Nordic TA: A Living History of Community and Development

Early Nordic co-operation

Only a couple of years after STAF was founded in Malmö in 1979, a strong Nordic collaboration began. In the early 80s, the foundation was laid for what would become a unique platform for Transaction Analysis (TA) in the Nordic region. A key moment was the conference in Mullsjö (Bankeryd) in the early 80s, where the dream of a genuine Scandinavian forum was awakened.

The golden era of collaborations

The first official Nordic conference took place in Helsingborg in 1986, which was the start of an intense period. For decades, colleagues met in cities such as Copenhagen, Helsinki, Oslo and Karlstad. The ambition was clear: to create a meeting place that was linguistically and culturally accessible. By using Swedish, Norwegian and Danish, a closeness and dialogue was created that the major European conferences often lacked.

From the start, it was about more than just education – it was about building a common identity. Relationships, trust and collegial support were at the centre of the Nordic TA model in the interaction between the individual, responsibility and society.

Towards a new generation

We are now seeing this spirit come back to life after a few years of less activity. History teaches us that it takes commitment to arrange these meetings, but that the rewards are invaluable: New ideas are born and experiences are shared across borders. 

A living future

Today we see a new start for this spirit of cooperation. It is an exciting time where commitment is once again growing and where we in Sweden, Norway and Finland are reconnecting to create something together. Later, perhaps even more, such as educational exchanges and joint conferences.

STAF today

To date, STAF has 51 members, and by sharing and sharing knowledge and experience with our Nordic neighbours, it provides the conditions for transaction analysis to continue to develop in a vibrant Nordic context, where history meets the future.