CTA Games People Play & Game Analysis 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the 'switch' in Berne's game formula refer to?
- Changing therapists
- The sudden role reversal that surprises the players near the game's end (Correct answer)
- Switching ego states intentionally
- Changing the therapeutic contract
Correct answer: The sudden role reversal that surprises the players near the game's end
The switch is the moment when the game initiator suddenly reverses their role or behavior, leaving the respondent confused and setting up the final payoff.
Question 2: What are the three degrees of games in TA as described by Berne?
- Mild, Moderate, Severe
- Social, Professional, Legal
- First-degree (social level), Second-degree (personal harm), Third-degree (physical harm or tragedy) (Correct answer)
- Surface, Deep, Profound
Correct answer: First-degree (social level), Second-degree (personal harm), Third-degree (physical harm or tragedy)
Berne described games in three degrees of severity: first-degree (minor, socially acceptable consequences), second-degree (more serious personal harm), and third-degree (resulting in physical harm, legal involvement, or death).
Question 3: Which common TA game involves a person repeatedly seeking help or advice then rejecting every suggestion offered?
- Kick Me
- Now I've Got You
- Yes, But... (Correct answer)
- Wooden Leg
Correct answer: Yes, But...
In 'Yes, But...' the player solicits advice or solutions but counters every suggestion with objections, ultimately rejecting all help and confirming helplessness.
Question 4: What is the game 'Yes, But' primarily designed to confirm?
- That the initiator is highly intelligent
- That no one can help, confirming a Not OK script position (Correct answer)
- That the therapist is incompetent
- That advice is always welcome
Correct answer: That no one can help, confirming a Not OK script position
'Yes, But' confirms the player's script belief that no one can truly help and that problems are unsolvable, reinforcing their Not OK position.
Question 5: What therapeutic approach does TA recommend when a therapist recognizes a game is being set up?
- Play along to understand it better
- Refuse to hook into the game by responding from the Adult or with an unexpected stroke (Correct answer)
- Confront the client aggressively
- Terminate the session
Correct answer: Refuse to hook into the game by responding from the Adult or with an unexpected stroke
The recommended therapeutic response is to recognize the game invitation and respond authentically from the Adult, not providing the hook the game requires.
Question 6: What is the game 'NIGYSOB' (Now I've Got You, Son of a Bitch)?
- A cooperative therapy exercise
- A game where the player waits for an excuse to express pent-up anger and triumph over another person (Correct answer)
- A parenting technique
- A positive stroke exchange
Correct answer: A game where the player waits for an excuse to express pent-up anger and triumph over another person
NIGYSOB is a game where the player lies in wait for the other person to make a mistake, then responds with disproportionate anger and triumph.
CTA Games People Play & Game Analysis 2
What does the 'switch' in Berne's game formula refer to?