One of the most exciting medical developments during the past 30 years has been the rebirth of family medicine as a dynamic specialty. In the face of ever-widening definitions of health, the family physician has been challenged to integrate the physical, emotional, and social concepts of modern medicine into traditional medical service. Invariably in establishing a mutual understanding between doctor and patient, the doctor’s emotions come into play. This text addresses the needs of family and other physicians to better understand their emotions, enhance their self-awareness, improve their communications skills, and apply these skills more effectively within the constraints of clinical practice and teaching. A multi-disciplinary approach common to the practice of family medicine is used. The authors come from a variety of disciplines - psychiatry, clinical psychology, family medicine, and family therapy.