Transactional Analysis Journal

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The Suggestion Circle as a Therapeutic Intervention

Harold J. Nordeman
Transactional Analysis Journal 1981 11: 326
DOI: 10.1177/036215378101100414

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 The Suggestion Circle as a
Therapeutic Intervention
Harold J. Nordeman
Abstract
The suggestion circle (J.I. Clarke)
utilizes a group process for learning by use
of problem soMDg sldlls of group members,
and provides an effective option for con-
fronting games. Rules for the circle are
described, and the advantages of the drcle
discussed.
The Suggestion Circle (SC) is an effective
way to confront clients in an OK-OK way,
and to expand the group process. I use it to
provide another way to stop games, stroke
new behavior, and challenge my own
counter transferences.
Skills from our life experiences can be
used or adapted for use in therapy
situations. I participated in the SC in a
class called Self Esteem: A Family Affair
(SEAFA), which was developed by Jean
Illsley Clarke, SFM. After having taken the
Clarke facilitator's training program and
having taught the course, I now use the SC
in both growth groups and therapy groups.
In therapy groups, I can respond to a
game by exposing, ignoring, offering an
alternative, or playing the game, depending
on the therapeutic intervention called for at
the time. In exposing the game of "Why
don't you ..... Yes but," I might say, "I
don't wish to play 'Yes but' any longer.
Will you ask for a suggestion circle?" I
may chose to offer an alternative by saying,
"A suggestion circle is one way to get feed-
back. Will you ask for one?" If the client
says "No," I check to see what he will do.
If the client says "Yes," I explain the
ground rules to any new clients in the
group.
326
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The Suggestion Circle
The ground rules are:
1. The client asking for the SC will:
A. State the problem in a clear short
statement.
B. Ask one member of the group to write
the suggestions down for later review.
C. Respond to each group member with
"Thank you. "
2. The group members will:
A. Respond with one short, quality
answer or pass.
B. Identify for themselves the ego state
from which they responded.
3. Everyone has the right to pass without
being challenged.
The SC places responsibility for the
problem with the client, while offering
support and encouragement at the same
time. Two games that are effectively
confronted by the use of this tool are Why
don't you ... yes but, and Gee, your
wonderful professor.
Time: Depending on the size of the
group, the SC will take about two or three
minutes.
Writing: Asking a group member to
write down the suggestions frees the client
to "Hear now/read later," and affirms OK
to ask.
Suggestions: Honors individuals in the
group for thinking and gives recognition
for ways they have solved similar problems
in different ego states.
Passing: Gives permission and
protection, affirms OK to Be, and invites
new members into the group process in a
non-threatening way.
Deciding yes: Offers the opportunity to
move away from game behavior and
change behavior in a safe place.
Transactional Analysis Journal
 THE SUGGESTION CIRCLE AS A THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION

Deciding no: Offers the opportunity to REFERENCES

say no straight. I move on with the group
and offer protection by taking the time to
check back offering some space for the
client to decide what he will do.
Thank you: The therapist offers closure
to the client; and closure is reinforced with
each suggestion.
Harold J. Nordeman, CMT, is co-director
of A Growing Place in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Barnes, G. TA after Eric Berne. New York: Harper
CoUeae,I977,126.
Berne, E. Games people play. New York: Grove
dsPRess, 1971.
Clark, J. Self esteem: A Jamily qfJair. Winston Press,
1978,98.
Clark Leaders Guide, Pre-Publication.
Crossman, P. Permission and protection. Transac
tional Analysis Bulletin, 1976, 1-9,25.
Dusay, J.M. Response to games in therapy. Transac-
tional Analysis Bulletin, 1976, 1-9, 21.
Otho Hesterly, PhD, CM.
Karpman, S. Fairy tales and script drama analysis.
Transactional Analysis Bulletin, 1976,1-9,51.
Levin, P. Becoming the way we are. Transactional
PubliCtltion, 1974,5,50.

People with going-nowhere, banal scripts are nonwinners. They restrict their own
growth, limit their own opportunities, and avoid the full realization of their poten-
tialities. These persons often follow the stereotype expectations of the larger culture.
On the surface they may appear successful, as though they had constructive scripts.
However, they inevitably undermine themselves in some way, often explaining their
misfortunes as bad luck. In other words, when the curtain is up, the person may
be oriented toward useful activities; yet when the final curtain comes down, nothing
really important has been accomplished. This is the script of many people who com-
plain, "I tried." They do not set realistic goals or realistic plans of action. Con-
sequently, they don't succeed. These people are on the proverbial treadmill-not
going anywhere because they are too busy trying instead of doing and being.
-Muriel James, "Techniques in Transactional Analysis, "p. 76

Vol. 11, No.4, October 1981 327

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