Analog Counseling

01/27/2025

Did you know that play isn’t just for kids? 🎲 Neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp discovered the PLAY system, a core emotional system in the brain that fosters creativity, resilience, and social connection.

Play produces social joy, an emotion that signals health and strengthens our bonds with others. It’s also linked to problem-solving and may have even contributed to the development of language!

But here’s the catch—when fear and stress are high, play becomes biologically impossible. Fear hardens our ability to explore possibilities, leaving us stuck in rigid patterns.

At Analog Counseling, we use approaches like Somatic Experiencing and psychoanalysis to help clients reduce fear, reconnect with their innate creativity, and rediscover the joy of play.

Play isn’t just fun—it’s essential for mental health and connection. Let’s help you bring it back into your life.

📍 Serving Kansas City through in-person and online therapy.
📞 Reach out today to learn more! 913-294-7769

01/25/2025

- Ever feel stuck in anxiety but can’t figure out why? Your body’s threat response system might be trying to tell you something.
When we can’t fully process potential threats - whether from a challenging relationship, workplace tension, or suppressed emotions - our nervous system gets caught in an incomplete cycle. This creates that familiar feeling of being constantly on edge without knowing why.
The good news? Understanding this cycle is the first step to breaking free from it.
🧠 Key takeaway: Your anxiety isn’t “for no reason” - it might be your body’s way of flagging an unresolved assessment.

👉 Read more about the Threat Response Cycle on our blog [link in bio]
💭 Share your experience below: When was the last time you noticed your body trying to tell you something?
✨ Follow for more mental health insights

01/14/2025

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:

Your heart rate and blood pressure might spike during FEAR or RAGE
Your breathing pattern could shift during PANIC/GRIEF
Your muscle tension might increase during RAGE
Your skin conductance could change during SEEKING
Your body temperature might shift during CARE or LUST
Your movement patterns could indicate PLAY

When trauma impacts our ability to recognize emotions, these physical signals become even more important. They’re like your body’s emotional morse code, sending messages about feelings you might not consciously recognize.

New wearable technology is making it possible to track these bodily signals, potentially helping us reconnect with emotions we’ve learned to suppress. While this technology is still developing, it offers exciting possibilities for understanding our deeper emotional experiences.

Remember: Your body always knows. Learning to listen to these physical signals can be a powerful part of healing.

References:
Panksepp, J. (1998). Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions
Panksepp, J., & Biven, L. (2012). The Archaeology of Mind: Neuroevolutionary Origins of Human Emotions

01/14/2025

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:

Your heart rate and blood pressure might spike during FEAR or RAGE
Your breathing pattern could shift during PANIC/GRIEF
Your muscle tension might increase during RAGE
Your skin conductance could change during SEEKING
Your body temperature might shift during CARE or LUST
Your movement patterns could indicate PLAY

When trauma impacts our ability to recognize emotions, these physical signals become even more important. They’re like your body’s emotional morse code, sending messages about feelings you might not consciously recognize.

New wearable technology is making it possible to track these bodily signals, potentially helping us reconnect with emotions we’ve learned to suppress. While this technology is still developing, it offers exciting possibilities for understanding our deeper emotional experiences.

Remember: Your body always knows. Learning to listen to these physical signals can be a powerful part of healing.

References:
Panksepp, J. (1998). Affective Neuroscience: The Foundations of Human and Animal Emotions
Panksepp, J., & Biven, L. (2012). The Archaeology of Mind: Neuroevolutionary Origins of Human

01/11/2025

Conventional therapy tells us to talk through our trauma. At Analog Counseling, we know there’s another path - one that your nervous system has known all along.

Somatic Experiencing (SE), developed by Dr. Peter Levine, revolutionized trauma treatment by revealing a profound truth: trauma isn’t just in your mind - it’s held in your body’s survival responses. Through careful attention to physical sensations and natural self-protective movements, SE helps you complete interrupted defense responses and restore your nervous system’s natural resilience.

Research shows SE can reduce PTSD symptoms by up to 90% in as few as 15 sessions. Unlike traditional talk therapy alone, SE works with your body’s innate wisdom to heal trauma where it lives - in your nervous system.

Ready to experience trauma therapy differently? Analog Counseling specializes in SE, offering a path to healing that honors your body’s wisdom.

Learn more about our SE services at [Link in Bio]

References:
Levine, P. A. (2010). In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness
Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: Using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 93.

01/10/2025

In a world obsessed with instant results and measurable outcomes, true healing takes a different path. At Analog, we believe therapy isn’t about checking boxes or following protocols – it’s about creating space for real transformation.
No reduced solutions.
No rushing the process.
Time honored tradition meets cutting edge science for authentic connection and deep understanding.
Because your journey deserves more than a one-size-fits-all approach.
🤍 Ready to begin? Link in bio to learn more about our unique approach to therapy.

01/03/2025

Well this is awkward, posting about social media ON social media.
🤷🏻
Ever notice how that “quick scroll” turns into an hour-long session? Blame your left brain’s dopamine highway - it loves those likes and notifications like a slot machine loves quarters.
But here’s the plot twist: your right brain craves something different. It’s hungry for real adventures, unexpected moments, and experiences that can’t be captured in pixels.
Challenge: Take the scenic route home today. Have an unfiltered conversation. Explore somewhere new without posting about it. Your right brain will thank you. 🌿

12/30/2024

When we feel overwhelmed and unable to solve the emotions we feel, our brain seeks quick relief through avoidance behaviors - these are unconscious attempts at emotional regulation. Avoidance is meant for short term use. Some examples of unconscious avoidant behavior:

Excessive sleep/social media scrolling (numbing out)
Avoiding emails/texts (reducing input)
Creating artificial crises (gaining sense of control)
Overworking (maintaining illusion of productivity)
Impulsive shopping/eating (seeking dopamine hits)

These behaviors signal our nervous system is overwhelmed and seeking safety through familiar escape routes, rather than facing what feels threatening.

12/28/2024

12/28/2024

Signs You’re Ready for Depth Work
You might be ready for this transformative work if you:

• Feel drawn to understanding your patterns
• Want more than just coping strategies
• Are curious about mind-body connection
• Can commit to regular sessions
• Value self-discovery
• Are ready for deep change

This work is an investment in yourself.

DM us to learn more about getting started.

12/27/2024

Intro to Aaron’s Approach - Is deeper healing calling to you?

I offer a unique blend of Somatic Experiencing and psychoanalytic therapy that works with both mind and body.

This approach might be for you if you’re ready to:
• Move beyond quick fixes
• Understand yourself deeply
• Listen to your body’s wisdom
• Create lasting transformation

Ready to begin? Let’s connect.

10/05/2024

Have you checked out our latest blog? 🧠✨ In our newest post, we break down key takeaways from the APA’s new policy on AI and its impact on the world of mental health. Curious about how artificial intelligence is shaping therapy and counseling? Head over to the blog to learn more! Read it here: Key Takeaways from the APA's New Policy on AI