TA: The Basics – Book launch and Honouring Mark Widdowson

About the Book:

This accessible textbook on transactional analysis (TA) provides a comprehensive overview of TA theory, with a strong emphasis throughout on practical application.

The core theory of TA is explained, as well as how concepts have developed over time. Each theoretical concept is presented with brief examples or vignettes from different fields of application of TA (such as psychotherapy, counselling, education and organisational) and – crucially – how TA can be used in everyday life. To facilitate the learning of concepts, the book includes personal development activities at the end of chapters together with suggestions for further reading.

This is an essential text for complete beginners and first year students on TA training courses as well as students on counselling and psychotherapy training, and those undertaking training in organisational development and coaching.

Transactional Analysis: The Basics by Mark Widdowson

Learning from a Master Therapist: The Contribution of Mark Widdowson to Psychotherapy Training, Research and Practice

Mark Widdowson (1973-2024) was a leading figure in the field of counselling and psychotherapy in Britain, and worldwide. A member of the global Transactional Analysis professional community, with further training in trauma therapy, sex therapy and couples work, he held positions at Salford University, The Link Centre, the Berne Institute, and the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan, alongside private practice in individual and couple psychotherapy and clinical supervision. He was active in psychotherapy research, promoting public awareness of the value of counselling and psychotherapy, and mobilising the psychotherapy community to respond to the needs of war refugees and torture survivors.

Mark’s publications include Transactional Analysis: 100 Key Points and Techniques (2nd edn., Routledge, 2023) and Transactional Analysis for Depression: A Step-by-Step Treatment Manual (Routledge, 2015), and articles on a wide range of topics. At the time of his death, Mark had just completed his latest book Transactional Analysis: The Basics (Routledge, 2025).

This book launch and seminar will be presented by Leilani Mitchell, Philip McNally (Mark’s Husband) and John McLeod.

As well as launching Marks last book (Routledge have kindly offered a discount for those who attend the seminar), this event provides an opportunity for reflection and appreciation of Mark’s contribution to the field, The aim will be to allow participants to gain insights into the implications of his work for not only the profession as a whole, but also to their own career pathways. Themes that will be explored encompass:

• the necessity of productive connections and synergies between life experience, practice, research and training;
• the importance of a shared language for therapy, that is accessible to clients;
• in an environment where therapy needs to be accountable to society as well as to our clients: what counts as evidence?
• the significance of professional solidarity: How do we work together to provide the best possible service for clients? How do we support the development of research that can meaningfully inform practice?

Over the course of his career, Mark Widdowson touched the lives of many thousands of people. He was widely regarded as a master therapist, and was a beloved colleague and friend to many. Evidence of the depth of esteem in which he was held can be found at: https://www.online-tribute.com/MarkWiddowson

Leilani Mitchell introduces the event and shares her personal experience of working with Mark.

Philip McNally - Mark’s husband - talks about the story behind the publication of Transactional Analysis: The Basics.

John McLeod offers an overview of Transactional Analysis: The Basics, discusses how it fits within Mark Widdowson’s career as a therapist, educator and researcher, and reflects on what the counselling and psychotherapy profession as a whole can learn from Mark’s life and work.

These presentations are followed by an opportunity for dialogue where participants can ask questions and share their own views on issues that have been raised. A detailed bibliography of Mark Widdowson’s published work will be available.

Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event

Participants can expect that this event will support their further development around:

• the importance of theory for effective counselling and psychotherapy;
• the nature of professional leadership in counselling and psychotherapy;
• how research knowledge can be used to inform and enhance therapy practice;
• strategies for maintaining involvement in research alongside other roles;
• the moral and social responsibilities of therapists.

Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?

• qualified and trainee counsellors and psychotherapists;
• counselling and psychotherapy researchers, educators and managers;
• practitioners (GPs, social workers, teachers) who work alongside counsellors and psychotherapists;
• those interested in the history of psychotherapy;
• clients, service users, and lived experience consultants.

How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?

• deepening your knowledge and awareness of multiple interconnecting strands of the role of therapist;
• developing skills and strategies around how to use research to inform your practice;
• rekindling – and deepening – your appreciation of TA.

Suggested further reading:

Widdowson, M. (2018). The importance of research in transactional analysis for transactional analysts. Transactional Analysis Journal, 48(1), 33-42. Mark’s own views on why research is important. Video of Mark presenting this paper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQBFJrmmjTo

Widdowson, M. (2014). Avoidance, vicious cycles, and experiential disconfirmation of script: Two new theoretical concepts and one mechanism of change in the psychotherapy of depression and anxiety. Transactional Analysis Journal, 44(3), 194-207. An example of practice innovation that emerged from Mark’s research.

McLeod, J. (2017). Science and psychotherapy: developing research-based knowledge that enhances the effectiveness of practice. Transactional Analysis Journal, 47(2), 82-101. Exploration of the challenges associated with developing an appropriate research base for counselling and psychotherapy.

EVENT PROFIT & DONATIONS

Tree Aid is an environmental charity that was close to Mark’s heart, and one that he and Philip supported together through annual donations. The profit from this event will be shared with Tree Aid in honour of that shared commitment. If you would like to make a direct donation, you can do so via the link below:https://www.treeaid.org