I’m not that important anyway, it’s my fault, I think I’m too stupid: three typical sentences that we internalize in early childhood, believe unconsciously, and that make our lives difficult. The unconscious life plans that develop from such sentences are referred to as life scripts in transactional analysis. Almut Schmale-Riedel analyzes the most common script patterns and their effects on coping with life, partnerships, and careers. Based on years of therapeutic experience, she outlines ways to break free from the grip of these patterns—empathetically, thoroughly, and understandably.