Chronically anxious but don’t know why?
Our nervous system constantly, and unconsciously, scans for potential threats through an intricate process, Dr. Stephen Porges calls Neuroception. When something is detected it begins another unconscious process called, the Threat Response Cycle. This fundamental mechanism shapes how we interact with our environment and respond to new experiences, operating anywhere from milliseconds to extended periods.
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.
Understanding Trauma Response in Psychotherapy: A Professional Guide
Trauma responses often underlie many reasons clients seek therapy. These manifest as bio-psychological markers indicating perceived personal threat: heightened anxiety, panic attacks, self-protective behaviors, and depression—even when no immediate threat exists.
Understanding Your Body's Emotional Language
Did you know your body might be feeling emotions before your mind knows about them? Groundbreaking research in affective neuroscience by Dr. Jaak Panksepp shows we have seven basic emotional systems that can operate below our conscious awareness, especially when impacted by trauma.
Your body tells the story through various signals:
Living with Two Minds: Why Understanding Your Brain Changes Everything
Have you ever done something and then wondered, "Why did I do that?" The answer might lie in understanding how our brain works - specifically, how its two distinct sides process our world differently.
Beyond the Transaction: Reimagining Therapy in Modern America
In our fast-paced American society, where everything seems to have a price tag and a measurable outcome, therapy often finds itself awkwardly squeezed into existing frameworks that don't quite fit. As we explore this disconnect at Analog, we've noticed how our cultural imagination around therapy has become increasingly shaped by consumer expectations and medical metrics.
The Power of Connection: Why Group Therapy Works
Thinking about joining a therapy group? You're not alone - and it might be one of the smartest therapeutic and financial decisions you make. Research shows that group therapy can be just as effective as individual therapy - and at about 70% less cost per session at Analog Counseling.
The Two Sides of Your Brain: Digital Life and Mental Well-being
Drawing from psychiatrist Iain McGilchrist's groundbreaking work, we can understand how modern technology affects our brain through its distinct hemispheric systems. The left hemisphere, primarily operating through dopamine pathways, has found its perfect match in social media and smartphone technology. Each notification, like, and scroll creates a small dopamine hit, feeding our left hemisphere's appetite for quick, predictable rewards.