The Maternal: An Integral Part of Eco-TA

Abstract The author highlights the inherent nature of the maternal within eco-TA and explores how it can enrich and expand transactional analysis theory and practice. Eco-TA emphasizes the interconnectivity of humans and our environment. The maternal exemplifies this interconnectivity and shows how individuals are interconnected and why these connections are important. The maternal plays a significant role in evolutionary processes and thus life, birth, and rebirth of all animals, not just humans. The author suggests that the maternal can inform our understanding through elements such as conception, connection, togetherness, natality, support, health, and well-being. The article focuses on physis and introduces the new ideas of transgenerational protocol and fourth-degree impasses. The aim is to show the value of deepening knowledge and understanding of evolution and regeneration through the concept of the maternal. This may help to focus TA toward growth and evolution within the professional community toward the next generations of trainees, highlighting the importance of connectivity, togetherness, holding, regulating, educating, and passing on the legacy that is TA.