Taibi Kahler

Taibi Kahler (born 1943) is an American clinical psychologist, author, and presidential communications advisor. He added the concepts of the Mini-script and Drivers to Transactional analysis theory and developed them into the 'Process Therapy Model' (PTM) and the 'Process Communication Model' (PCM) of human personality and communication.

He began his career working with troubled youth, and he developed his theories about human behaviour and communication based on his experiences working with these young people. He went on to found the Process Work Institute in Portland, Oregon, where he continues to teach and train others in the Process Communication Model.

Early life and education

Kahler was born June 30, 1943 in Kewanna, Indiana. He was the only child of George Kahler, a farmer, and Madelyn Kahler. His father died in combat in April, 1945 while serving in the United States Army in the European Theater, resulting in Kahler being raised by his single mother in Hammond, Indiana.  He has indicated that it was a financially poor, but loving upbringing. Kahler attended Hope College, in Holland, Michigan, before transferring to Purdue University where he graduated with B.A. in English Literature, an M.S., and a Ph.D. in Child Development and Family Life (1972).

Kahler developed the Personality Pattern Inventory (PPI) which has been filled out by over 1,400,000 people worldwide. In 1977, he received the Eric Berne Memorial Scientific Award from the International Transactional Analysis Association. Applying Kahler's theories to the field of communications, he argues that any population can be divided into six different personality types (denoted thinker, harmoniser, persister, rebel, imaginer, promoter) and that by modifying how we say what we say, according to the personalities of those we interact with, we can become more effective communicators.

PCM theory was used by Bill Clinton to tailor his political speeches. PCM is currently applied to corporate management, interpersonal communications, education, and real-time analysis of call centre interactions.

Work with NASA

Kahler's work with Dr. Terence F. McGuire at NASA revolutionised the way behavioural assessments and communication were approached within the organisation. As a renowned psychologist and creator of the Process Communication Model (PCM), Kahler's expertise provided a framework for McGuire to better understand and evaluate the psychological aspects of astronaut candidates and crew members. PCM's practical tools and emphasis on effective communication styles allowed McGuire to bridge the gap between psychiatry and engineering, enabling him to accurately assess candidates, develop concise character summaries, and support the well-being and success of NASA's astronauts. Kahler's collaboration with McGuire significantly impacted NASA's manned space flight program.

Authored books

• The Mastery of Management (2006), ISBN 978-0970118523
• The Process Therapy Model: The Six Personality Types with Adaptations (2008), ISBN 978-0981656502
• Transactional analysis revisited (1978), Little Rock, AR: Human Development Publications
• Process therapy in brief: the clinical application of miniscript (1979), Little Rock, Ark, Human Development Publications
• NoTAtions: A guide to TA literature (1978), with Brown, M. Dexter, Mich: Huron Valley Institute