Family Scripts in Contemporary Family Therapy Practice

ABSTRACT The history of the mental health sciences includes numerous instances where parents were unjustly blamed for their children's psychological distress. From its inception, family therapy moved away from linear causal, intrapsychic explanations to emphasise complex family dynamics. However, systemic perspectives may still have unintentionally sustained a culture of blame. In contemporary Western society, high expectations around ‘good parenting’ place considerable pressure on parents to create ideal conditions for their children's development, often leaving them feeling insecure and inadequate. While guilt can motivate reparative actions, it becomes counterproductive when internalised as a fixed parental identity. This article explores how transgenerational family scripts provide a contextual lens for reflecting on difficult family interactions, while aiming to minimise the reinforcement of negative self‐perceptions. It highlights the importance of acknowledging societal pressures in therapy to help parents navigate personal and social expectations. A case study illustrates the ongoing relevance of family scripts in systemic practice.