When a French group led by Jacques Moreau and Isabelle Goldie suggested they might want to visit the area where Eric Berne, the originator of transactional analysis, lived, practiced and led the original San Francisco Social Psychiatry Seminars, a search began for the best place to meet. We found a retreat center right on the coast of Monterey Bay, between San Francisco and Carmel. New and longtime North American TA practitioners joined the travelers from France in a weeklong gathering, where planned and spontaneous workshops created a powerful learning experience.

The French group particularly wanted to visit the Eric Berne Archives at the University of San Francisco and the dwelling and gravesite where Berne is buried on the Monterey Peninsula. Day trips took us to both places. We were especially blessed to have Jack Dusay, an original Berne student and originator of the egogram, come and speak to us at the archives. On the trip to Carmel, Moreau led a moving ceremony at Berne’s grave, honoring his legacy and inspiring current students.

Participants commented that the setting was “magical,” noting a “very pleasant, beautiful view, good meals, nice welcome.” One participant praised the food as “OK++, especially scones and cookies,” while another noted the “presentations were high level.” One attendee summed it up with, “Grounded — centered — connected check-in; permission, protection, potency — the rules for the gathering; the group circle.” We had such a great time revisiting the birthplace of TA and engaging in workshops, dialogue and collaborative learning that the North American Transactional Analysis Association decided to do it again.

Serenity, stimulation and connection

The setting feeds all ego states and connects us with the forces of nature. We look out the windows at the Pacific Ocean, seeing flocks of pelicans and other seabirds, as well as the constantly changing clouds and sea. Participants from 2024 are eager to return. We have new teachers and learners offering creative and classical TA sessions.

Our North American tradition of convening self-organizing programs makes this gathering different from a classical conference. We have varied a little from our pure spontaneity so that those who need continuing education credit can choose workshops that meet the requirements.

Anticipated program

For the July 20-26 gathering in 2026, we have added more to the schedule. A full TA 101 course will be offered on the first two days for anyone new to the practice and those who want a fresh perspective. Presenters for the 101 and remaining sessions include Brenda Schaeffer, Piotr Jusik, Gaylon Palmer, Marion Gittings, Jonathan and Laurie Weiss, Viktoriia Kotova, Christopher Zimmerman, Lucy Freedman, Felipe Garcia and more, who bring their international cultural perspectives.

The open-space format allows everyone to facilitate sessions on their interests. We expect to spend time in creative and musical activities individually and together. A roundtable on artificial intelligence has been proposed. People from around the world are invited to join us and continue the “Back to Berne” tradition in new and interesting ways.

Visit nataa.net to find out more and register. Questions? Email us at programs@nataa.net. Space at the beautiful and economical retreat center is limited, so if you want to co-create this year’s gathering, sign up soon.