Who Decides and What Can Be Changed?

Abstract

This article offers reflections on Cristina Caizzi's (2012) article “Embodied Trauma: Using the Subsymbolic Mode to Access and Change Script Protocol in Traumatized Adults.” It also looks at our capacity as transactional analysts to facilitate change in deeply traumatized and tortured individuals. Prompted by Caizzi's idea that “a traumatic experience lived in adulthood deeply impacts and changes the protocol level of the psychological script” (p. 165), the author reconsiders Mellor's (1980) developmental and structural understanding of impasses and the idea of Cornell and Landaiche (2006) that Type III impasses are enacted within the therapeutic relationship. In addition, the author discusses her understanding of the necessary reorganization required by client and therapist in such potentially precarious work.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Steff Oates

Steff Oates, Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy), runs a psychotherapy practice and continuing professional development groups in the North West of England. She is a cofounder of the Northern College of Body Psychotherapy and proud to be secretary to the ITAA Board of Trustees. She can be contacted at Swallowfield, Slade Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, WA16 7QN, United Kingdom; e-mail: [email protected].