`Ian Stewart has made the difficult link between theory and practice clear without being patronizing. This is valuable for everyone interested in TA since many concepts can only be fully assimilated when linked to actual examples. Even if you are not in clinical practice, this book would be a useful addition to your library and, for anyone in training or beginning practice, this is required reading′ - Group Relations Ian Stewart shows how Transactional Analysis can help the reader to make sense of human experience and behavior. He provides clear information about the meaning of specific key concepts used in TA and how to build an understanding of the person using these. Although Stewart writes for counselors, this is also useful for those who use counseling skills in their day to day roles, or who simply want a way of making sense of their own experience with others. There are skills based practice and discussion exercises, spaces for reflection, and direction to very focused additional reading, to expand and illustrate his points. In this edition Stewart brings us up to date with current developments in TA. Many of the core concepts of TA are covered in a structured and focused way, and brought to life in Stewart’s engaging application to a client. Tips, based on experience, and guidance for practitioners, are integral to the book, making this a practical and relevant text for trainees in the TA model and those wishing to use TA as an additional resource to add depth of understanding and choice to their practice.
Barbara Monk-Steele A most welcomed new edition of a standard Transactional Analysis  text  which will prove to be an invaluable resource for many.  It will appeal to those  whose initial training has been in a counselling modality other than Transactional Analysis,   and who are now interested in adding Transactional Analysis  resources to his or her counselling skills,  as well as to those who are already practising or training professionally in Transactional Analysis. This well written edition provides coverage of a number of established Transactional Analysis concepts and the author, Ian Stewart, a well respected member of the Transactional Analysis international community, clearly articulates how to use the concepts whilst working with a client whom he calls John.  By choosing one client to apply the concepts are not presented in a vacuum: they become alive and relevant.      I appreciate the space for reflection which can be used in a group or individually to promote thought and further discussion; the summary of key ideas to which the reader  can easily  refer and the indication of  further reading which enables the reader to explore and enhance  his/her learning and understanding. This is a text which I will be recommending to the students.
Sue Brady Clear, concise and practical. The fourth edition of Transactional Analysis Counselling in Action is, in my view, the best available introduction to the basic techniques used by TA counsellors and therapists. Both students and more experienced practitioners will find plenty of helpful recommendations and guidance in this accessible and practical text.
Mark Widdowson