Ego State Trip or Ego State Trap: Unlocking Change Through Language
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Abstract
The article introduces a proposal for a linguistic model that combines the concepts of linguistic determinism from Sapir-Whorf, linguistic constructivism from Delia, and transactional analysis. Assuming that thinking and feeling are dependent on language structure, we can create a matrix representing our understanding of reality, distributed between ego states on an axis of time to which particular transactions refer. This matrix can be utilised to further work with clients, providing a direction for enquiry. Exploring transactions in this way promotes a movement to the meta-communication level, which, in turn, aids clients to develop their Integrating Adult. The article presented a brief analysis of work with clients in terms of the ego state timeline model (ESTM) with reflections on the significance of language in shaping one’s frame of reference, illustrated with practical examples of application.
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