Meditation and Transactional Analysis: the Contributions of Mindfulness to Transactional Analysis Psychoterapy

Abstract

Knowledge of the neurological and neurocognitive systems involved in the origin of negative emotions together with the practice of kindness and of which the mental half has allowed the creation of new meditative and therapeutic paths. Many studies launched in recent decades have evaluated the existing or possible connections between psychotherapies and meditation, recognising important affinities between the two self-care tools and bringing about the birth of new forms of psychotherapy also includes the valuable contribution of meditative practices. Meditation is healing and generates calm and peace, promoting mental health and harmonious relationships. It is not psychotherapy but it has a therapeutic value and effect as well supported by various authors including Bessel van der Kolk who attributes a fundamental value to meditation in his psychotherapeutic interventions (Van der Kolk 2015).

The proposed work aims to be a reflection on the possible benefits of mindfulness meditation practice in Transactional Analysis, as a valuable tool for preparing and consolidating change processes that characterize Transactional Analysis.

To this end, after an explanatory introduction on the concept of meditation and mindfulness and on the connections found with psychotherapy, through the concept of the integral - integrated Adult, a specific connection with AT, its processes and phases will be proposed and the preciousness of the welcoming and compassionate attitude typical of these practices will be underlined in the development of a Parent who is functional to the growth of the Self.