Courses

As humans, we often feel at the mercy of our emotions. From a disproportionate outburst of anger to impulsive spending or sudden, intense jealousy, everyone encounters moments when emotions temporarily take control. But what if we could manage our emotions more effectively? Advances in neuroscience and psychology help us understand how emotions are generated in the brain, and we can use that knowledge to better manage and regulate our responses. This awareness can have far-reaching implications for fostering mental health, positive relationships, and our general quality of life. This course will provide a foundational understanding of the neuroscience of emotions and regulation, exploring how emotions are constructed in the brain and how they influence thoughts, decisions, and relationships.

Together, we will first define emotions and tease apart their distinctions from moods and traits. Using the latest research, we will explore the power of “averse” emotions such as fear, anger, and sadness and “attractive” emotions such as joy, awe, hope, and contentment. We will practice tested techniques to explore effective emotion regulation strategies and highlight their transformative impact on the brain. The course will conclude with an overview of common emotional disorders, such as depression and anxiety, to better equip us with a nuanced understanding of the role emotions play in our mental health and to help us build strong relationships and lead a meaningful, joyful, and fulfilling life.