Language: English
Level of audience: All

Enter your workshop description here (between 200 and 300 words)
I’m not-Ok, You’re not-Ok: But That’s OK

Contemporary transactional analysis has expanded our theories of trauma and in doing so have opened up new ways of understanding deeper levels of pathological organization that often go unrecognized and untreated. These traumatized, if not destroyed parts of the self are located in protocol and can contribute greatly to script and an individual’s personality. They tend to create a more paranoid and guarded view of the world and others, as well as a negative view of self.
In TA terms, this position could be referred to as Berne’s (1962/1976) “I’m not-Ok, you’re not-OK” position addressed within the OK Corral (Ernst, 1971). In this workshop we will return to examining this position within contemporary TA. Emphasis will be placed on the therapeutic relationship and the therapist’s ability to build an alliance with the part of the client that can see the therapeutic relationship within an “I’m OK-You’re Ok” life position, whilst also providing a safe space for the part of self that sees relationships as ‘Not-Ok’ to be heard.
Key to this work is using Berne’s four methods of diagnosis, particularly observation and phenomenology to be aware of when and how the client has shifted from one life position to the other and how to adjust the treatment accordingly. This will include ways to address both suicidal and homicidal thoughts through empathic curiosity and the use of escape hatches without aggressive confrontations around closing them.

The presenter believes that in being respectful and “ok with” the client’s “I’m not-OK, You’re not-OK” position, true transformation becomes possible and can lead to movement from this life position towards “I’m OK-You’re Ok” and an experience of autonomy (Berne).