If much emotional activity occurs unconsciously, how can we identify emotional triggers? Why is it so difficult to modify how we behave once we have become emotional? Can we ever truly change what we become emotional about? To what extent is it possible to 'tame the shrew'?

Buddhists talk about recognizing the spark that arises to initiate an emotion before the flame consumes. In psychoanalysis, by bringing our attention to bodily sensations and impulses, we also try to identify the spark in order to extinguish the fire of destructive patterns.

In an engaging, interactive format, Dr. Maureen Murphy will interview Dr. Paul Ekman — an internationally recognized leader for his work on the expression and physiology of emotion — regarding his research.

This program, sponsored by PINC's Neuropsychoanalysis Committee, will be held at UCSF Laurel Heights President's Room on October 20, 2007, 8:30am-1pm. To register, contact the PINC office at (415) 922-4050.