The LAB Method is an ever-evolving framework to guide individuals in modern day relating. What makes The LAB Method stand out is its' offering of specific language to use, borrow, and make your own to help you move through the many sticky moments we face in every day parenting, partnering and relating.

​

Ashley has been working as a contributor, collaborator and producer of products since 2013. In 2018, Ashley and the Founder of The LAB Method, Polly Ely, MFT co-authored their latest product, Life Support for Families Living with Epilepsy.

 

 WHAT DOES L.A.B. STAND FOR?

LAB stands for Leadership, Attachment and Boundaries.  Developer of the method, Polly Ely, MFT has identified these three concepts as foundational principles of the method. 

​

L= Relaxed Leadership focuses on raising kids so they will want to follow YOU.   The method demonstrates this concept using an image of a mother elephant with her baby elephants.   The method reminds us of nature and the natural order of parents “in charge” and children following.  The method teaches parents about the use of “tone” in their voice.  The method guides parents to think of the “long arc” of learning and helps parents master the art of being an ally rather than being caught in the ‘oh so familiar’ power struggle of “cops and robbers.”

A= Attachment Theory is central to the LAB Method.   You might be wondering why?  One of the greatest predictors of individual and family wellness is raising kids who are securely attached.  The LAB Method framework dedicates an entire section to Attachment Theory and the 3 ingredients to support this development – attunement, rupture and repair.  This part of the method is supported by Telegrams, single page sheets that are like Mad Libs for individuals to fill out when they want help structuring a thoughtful repair or unpacking a moment of feelings and/or anxiety.  They are great tools for partners, siblings, parents and children.

B= Boundaries are essential for healthy relating.  We learn about boundaries from hundreds and thousands of experiences with our caregivers in our homes.  The LAB method helps caregivers early on identify areas to teach about boundaries.  This might include keeping passwords to devices private from children.  The method also guides caregivers to learn about their internal boundary system and how to slow moments down to listen to the little voice inside that ALL of us have to guide us through the many requests we get in our role as caregiver, partner, friend, co-worker.

​

The LAB Method is a framework that can be adapted to your home, your values and your family.  It is a method that can be used with all ages and for all time.

​

Last and most certainly not least, this method was born out of a desire to get ahead of mental illness and prevent the development of anxiety, depression and addiction.