Abstract
Berne's theory implicitly views the family as a system. Major TA concepts – ego states, scripting, rackets, stroking, and time structuring – can operate systemically. Using TA as a systems theory enables therapists to deal effectively not only with individual and interpersonal dynamics but also systemic influences and inhibitions on growth in a family. As a systems therapy, TA can be employed with families either directly as a set of concepts and techniques or as a frame of reference for diagnosis and designing interventions in conjunction with other family systems approaches. Three case studies illustrate combining TA with multigenerational, structural, and strategic paradoxical family therapies.