Book review: Agata Ribay (2025). Ku witalności i świadomości w pracy doradczej. Analiza transakcyjna w poradnictwie zawodowym. Olsztyn: Wojewódzki Urząd Pracy. pp. 340.

Abstract

It can be ventured that among all domains of transactional analysis, counseling, and particularly career counseling, is neither the most developed nor the most appreciated. Educational TA need not even be mentioned. From the outset, as is well known, psychotherapy has reigned supreme. Therefore, the appearance of this publication, which supplements and advocates for this underdeveloped area, should be acknowledged with appreciation. The motto of vitality and awareness contained in the title of the book under review indicates the direction of counseling work. I would add responsibility and freedom of choice. "This book," writes the author in the introduction, "is an invitation to a joint journey toward mindfulness, awareness, and competence, toward creativity, vital energy, and a positive vision of humans in counseling work. A vision focused on resources and the co-creation of realistic solutions filled with life energy." Not only the client remains at the center of the counseling process in this work, but the counselor themselves is also invited to engage in self-reflection on their personality, life history, and possessed competencies.