Transactional Analysis: Strokes

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Introduction to Transactional Analysis Essay 1 Title: From your own understanding of the theory, describe the importance of ‘strokes’ in the interpersonal relationships and, if possible, how you might incorporate this into a counselling skills approach. You may wish to include examples of ‘transactions’ to illustrate your thinking on the subject. In this essay, I shall examine from my own understanding, the significance of strokes in interpersonal relationships, and briefly explore how knowledge of strokes can benefit the counselling or helping relationship. Some of what is written comes from my own experience, or observations from having worked in various residential care and rehabilitation settings. ‘Strokes’ are variously described as a unit of recognition or a verbal or non-verbal means by which to acknowledge a person’s worth. The term ‘stroke’ represents physical contact, such as the touch used to communicate with an infant, or as part of feeding or nurturing. From an extremely young age, children are able to understand the concept of the need for human strokes. As we mature and our understanding of communication becomes more complex, some of these physical strokes where actual contact takes place can be replaced with psychological strokes, such as a gesture of acknowledgment, like a nod or a smile, or a statement, such as a compliment. Many studies, such as those by Bowlby and Ainsworth (Bretherton, I. 2010) maintain the belief that positive development requires safe contact with other people. Strokes help us feel loved, recognised, valued and included, which is essential for our well-being. Some strokes are universally accepted as basic means of having acknowledged another individual, such as a handshake; however, strokes may come with myriad nuances and may be open to many different interpretations. When reduced to their most basic forms, strokes are
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