Metanoia Institute is celebrating major international recognition for pioneering research into the effectiveness of Transactional Analysis (TA) psychotherapy, reinforcing the Institute’s long-standing role in advancing psychotherapy research, professional recognition, and evidence-based practice.

The research programme, funded by the European Association for Transactional Analysis (EATA), was developed by Dr Biljana van Rijn and led by Dr Joel Vos through Metanoia Counselling and Psychotherapy Service (MCPS). The initiative was created in response to increasing statutory regulation across Europe and the growing need for a stronger evidence base for TA psychotherapy.

The programme has resulted in seven published papers and culminated in the publication of the first evidence-based handbook in TA psychotherapy last year. Since publication, the handbook has already been translated into two languages and has been recommended by EATA as core reading for TA psychotherapy training programmes across Europe.

• The impact of the work is already being seen internationally. The research is understood to have supported the professional recognition of TA psychotherapy in Slovenia, while seminars delivered by Dr Vos and Dr van Rijn for EATA attracted more than 250 participants from across Europe. Both researchers have also been invited to deliver keynote presentations at the EATA European Research Conference later this year.
• In further recognition of the significance of the research, Dr Joel Vos is to receive the International Transactional Analysis Association’s award for Research Into the Effectiveness of Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy in the Past Decennium.

Dr Biljana van Rijn previously received the ITAA award for Contributions for Research in Transactional Analysis, Including Routine Outcomes Evaluation of Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy within a Community Research Clinic in 2019.

Together, the awards underline the sustained contribution Metanoia Institute and MCPS have made to impactful psychotherapy research over the past 15 years, positioning the Institute at the forefront of practice-based research within the TA field internationally.

Dr Joel Vos said: ‘It is deeply meaningful to see this research recognised internationally because it reflects a broader movement within psychotherapy towards combining rigorous scientific evidence with profoundly human therapeutic practice. Metanoia has created an environment where practice-based research can genuinely influence the future development and recognition of the profession.’

Dr Biljana van Rijn added: ‘This achievement reflects many years of collaborative work dedicated to strengthening the evidence base for Transactional Analysis psychotherapy. MCPS has provided an important foundation for long-term research that demonstrates how clinical practice, training, and research can come together to create meaningful impact for the profession internationally.’

The achievement further reinforces Metanoia Institute’s position as a leading centre for psychotherapy education, research, and professional development. Through the integration of clinical practice, practitioner training, and internationally recognised scholarship, Metanoia continues to help shape the future direction of psychotherapy in the UK and beyond.

The Institute expects the work to contribute significantly to future Research Excellence Framework (REF) impact activity, while also further strengthening its growing international reputation within the psychotherapy and counselling professions.