Surrey Therapists Book Club: Games People Play by Eric Berne
Connect, reflect and deepen your practice with fellow therapists in Woking
If you're a counsellor, psychotherapist or therapist working in Surrey and you've been craving professional connection that goes beyond the surface, the Surrey Therapists Book Club might be exactly what you need.
We're a growing community of therapists from across Surrey including Woking, Guildford, Farnham, Camberley and beyond who meet monthly to explore influential texts, share clinical reflections and support each other's ongoing development. Whether you're a qualified practitioner or still training, you're welcome here.
November: Games People Play by Eric Berne
Our next meeting is on Friday, 14th November 2025 and we'll be diving into Eric Berne's classic work, Games People Play: The Psychology of Human Relationships.
Berne’s work introduced Transactional Analysis to the world and remains one of the most accessible and practical texts for understanding the patterns, power dynamics and psychological "games" that play out in our clients' relationships (and our own!).
Why this book matters for therapists
Berne's work offers a framework that many therapists find invaluable for:
Recognising repetitive patterns in client narratives
Understanding the ego states (Parent, Adult, Child) that influence communication
Identifying the unconscious payoffs that keep people stuck in unhelpful dynamics
Making sense of transference and countertransference in the therapeutic relationship
Bringing clarity to couples work, family therapy and group dynamics
Even if you don't work explicitly within a Transactional Analysis framework (I don’t, either!), Berne's concepts can enrich your practice and offer fresh insight into the psychological games your clients might be unknowingly playing.
What to expect from the Surrey Therapists Book Club
It's an informal, peer led space where we can:
Discuss the themes, concepts and ideas from the book
Relate the material to your own clinical work and client presentations
Share experiences, challenges and reflections in a confidential, supportive setting
And above all, build meaningful professional connections with other therapists in Surrey
You don't need to have finished the book to attend. Come with whatever you've managed to read, your curiosity and your willingness to engage. There's no pressure, no performance, just thoughtful conversation and conversation among peers.
Meeting details
Date: Friday, 14th November 2025
Time: 1:00pm to 2:30/3:00pm
Location: Bem Coffee, Anchor Hill, Knaphill, Woking, Surrey
Parking: Free parking available at Knaphill Athletic Football Club on Barley Mow Lane (approximately 3 minutes' walk from the venue)
Bem Coffee is a welcoming, independent coffee shop in the heart of Knaphill with a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for meaningful conversation. We'll have a private area to ensure confidentiality and space to talk openly.
Who should join the Surrey Therapists Book Club?
This group is for:
Qualified counsellors, psychotherapists and therapists practising in Surrey
Trainee therapists studying counselling, psychotherapy or related disciplines
Practitioners working in private practice, the NHS, charities or educational settings
Therapists from all modalities including person centred, psychodynamic, CBT, integrative, humanistic and more
Anyone seeking peer support, professional development and clinical discussion in a relaxed setting
Whether you're based in Woking, Guildford, Farnham, Godalming, Camberley, Aldershot, Frimley or anywhere across Surrey, you're welcome to join us.
Why join a therapists' book club?
Therapy can be isolating. Many of us work alone in private practice or spend our days holding space for others without much opportunity for our own reflective practice outside of supervision.
The Surrey Therapists Book Club offers something different: a chance to connect with other therapists, challenge your thinking, explore new ideas and remember why you fell in love with this work in the first place.
Reading and discussing therapeutic texts together helps us:
Stay curious and engaged with our ongoing professional development
Deepen our understanding of theory and how it shows up in practice
Process our own experiences as therapists in a safe, collegial space
Combat professional isolation and burnout
Build a network of peers for support, referrals and collaboration
Plus, it's genuinely enjoyable. There's something nourishing about being in a room with people who understand the work, who speak your language and who are just as committed to growth and learning as you are.
How to join us
If you'd like to attend the November meeting, please get in touch to confirm your place. Spaces are limited to ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute and connect.
We meet on the second Friday of every month, so once you've joined us for November, you're welcome to be part of our ongoing community. Future book selections are chosen by the group.
About the facilitator
I'm a psychotherapeutic counsellor based in Surrey with a passion for creating spaces where therapists can connect, reflect and grow. I believe that we do our best work when we're supported, challenged and connected to a community of peers who understand the unique demands and rewards of this profession.
The Surrey Therapists Book Club is an extension of that belief. It's a space for us to come together, learn from each other and remember that we're not alone in this work.
Get involved
Whether you're newly qualified or decades into practice, whether you're an avid reader or haven't picked up a theory book since training, you're welcome at the Surrey Therapists Book Club.
Ready to join us?
