor. At the Slovenian Institute for Psychotherapy he works as a head of research. He has a private practice of psychotherapy and counseling. Miha can be reached at Ljubljanska ulica 58, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.potnaprej.si.

Melita Košak

Melita Košak is a psychologist who works at the Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy and Counselling in Ljubljana, Slovenia. She is a program manager at the institute and for several years has taught mindfulness-based transactional analysis to groups included in integrative stress management programs and programs for the prevention of depression. Melita can be reached at Vojkova cesta 91, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: www.institut-ipsa.si/.