by Viktoriia Kotova | Jul 28, 2025 | Blog, General |
Eric Berne, the founder of Transactional Analysis (TA), famously said: “No change occurs without a contract.” He emphasized that a contract is not a formality but a catalyst for transformation. It’s a mutual agreement about desired outcomes—where each participant understands why they are here, what they want to achieve, and what responsibilities they carry.
In TA, contracts are built on three distinct levels:
- Administrative — covers logistics: where, when, how often, under what conditions, and at what cost the meetings occur.
- Professional — addresses the content of the work: the client’s request, objectives, and structure of collaboration.
- Psychological — brings to light underlying expectations, inner scenarios, and potential resistances that might either support or hinder progress.
This structured approach aligns remarkably well with the standards of the International Coaching Federation (ICF). One of the eight ICF Core Competencies is Establishes and Maintains Agreements—a process of co-creating a clear, intentional, and accountable foundation for the coaching relationship.
A contract in TA must be:
- Clear: both parties understand and agree on what is being established.
- Bilateral: formed collaboratively, not imposed unilaterally.
- Doable: the goals must be realistic and achievable within the given format.
Such a contract ensures not only effectiveness but also emotional and professional safety. It becomes a space of trust, mutual respect, and maturity—not a constraint but a supportive structure.
It’s important to understand that contracting happens on two levels: an overarching contract for the entire coaching process, and a focused contract for each individual session.
The overall contract defines the direction, scope, and intended outcomes of the full journey. The session-by-session contract focuses on the client’s current state, immediate goals, and specific context. This dual-layer approach adds both flexibility and relevance to the work.
by Viktoriia Kotova | Dec 31, 2024 | Blog, Coaching & Personal Development |
As we step into a fresh new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect, set intentions, and build healthier communication patterns. We’re excited to share some Transactional Analysis (TA) exercises that you can use to guide your personal and professional growth in 2025.
1. Life Script Reflection
Begin the year by examining your personal “life script.”
• What beliefs about yourself and the world are you carrying into this year?
• Are these beliefs helping or holding you back?
• Rewrite parts of your script to align with your goals and aspirations.
2. Ego State Awareness Exercise
Reflect on your behaviors through the Parent, Adult, Child (PAC) model:
• Parent: What rules or beliefs need reevaluating?
• Adult: What rational decisions can you focus on this year?
• Child: What brings you joy, and how can you embrace it more?
3. Transactional Patterns Audit
Evaluate your interactions to identify patterns:
• Are there recurring conflicts or misunderstandings?
• How can you adjust communication to create positive outcomes?
4. OKness Check-In
Reflect on your sense of OKness (I’m OK, You’re OK):
• Are you treating yourself and others as equally OK?
• What actions can you take to reinforce mutual respect in your relationships?
5. Contracting for Success
Start the year with a personal or professional contract:
• Set clear, measurable goals.
• Outline steps to achieve these goals and identify any needed support.
• Commit to periodic check-ins to stay on track.
6. Game-Free Communication Practice
Focus on honest, direct communication to avoid psychological games:
• Identify “hooks” that might pull you into unproductive dynamics.
• Practice win-win approaches in every interaction.
These exercises are designed to help you start 2025 with clarity, confidence, and meaningful interactions. Take a moment to explore one or more of these practices and watch how they transform your year.
Let’s make 2025 a year of positive change and connection!
P.S. Let us know how these exercises work for you! We’d love to hear your stories of growth and success.
