Abstract
This article examines the concept of permission by reviewing how it has been defined thus far in the literature. The idea of developing the utility of the concept as a process for clinical practice is introduced. A discussion about how an integrative framework and developmental thinking can be used as a check system for creating effective permission transactions is presented. Positioning permission transactions to be well received by the client can effectively challenge introjected messages in the Parent ego state, enhance Adult ego state functioning, and give the Child ego states just enough nurturing and protection to generate a shift to catharsis.