This article presents metacommunicative transactions as a collaborative relational therapeutic method for exploring the unfolding of the therapeutic relationship in the here and now. The theoretical basis of metacommunicative transactions and their similarity to and difference from empathic transactions (Clark, 1991; Hargaden & Sills, 2002) is discussed. Metacommunicative transactions are firmly located within a framework of transactional analysis psychotherapy, and the article describes how they relate to Woollams and Brown's (1979) four rules of therapy. The use of metacommunicative transactions to promote insight into ego states, transactions, games, scripts, and impasses is illustrated along with ways they can be used to invite both client and therapist into autonomous relating. The article concludes with practical guidance for therapists in design and use of metacommunicative transactions in therapeutic practice.
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