Life Scripts
edited by Richard G. Erskine, 2010, Karnac Books.

This book contains an exciting collection of contemporary writings on Life Script theory and psychotherapeutic methods. Each chapter describes an evolution of Eric Berne's original theory and brings together a stimulating range of international perspectives, script theories, clinical experiences and psychotherapy practices, as well as a psychotherapy story that illustrates the theory. The concept of Life Scripts has frequently been associated with the determinism represented in theatrical scripts, yet, this book offers some new and diverse perspectives. A few contributors address the significance of early childhood experiences in forming a Life Script, while others reflect the perspectives of post- modernism, constructivism, existential philosophy, neuroscience, developmental research, mythology and the importance of narrative.

Richard Erskine's Lectures are now available on audio cassettes.
• Diagnosis & Treatment of Adult victims of Childhoot sexual Abuse
• The Racket System Revisited
• Transference of Transactions? Psychotherapy for Couples
• A Relationship Therapy: Developmental Perspectives
• Transactional Analysis Theory: Past, Present and future
• Shame: A Transactional Analysis Perspective
• The Psychotherapy of Shame and Righteousness
• Contact, Relationship, Wholeness
• The Psychotherapeutic Relationship
• The Therapeutic Relationship: Inquirey, Attunement and Involvement
• Inquiry, Attunement & Involvement: The Application of TA Theory
• Transactional Analysis Theory of Methods

Integrative Psychotherapy: The Art and Science of Relationship
by Janet P. Moursund and Richard G. Erskine, 2003, Thomson/Wadsworth (Brooks/Cole).

This clearly written and readable description of integrative psychotherapy/counseling focuses on the central role of the psychotherapeutic relationship in general, both in the healing process and in maintaining a psychologically healthy life. It posits that the psychotehraputic relationship is key to helping clients become integrated or whole. The work can be divided into three parts: Theoretical Foundations, Therapeutic Practice and Transcript (a full, verbatim transcript of a therapy session). A linkage index provides links between concepts covered in the text and applications as demonstrated in the transcript.

Beyond Empathy - A Therapy of Contact-In Relationship
by Richard Erskine, Janet Moursund & Rebecca Trautmann, 1999, Brunner/Mazel.
Review by Charles Bowman, Indianapolis Gestalt Institute
Review by Francine Conway-Giustra, Long Island University

Relationships between people form the basis of our daily lives. We require this contact with others as well as the subsequent sense of respect and value it produces and the relational needs it fulfills. As we face the inevitable traumas of life, large and small, our ability to make full contact with others is often disrupted. As contact decreases, relational needs go unfulfilled, often producing psychological dysfunction. Beyond Empathy offers therapists a methodology for helping people rediscover their ability to maintain genuine, contactful relationships and thus, better psychological health.

Theories and Methods of an Integrative Transactional Analysis
by Richard Erskine, 1998, TA Press.
Review by Wayne Carpenter and Damon Wadsworth, Transactional Analysis Journal
Review by Helena Hargaden

This 264-page volume contains 28 articles published between 1976 and 1997 that demonstrate the evolution of Erskine's ideas from his early days in transactional analysis to his eventual integration of concepts from transactional analysis, Gestalt therapy, and psychoanalytic theories such as object relations, self psychology, and the intersubjective approach.

The result of this theoretical and clinical synthesis is a powerful psychotherapeutic theory and method contact-based and developmentally oriented-that is the hallmark of an integrative transactional analysis.