Our groups are grounded in the idea that our feelings and behaviors are directed by our thoughts more than external factors, such as people, situations, or events. The benefit of this understanding is that we can change how we think to change the way we feel and act, even if the external situation does not change. This approach is based on the scientifically supported perspective that most emotional and behavioral reactions are learned. Over time, with support, we can “unlearn” their unwanted reactions and better fit into communities while learning new ways of responding (including criminal behavior).