Skip to Main Content
14
Views
1
CrossRef citations
Altmetric

Articles

The Impact of Absence and the Ineffable Quality of Protocol

Pages 243-254
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
 
Translator disclaimer

The author considers a relatively unexplored aspect of loss, death, and dying: absence. She describes work with a range of clients in which an alternative or addition to the author’s repertoire of script and game analysis or deconfusion of the Child ego state was needed. This approach, which requires more of a wondering receptivity and an accompaniment without expectation, is particularly appropriate with clients who need to find meaning of their own around considerable gaps in their upbringing. The article challenges the assumption that personality is formed though injunctions, counterinjunctions, and drivers in response to significant others. Readers are invited to consider how much of who we are is formed beyond what is spoken or modeled by others. Consideration is given to Berne’s (1963/1975) theory of protocol as forming the essence or atmosphere that is absorbed into our very being.

Additional information

Author information

Steff Oates

Author Biography
Steff Oates is a Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst (psychotherapy) who maintains a private psychotherapy practice in the northwest of England and travels to teach and learn in various European locations. She also served as ITAA Secretary from 2009-2014. She can be reached at Swallowfield, Slade Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford WA16 7QN, United Kingdom; email: .