attachment Fireworks: Why holiday Gatherings can Turn Into Anger You Didn't See Coming
Holiday anger often isn't about anger. It's panic and grief in disguise. A look at attachment, RAGE, and how to work through it when tempers flare.
The Seven Core Emotions: How Your Brain Helps You Understand What You Feel
If you’ve ever wondered why emotions can feel so big—or why they sometimes take over before you have time to think—you’re in good company. Emotions are biological. They come from deep, ancient parts of the brain, and they exist to help us survive, connect, and navigate life.
The Cult of Meaning-Making: When Thinking Hijacks Feeling
In our fast-paced culture, thinking is often elevated as the highest human function—our prized problem-solver, meaning-maker, and escape hatch. But thinking, as necessary as it is, can become a trap. Especially when it overrides our capacity to feel.
The Power of Play: How the PLAY System Supports Mental Health and Connection
At Analog Counseling, we believe in integrating the latest affective neuroscience insights to help our clients lead healthier, more connected lives. One of the most fascinating discoveries in this field is the PLAY system, identified by renowned affective neuroscientist Dr. Jaak Panksepp.
The PLAY system is one of seven core emotional systems in the brain, deeply rooted in our biology. It produces feelings of social joy, encourages creativity, and drives connection. But the benefits of play go far beyond fun—they’re vital for mental health, resilience, and survival.