Claude Steiner has given us, in this book, a most valuable resource for understanding how Transactional Analysis (TA) works in real life situations. If you have read Berne's Games People Play then Steiner's book is the logical follow up. Berne describes interpersonal relationships with some very good examples; Steiner gives us the scripts to more completely understand TA. Steiner helps make Berne more understandable and paints with a broader brush as he gives the reader the flesh and bones of TA.

Bob Pavelsky, Ph.D.

As a worker in the field of 'mental health', I found this book to be invaluable in demystifying mental illness and assisting clients in learning about themselves using everyday language they can understand, not the psycho mobo jumbo utilized by psychiatry (to keep people oppressed and thinking they cannot cure themselves)This book, almost 30 years old, is probably more relevant today, particularly as the legions of 'rescuers' become more prevalent in society, i.e. therapists, counselors, probation officers, and all those in favor of the medicalization of behaviors. The books basic premise, that people can solve their own problems and get better on their own by redeciding, is both true and a threat to those who purport otherwise. For further in depth education in demystification, I recommend reading Thomas Szasz.

Claude M.Steiner shows great respect to the late E.Berne and analyzes properly and with solid argumentation the Transactional Analysis in a very approachable way. It is very pleasant to read and it is full of useful information and examples for those who wish to implement TA in their lives. I highly recommend this book to those who want to find out what is TA and what are the scripts we live. As E.Berne, Claude M.Steiner disagrees with the way psychiatry is treating people and teaches us how to treat our children and how to develop ourselves intellectually and emotionally.

I never write reviews but this book was so incredible. Comprehensive and yet specific enough to give people serious insight into their unconscious decisions and how to change that. Mr. Steiner examines how society promulgates and promotes certain behaviors as well as our parents, teachers, etc. etc. This book is a must read for anyone truly interested in the inner-workings of themselves and others. VERY ENLIGHTENING!

I constantly give this book away! To my adult students who are dealing with the old "I'm not (whatever) enough." It had a phenomenal effect on me at 40, clarifying so many contradictions. The author gets one to look at what is, and what isn't "my script." And helps one along the path to finding the one I'm "writing."