FAQs

What is one of Polly's LABS/workshops like?

There is usually Q&A sprinkled throughout Polly's very heartfelt and tool-heavy, practical talks with a brief opening and closing reflection period designed to help you feel present and receptive. There are no partnering exercises unless you are in a clearly designated partner workshop.

How long is a workshop/LAB typically?

Workshops are generally 90 minutes to 2 hours long and include a short guided reflection period to crystallize the message for each attendee.

Will there be an opportunity to ask questions?

Yes, questions are welcome throughout each LAB and/or we can save time for Q&A at the end

What is Polly’s Speaking style like?

Gritty. Real. with a surprisingly well-timed curse word every once in a while. She talks like a regular gal who laughs at herself . She is self effacing, and is as relatable as they come. The information is rich, emotional, scientific, and sprinkled with anecdotes of Polly’s own fumbles along the way. 

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes. We reserve a certain number of scholarship/reduced fee tickets for all of Polly's paid events.

Can I host my own mini-LAB and charge for admission?

Yes, you can. Check our the many topics available here, and please use the form to inquire.

Who should I reach out to about hosting a LAB?

Please fill out this form in order to inquire about hosting a LAB.

What will the class format be?

In each 90-120 min session, Polly will teach for 30 min, we will study our own recent reactivity for 30 min and we will close with 30 min of group Q&A/discussion to help the learning be as relevant and real as possible for each participant.

What can I bring into the event?

Yourself. Your food. Your notepad. A mind that's open for change.

Do I have to talk/share in these Labs?

It's your choice whether you participate quietly or share. You decide what feels right to you.

My kid is always melting down and freaking out. Shouldn't he be the one to learn how to calm down?

Emotional regulation is a family affair. It is learned and it is contagious. Our kids will only learn how to steady themselves in a deep and lasting way if parents are reliably able to regulate themselves first. Parental examples are the best way to teach emotional regulation and dysregulation..

I feel like I give everything to my kids and they don't listen to me until I blow up at them. In a way, yelling sort of works. Do I need to change?

Chronic blow-ups at home take a toll on your health, your kids' nervous systems, and your future relationship with them. Teach your kids how to get through their emotions by practicing regulation in your own difficult moments.

Sometimes it seems like I am losing it out of nowhere. I feel so guilty afterwards. I swore I would never do to my kids what my parents did to me — blow up and then never talk about it again — and now I am. Yuck.

If you grew up with reactive parents, learning a way to be upset without lashing out/lashing inward is the biggest gift you can give them. The second biggest gift is learning how to talk about a blowup after it happens.

I don't really scream and yell but I do feel tense, anxious, resentful and impatient. I stew inside, sometimes giving the cold shoulder to my family for days. It's sad and exhausting for me. Can the LAB Method help me?

Yes. Our kids are just as affected by our chilly stance as you are. It's exhausting and anxiety provoking for everyone when someone is mad but isn't talking about it. Learn how to speak for your feelings and communicate your needs in a constructive way rather than relying on the “hold & blow” tactics.