The relevace of Contracting in Transactional Analysis

TA therapy has a unique approach to setting clear, mutual agreements, known as "contracts," between therapist and client. These contracts, or therapeutic goals, serve as anchors throughout the process, helping both parties stay focused and aligned on the client’s desired outcomes. Without a goal, there’s no way to track progress or feel a sense of accomplishment. So, what is it that you want to achieve or explore in therapy? It’s about having clarity on what you’re aiming for, whether it’s a change, a better understanding of yourself, or a new way of responding to life’s challenges.

The concept of contracting in therapy comes from the work of Eric Berne, the founder of Transactional Analysis. He wanted to move psychotherapy away from the old power-based model, where therapists held all the control. Instead, he believed therapy should be a bilateral, mutual agreement between the client and therapist, with clear, measurable outcomes. Berne wanted therapy to be "adult to adult," where both the client and therapist relate from a place of equality and respect. This means both parties are engaged in the process as equals—no one is in the parent or child role.

You might be wondering: What does "adult to adult" mean? Well, in transactional analysis, we work from three primary ego states: the Parent, the Adult, and the Child.

Adult to Adult is when both therapist and client approach the work as equals, with mutual respect, openness, and clarity. It’s where decisions are made based on facts, present circumstances, and clear communication.

Parent to Adult might look like the therapist telling the client what they should do, guiding them based on what’s "right" or "proper," potentially disempowering the client.

Child to Adult could involve the client adopting a more passive, dependent role, possibly seeing the therapist as an authority figure who "knows best."

It's crucial that the contract we make together is grounded in the "Adult to Adult" space, where both of us are fully engaged in an open, respectful dialogue. A contract shaped by the Parent or Child ego states could undermine your agency in the process. For example, if the contract is about what you should do, it could come from a Parent perspective, rather than what you want to do from an empowered, Adult perspective.

The contract itself can vary. Sometimes, the contract might be softer—an “exploring contract”—where you and I take time to look into what’s driving certain thoughts, feelings, or behaviours. This kind of contract is more about inquiry, curiosity, and discovery. At other times, the contract might be more structured and specific—a “harder contract”—with clear steps and measurable changes, focused on creating something new or different in your life.

A good contract is always positive. Rather than stating what you want to stop (e.g., "I want to stop feeling anxious"), we frame it in a way that reflects what you’d like to bring into your life (e.g., "I want to feel calm and confident in stressful situations"). This shifts the focus from what’s wrong to what you want to create, helping you feel more empowered and hopeful.

5 Points for You to Consider When Creating Your Contract:

1. What do you want to change?

Think about the areas of your life or self that you want to improve or shift.

2. How might you sabotage that change?

Reflect on any patterns or behaviours that have held you back in the past. How might you stop yourself from achieving your goal?

3. What do you need to do to achieve the contract?

Identify the specific actions or steps you need to take to move toward your goal.

4. What support might you need from people in your life?

Are there others who can help you along the way? How can they support you?

5. How will you celebrate once you have achieved the contract?

Reflect on what success looks like and how you’ll reward yourself when you reach it.

Once we’ve reached the goal outlined in our contract, the work is complete. At that point, we can either contract to focus on a new goal or bring therapy to a close. This keeps our work focused and avoids the feeling of endless sessions without a clear direction. Regular reviews and re-contracting are important in good therapeutic practice, helping us stay aligned with your goals and ensuring the work remains relevant to your needs.

In short, a clear contract in therapy helps us both understand the goal, work together towards it, and know when we've achieved success. Without it, it's easy to lose track or drift off course. Let's make sure we know where we’re going, and how we'll get there, together!