TAP Structure & Format

The TAP Certification Program consists of 50 training hours in total.

Training is usually organised into approximately 7 modules (the exact number may vary), depending on:

  • how many hours participants prefer to study per session

  • the rhythm and pace that best suits the group

The structure, schedule, and timing are tailored to each group. Together we select:

  • convenient days

  • suitable time zones

  • a learning rhythm that supports integration, reflection, and practice

The program is delivered in a small-group format, allowing for close interaction, meaningful dialogue, and a high level of individual attention.

Learning Approach

The training combines theoretical learning with extensive practical application.

Participants are supported to:

  • deepen their understanding of core TA concepts

  • develop confidence in applying TA in real professional contexts

  • practice skills through exercises, discussion, and reflection

  • integrate TA thinking into their existing role and professional identity

The small-group format ensures that each participant receives substantial practice, feedback, and space to explore their own questions and professional situations.

Curriculum

MODULE 1. FOUNDATIONS OF TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS

1. Philosophy of TA

  • Core ideas and philosophy of Transactional Analysis (TA).

  • Key principles of TA.

2. History of TA

  • Development of Transactional Analysis.

  • Historical context of TA.

  • Evolution of TA as an approach.

3. Overview of TA System

  • Overview of Transactional Analysis as a system.

  • Application of TA in different contexts.

  • The Four Fields of TA (Psychotherapy, Counseling, Educational, Organizational) and Coaching.

4. Certification Pathways (U.S. Context)

  • TAP — Transactional Analysis Practitioner.

  • TAAP — Transactional Analysis Advanced Practitioner.

  • TAPI — Transactional Analysis Practitioner Instructor.

5. Contracts

  • Levels of Contract: Administrative, Professional (Procedural), Psychological Contract

Practice:

  • Group Contract for the Course – formulation and documentation of the administrative, professional, and psychological levels.

  • Microcontract for Each Session – “What do I want to take away today?” + review criterion at the end of the session.

Homework

 

MODULE 2. EGO STATES, TRANSACTIONS

1. Ego States

  • Structural Model (P–A–C)

  • Functional Model (Nurturing Parent, Critical Parent, Adult, Free Child, Adapted Child)

  • Second Order Structural Analysis

  • Egogram – creation and interpretation of the individual profile

  • Recognition of Ego States – four diagnostic methods: behavioral, social, historical, phenomenological

Practice.

2. Transactions

  • What transactions are.

  • Types of transactions: complementary, crossed, ulterior.

Practice:

Applying transactions in communication and changing the direction of interaction.

Homework

 

MODULE 3. STROKES & TIME STRUCTURING, LIFE SCRIPT

1. Strokes

  • What strokes are.

  • Types of strokes: positive, negative, conditional, unconditional, verbal, and non-verbal.

  • Stroke economy.

Practice:

Exchange of strokes within the group and awareness of personal recognition patterns.

2. Time Structuring

  • Six ways of structuring time: withdrawal, rituals, pastimes, activities, games, intimacy.

Practice:

Identifying one’s predominant way of structuring time and observing changes in the quality of contact.

3. Life Script

  • The concept of the life script in Transactional Analysis.

  • Early decisions and script patterns.

  • Limits and benefits of one’s own life script.

  • Episcript, Antiscript.

Practice:

Identify possible resources within your script that can be used consciously.

Homework

 

MODULE 4. LIFE POSITIONS, DRIVERS, INJUNCTIONS, PROCESS SCRIPTS

1. Life Positions

  • The four positions: I’m OK – You’re OK and their dynamics.

Practice.

2. Drivers

  • The five classical drivers: Be Perfect, Please Others, Hurry Up, Try Hard, Be Strong.

Practice:

Identify your leading driver.

Give yourself and others a permission message to reduce its pressure.

3. Injunctions

  • What injunctions are and how they influence the formation of the life script.

  • 12 classical injunctions:

Don’t live, Don’t be a child, Don’t grow up, Don’t be yourself, Don’t be close, Don’t belong, Don’t do, Don’t succeed, Don’t be important, Don’t feel, Don’t think, Don’t be healthy.

Practice:

Recognize one or two injunctions that influence your own life script.

4. The Six Process Scripts: Until, After, Never, Always, Almost, Open-ended.

Homework

 

MODULE 5.  THE MINISCRIPT, AUTHENTIC FEELINGS & RACKETS, STAMPS

1. The Architecture of the MiniScript Sequence

2. Authentic feelings & Rackets

Practice:

  • How to recognize and intervene in repetitive negative loops.

  • How to prevent getting into racket.

3. Stamps

  • The accumulation of emotional stamps and their connection to rackets.

Homework

 

MODULE 6. GAMES & DRAMA TRIANGLE, PRACTICAL INTEGRATION & PROFESSIONAL REFLECTION

1. Games

  • The general concept and structure of psychological games.

  • First, Second, and Third Degree Games.

2. Drama Triangle (Karpman Triangle)

  • The roles of Persecutor, Rescuer, and Victim.

  • The dynamics of switching between roles.

Practice:

  • How to recognize and respond to games and the dynamics of the Drama Triangle.

3. Personal Application

  • Analyzing personal patterns and changes through the lens of Transactional Analysis.

  • Reflection and awareness of individual insights.

4. Professional Application

  • Discussion of how to apply TA in professional practice according to the Four Fields:

Psychotherapy, Counseling, Education, Organizations, and Coaching.

  • Identifying one’s own direction of professional development within the TA framework.

5. Next Step — TAAP

  • Introduction to the TAAP (Transactional Analysis Advanced Practitioner) program.

  • Planning further learning, supervision, and professional growth.

Certification and Celebration

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