Transactional Analysis Podcast S8 E12: The Role of Play Therapy and Transactional Analysis in Helping Children Express Their Inner World with Alina Comendant & Tatjana Gjurković
In this episode of The Transactional Analysis Podcast, hosts Matt and John welcome Alina Comendant (Provisional Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst in the field of Psychotherapy) and Tatjana Gjurković (Teaching and Supervising Transactional Analyst in the field of Psychotherapy)
Alina, based in the Netherlands, and Tatjana, working in Croatia, are highly experienced play therapists and trainers. They bring unique perspectives on how play therapy and Transactional Analysis can complement each other to support the emotional and psychological well-being of children and adolescents.
Throughout the conversation, we explore:
- How TA theory, with concepts like ego states and scripts, enhances play therapy, helping children express their inner worlds.
- Directive vs. Non-Directive Play Therapy: the balance between following the child’s lead versus guiding with structured methods.
- Alina and Tatjana’s favourite TA models which they use to foster resilience and autonomy in young clients.
- Why empathy, acceptance, and collaboration with parents help children feel safe and open up in therapy
- The impact of family systems, cultural scripts, and school on a child’s mental health, and why addressing these is vital for sustainable change.
Get in touch with Alina and Tatjana:
Alina Comendant
Website: www.alinacomendant.com
LinkedIn: Alina Comendant
Instagram: @the_heart_of_practice
Tatjana Gjurković
Instagram: @ad_psychotherapy_institute
Website: AD Training Institute
Resources mentioned in the episode:
International Transactional Analysts for Childhood and Adolescence ( from Italy).
Sponsors:
The International Transactional Analysis Association (ITAA) is an individual membership organisation providing the TA Journal (TAJ) and the monthly Script newsletter with archives of both from the 1970s.
For more information about the benefits of membership please click on the link below:
www.itaaworld.org/itaa-membership-benefits
The European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA) has 44 member associations with more than 7550 members in 29 European countries. Its purpose is to promote knowledge and research on Transactional Analysis, to develop its theory, to ensure agreed standards of practice, and to promote cooperation in Europe in the field of Transactional Analysis.
For more information please click on the link below: