Sometimes people experience emotional problems (e.g., anxiety, depression), behavioral problems (e.g., overeating, smoking), or relationship problems (e.g., excessive arguing, poor communication) that interfere with their daily functioning. These difficulties result from the interaction of biological, learning, behavioral, and environmental factors, which influence patterns of thinking and behaving. Negative life events can contribute to the development of self-defeating patterns of thinking and behaving, which some people can have difficulty changing. In my work, which I have been practicing for 40 years, I help people identify these self-defeating patterns and develop strategies for dealing with them. I emphasize the importance of practicing these strategies consistently, with the goal of handling emotions more effectively and behaving in more responsible and healthy ways. I focus on life pattern changes with respect to relationships, depression, anxiety, anger control, impulse control, and stress management.