Sonja Stark

Certified Therapeutic Counsellor in Transactional Analysis

I am a Certified Therapeutic Counsellor in Transactional Analysis.

Since May 2006, I have been using Transactional Analysis (TA) theory to help my clients develop self-concept and to live their lives more effectively.
(The training to become a certified transactional analyst (CTA) usually takes at least 6 years and includes approx. 600 hours of theory).

Through building a relationship with you in therapy, my aim is to help you understand your needs..
I work with individuals and couples in English, German or French.

I am a person who enjoys working with and for people. Through my curiosity and interest in learning, I have acquired a variety of experiences, training and skills. In my work I am guided by respectful, open and goal-oriented cooperation.

I love being invited to share someone’s journey. It is an honour to provide a space that allows you to explore and feel safe. I enjoy seeing my client walk out feeling free and enjoying life. Clients have felt comfortable to explore both past and present situations that have impacted them.

Counselling can be daunting if it is the first time, I understand that. However, experience has shown me that it can bring amazing changes to life. So whether your concerns surround the spiritual aspect of life, re-evaluating your life, relationships you are involved with or your emotional well-being, counselling may provide the means to help you through.

How are the sessions conducted?

Where?

Sessions take place in my private practice or online. I also offer coaching and counselling on a walk in the park or forest.
Whilst physical meetings are preferable, online sessions or even telephone calls can be very effective.
Research has shown that online counselling/coaching can be equally as effective as in-person treatment.

Why?

You might feel more inclined to be confident on screen.

You might get to the point more quickly.

More flexibility to meet your needs and your lifestyle.

I work with Zoom, Skype, FaceTime or WhatsApp.

Transactional Analysis (TA) Explained

Transactional analysis (TA) is a widely recognized form of modern psychology, and one of the most accessible theories of psychology at that. In simple terms, TA is designed to promote personal growth and change. It is considered a fundamental therapy for well-being and for helping individuals to reach their full potential in all aspects of life.

Throughout therapy, the TA therapist/counsellor will work directly on problem-solving behaviours, whilst helping clients to develop day-to-day tools for finding constructive, creative solutions. The ultimate goal is to ensure clients regain absolute autonomy over their lives. Eric Berne defines this autonomy as the recovery of three vital human capacities – spontaneity, awareness and intimacy.

The atmosphere that supports transactional analysis is non-judgmental, secure and respectful, ensuring that a positive relationship is forged between the therapist and client(s) in order to provide a model for subsequent relationships and communication that are developed outside of therapy.

As a psychological method, transactional analysis has a supportive effect on people who want to make their communication more effective, develop and exploit the potential of their personality and network more effectively with people and contexts.

As a personality concept, transactional analysis enables an understanding of life history developments and the associated inner processes that can lead to maturation.

As a communication concept, transactional analysis offers the possibility to describe and explain interpersonal communication and increases self-direction.

As an organisational concept, transactional counselling is able to consider the effects of systems and their rules on subsystems as well as on individuals in their interactions.

Why I work with Transactional Analysis (TA)

I like the appreciative attitude towards other people and myself. The theoretical models of TA offer a variety of insights and explanations to understand people. At the same time, they offer positive solutions and options. I like the fact that TA models can be easily transferred to everyday and practical situations.

The contract method ensures that both counsellor and client are accountable. It is agreed how long, with which methods and above all with which goal the common path will be shaped.