Triggers How we can stop reacting and start healing

Psychotherapist Richo (The Five Longings) explores the physiological and emotional origins of triggers and offers ways to manage them, in this insightful guide. Triggers, in his estimation, are experiences that set off excessive emotional reactions when early needs (what Richo calls the "Five 'A's": attention, acceptance, appreciation, affection, and allowing) remain unresolved in the present. Richo writes that triggers can be "catalysts for grief," but also can be seen as opportunities to no longer be "bullied by... unfinished business," and to process what was interrupted in the past. By being mindful of what arises in the body and mind during a triggering experience, one can, Richo argues, pause between the trigger and the reaction and fight against a "restricted imagination" in order to conceive of new possibilities for being. Because the book is predominantly psychological and empirical, the final chapter on spiritual resources is a somewhat awkward ending despite the strong Buddhist underpinnings to his method of close attention and embracing suffering. With pointed yet compassionate advice, Richo's exploration of triggers will appeal to those interested in the psychological benefits of acknowledging and working to understand troubling experiences. (Dec.)

The latest from psychotherapist Richo (Five Things We Cannot Change) discusses the science of triggers (immediate responses) and subsequent reactions of fear, anger, and sadness these strong emotions evoke. The author argues that by delving into our inner resources, we can manage our feelings and trust our own ingenuity, here presenting numerous examples of common triggers and how understanding the origins of these responses can point us toward healing past trauma or "unfinished business." Exercises throughout prod self-searching as a way to initiate positive behaviors instead of allowing unhealthy knee-jerk responses to rule our lives. VERDICT Particularly beneficial for anyone suffering from past pain, as well as those seeking to be more proficient at owning their own behavior.