Stage One: Foundation in Transactional Analysis Theory

What does the Foundation cover?

This year, over 22 days (either weekends or weekdays), builds your understanding of a broad range of Transactional Analysis theories and approaches:

• The philosophy and principles of TA
• Early decisions we make in infancy and childhood that affect our lives
• Child development and our attachment patterns
• How we develop a life 'script', and move through life positions
• The development of our personality, and different personality types
• Ego states, verbal communication and body language
• Psychobiological hungers and our need for recognition, stimulation and structure
• Injunctions and drivers of our behaviour
• How and why we distort, discount and redefine reality
• Relationship patterns: psychological Game playing, rackets and confrontation
• The dynamics of groups and organisations
• Managing endings and the loss of relationships

From the beginning, you will also be introduced to essential communication skills, such as active listening. These skills can be immediately applied to enhance your interactions and relationships with others and form the basis of counselling skills going forward.

To receive your Certificate in TA theory, you will need to write eight x 250-word reflections on your experiences as you go through the year. You will also need to give a short five-minute presentation to your training group and keep a regular journal.

Who Is This Course For?

For Aspiring Therapists and Counsellors: If you're seeking to begin a career in psychotherapy or counselling, this is your essential first step. Stage One provides the foundation to progress toward UKCP or NCPS Registration.

For Career Changers: If you're considering a meaningful career transition into the helping professions, this course offers a structured entry point with recognised qualifications to build upon.

For Personal and Professional Development: Many students join to deepen their understanding of human relationships and communication, applying these insights in their careers in such diverse contexts as healthcare, education, HR, coaching, or leadership.

For Qualified Professionals: If you're already qualified in another therapeutic modality, this course enhances your practice with valuable TA concepts and approaches that complement your current framework.

For Personal Growth: This course offers a transformative journey of self-discovery, helping you understand your personality, relationship patterns, and what may be holding you back from achieving your full potential.

What outcomes can I expect?

Most people find this an incredibly valuable and enjoyable year of learning and self-awareness that helps to inform, develop, and improve professional and personal relationships. You will receive the Connexus Institute Certificate in TA theory and 150 hours of internationally recognised TA training. Successful completion of this course completes Stage One for those enrolled in our psychotherapy and counselling training.