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Section 2. Theory

Autonomy: Open Door to Spirituality

Pages 24-29
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
 
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This article attempts to clarify the connection between transactional analysis and spirituality. The content and meaning of autonomy are explored from different perspectives, and the Bernian understanding of autonomy and its components—awareness, spontaneity, and intimacy—are examined. The relationship between autonomy and intimacy is explained. From this relationship evolves a new dimension that goes beyond psychology—namely, spirituality. The authors' thinking may serve as a psychological complement to the theological reflections of Martin Buber as crystallized in his well-known book, I and Thou (1923/1958).

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Candida Kandathil

George Kandathil, S. J., the first ITAA member from India, was introduced to transactional analysis in 1971 when he was attending courses in pastoral counseling at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California. On his return to India he initiated the study of transactional analysis in India and gave a number of programs in metropolitan cities such as Bombay, Delhi, Calcutta, and Madras. In 1973 he founded the Institute for Counselling and Transactional Analysis (ICTA). At the Institute he gives intensive training of six weeks duration. He is the director of the Institute and editor of its monthly publication, Neeyum Njanum. He has published transactional analysis books in English as well as in South Indian vernacular, which has made transactional analysis accessible to many more people. The book How to Alert and Achieve Using Techniques from Transactional Analysis, which he co-authored with Sr. Candida Kandathil and Dr. Athreya, is the best sold Indian book in English on transactional analysis.
Dr. (Sr.) Candida Kandathil, M.A., Ph.D., was at one time a lecturer in English literature at BCM University College in Kerala, India. She resigned her job and became a religious sister. She was introduced to transactional analysis in 1971 and worked with Fr. George Kandathil at ICTA for six years. She was then selected to do doctoral studies at the prestigious Urban University in Rome. Her doctoral thesis was a study on Gospel communication using transactional analysis and neurolinguistic programming as instruments. Her thesis was accredited maxima cum laude. She is a teacher and gives courses on neurolinguistic programming and transactional analysis.
 

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