The Use of the Game Method in Psychological Work with Clients Within the Framework of the Transactional-Analytical Approach

Abstract

This article presents a theoretical comparison of the concepts of the transactional-analytical approach and the features and aspects of gaming methods in psychological work with clients. The features of gaming methods, their possibilities for activating ego states of personality, the processes of reflection, decontamination, and the formation of a psychotherapeutic contract were investigated. Using the example of the practical case of the author’s game “Autonomy”, some concepts of the transactional-analytical approach were investigated, which can be found manifested in the process and results of the game. Empirical research has shown that the dynamics of ego states of personality are observed in the game, and if the stages of the game are built in a certain way, then it is possible to control the processes of movement of mental energy (cathexis) between ego states. In addition, a phenomenon comparable to the description in scientific works of the ego state of an Integrated Adult has been discovered. Quantitative analysis also showed that the dynamics of ego states in players is statistically significantly different from the dynamics of ego states of individuals who did not participate in the game and simply filled out the test to assess ego states twice with a time interval between fills. Clients can transfer the results of the “Autonomy” game to further psychotherapeutic work in the transactional-analytical approach.