ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses learning new patterns of behavior, and examines breaking complex processes down to achievable components. It presents a tale about learning to discriminate between helpful and unhelpful behaviors. The chapter provides strategies for change, followed by an example of how to change behavior by using positive thoughts, emotions, and actions. Having established patterns of behavior can be helpful and functional. Such patterns provide stability, safety, and efficiency in lives. Through practice, the behavioral patterns become so ingrained that one may not even notice when they are doing them. Some behavioral patterns can be beneficial; others may be unhelpful or even potentially self-destructive. Patterns of smoking, drinking, drug use, overeating, or anorexia can have extremely harmful physical, psychological, social, and family consequences. Learned patterns of responding to stressful or difficult life circumstances with anxiety, depression, or anger can also be deleterious.
