Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This article introduces and systematises the concept of digital transference within the framework of transactional analysis (TA). Drawing on classic TA sources (Berne, 1961; Schiff Schiff, 1975; Steiner, 1974) and recent tele-psychology research, it describes eight phenomena that arise when client and therapist interact through social-media platforms: asynchronous elongation of transactions, the “online” indicator as a control trigger, like-stroke deprivation, the therapist’s success showcase, split online/offline images, mirror counter-transference, the algorithm as an “all-seeing Parent”, and involuntary self-disclosure. Each phenomenon is illustrated by a clinical vignette and linked to TA constructs — ego states, script decisions and the stroke economy. The paper proposes an additional “Social-Media Contract” (rules for follows, likes and direct messages) and a digital-debrief protocol for supervision. A three-position self-disclosure test (Parent / Adult / Child) is offered as an ethical self-check tool. Future research directions include a taxonomy of digital transactions, platform-specific response patterns and algorithm-mediated therapeutic alliances. The framework aims to help TA practitioners maintain an Adult stance in a permanently online world and to minimise script-driven pitfalls of the digital environment.
Source: Transactional Analysis in Russia
Author: Alla E. Dalit
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413195115