Understanding Your Triggers

A trigger is any word, person, event, or experience that sets off an immediate emotional reaction–especially sadness, anger, fear, or shame.

We are all triggered at times by what people say or do, especially in relationships. Triggers have a history. Some are reminders of a pet peeve or an irritation from the recent past. Some are examples of post-traumatic stress going all the way back to childhood wounds. We can learn about ourselves from our triggers.

Psychotherapist David Richo views personal triggers as a trailhead that can lead us to the psychological and spiritual work that has been so long awaiting us. Using insights from psychology and neuro-science, we can turn our triggers into tools. Through a combination of lecture, discussion, and explorations into mindfulness and loving-kindness practices, David shares how triggers lead us to resources within us and in the world around us.

Join David for this experiential workshop to discover what your triggers are, where they come from, and how to handle them so that reactions turn into healing responses.

David Richo, PhD, MFT, is a psychotherapist, teacher, workshop leader, and writer who works in Santa Barbara and San Francisco California. He teaches at a variety of places including Esalen and Spirit Rock Buddhist Center He combines Jungian, poetic, and mythic perspectives in his work with the intention of integrating the psychological and the spiritual. His books and workshops include attention to Buddhist and Christian spiritual practices.He is a Shambhala author.