Beginning therapy can be a significant step toward personal growth and emotional wellbeing. If you’re considering transactional therapy, you might be wondering what actually happens in the sessions, what kind of outcomes to expect, and how it differs from other forms of therapy. This article walks you through what to expect when you book transactional therapy, especially in a setting like London, where high-quality mental health services are widely accessible.
What Is Transactional Therapy?
Transactional therapy, or Transactional Analysis (TA), is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are shaped by past experiences — particularly those formed in early childhood. Developed by psychiatrist Eric Berne in the late 1950s, this model is based on the idea that our personality is made up of three “ego states”: the Parent, the Adult, and the Child.
Each of these ego states influences how we communicate and relate to others. For example, the Parent might echo the voices of authority figures from our past, the Child may act out of emotion and unmet needs, and the Adult responds logically and objectively to situations. Transactional therapy focuses on identifying these patterns and creating healthier, more conscious ways of interacting.
Your First Session: Setting the Foundation
When you book therapy in London—whether in-person or online—your first session typically starts with a relaxed conversation. The therapist will introduce the basic principles of transactional analysis and ask about your background, challenges, and goals. This is also a time for you to get comfortable with the process and ask any questions you might have.
The tone is collaborative, not clinical. You’ll be encouraged to explore your thoughts openly without judgment. The therapist might gently guide you to reflect on how certain relationships or habits may be linked to older emotional patterns.
Exploring Ego States
One of the unique aspects of transactional therapy is its use of ego state analysis. Early in your sessions, you’ll begin to learn how to recognise whether your responses come from the Parent, Adult, or Child. This understanding can be surprisingly empowering. For instance, you might notice that your internal “Parent” is overly critical, or that your “Child” feels rejected too easily in relationships.
As the sessions continue, your therapist will help you bring more balance into these inner voices. This process helps you build emotional resilience and reduce self-sabotaging behaviours.
Real-Time Insights and Conversations
A key feature of transactional therapy is its focus on how communication plays out in real-time. As you book therapy sessions in London, be prepared for your therapist to occasionally pause during discussions and highlight interactions — both between you and others in your life and within the therapeutic space itself.
These moments can reveal important patterns. Maybe you tend to withdraw when discussing conflict, or perhaps you often shift into a defensive tone. Instead of judging these reactions, your therapist will help you understand them and practise healthier responses.
Gradual but Deep Changes
While some clients begin to feel more self-aware after just a few sessions, meaningful change in transactional therapy often takes place over time. Think of it as emotional reprogramming: recognising outdated scripts, rewriting them, and then learning to live from a more integrated and authentic place.
When you book transactional therapy, it’s helpful to come with an open mind and a willingness to do the work between sessions. Journaling, reading recommended materials, or simply reflecting on your daily interactions can enhance the impact of your therapy.
Choosing the Right Therapist in London
London offers a wide variety of mental health professionals, so finding someone who specialises in transactional therapy and aligns with your personality is essential. When you book therapy in London, look for a therapist who is accredited, experienced in TA, and who makes you feel safe and understood.
Some therapists may combine transactional analysis with other therapeutic approaches, such as CBT or mindfulness-based therapy, depending on your individual needs.
Ready to Book Your First Session?
If you’ve been struggling with recurring patterns in your relationships, self-doubt, or unresolved emotional issues, transactional therapy offers a structured yet flexible path forward. It’s not about blaming the past — it’s about understanding how the past shapes your present and learning how to take charge of your future.
When you’re ready to book transactional therapy, consider taking that first step with a professional who truly understands the power of insight and emotional healing.At Alinea Psychologies, we provide personalised transactional therapy sessions designed to help you uncover, understand, and transform the deeper patterns in your life. Whether you’re seeking clarity, emotional support, or long-term change, our experienced therapists in London are here to walk with you every step of the way.