Which approach focuses on understanding and improving interpersonal relationships through a transactional lens?

The approach that focuses on understanding and improving interpersonal relationships through a transactional lens is Transactional Analysis. This method, developed by Eric Berne in the late 1950s, examines the interactions or "transactions" between individuals and how these affect their behavior and relationships. It is based on the idea that each person has distinct parts of their personality, referred to as the Parent, Adult, and Child, and these parts influence how individuals interact with one another.

Transactional Analysis emphasizes awareness of these roles and encourages people to communicate more effectively, recognizing patterns in their interactions that may be detrimental to their relationships. By understanding these dynamics, individuals can work towards healthier, more constructive interactions.

The other approaches mentioned do not specifically analyze interpersonal relationships through this transactional framework. For example, Reality Therapy focuses more on personal responsibility and the choices individuals make in their lives. Existential Therapy emphasizes individual experience and the search for meaning, while Psychodynamic Therapy explores unconscious motives and conflicts, without the specific transactional focus that characterizes Transactional Analysis.