1997 Honda Civic Problem Tranny

Great site, thanks for this! I have been a Honda owner for 20 yrs. But have never owned a auto tranny until I bought an 1997 civic. 191,000 km. When I put it in drive I have to give it gas and then it bangs into gear. If I give it the gas slowly it acts like a golf cart. Once I am driving it works great until I let go of the gas and as speed drops it bucks and releases, bucks and releases! This also happens in reverse. WHat can I do to fix it or is it a rebuild? Thanks