The Toolbox

Even when the steps to something better are clearly laid out, change is a challenge. Emotionally, psychologically, and behaviorally, we default to habit, doing what we have always done. This is discouraging and demotivating. Sustained change requires desire, a solid plan, and a trained eye to offer direction and unbiased feedback.

Below, you will find descriptions of what we have found work best. Whether you are looking for traditional therapy, or a life coach, these things provide the structure to address problems and help our clients create solutions.

We believe the counseling experience should feel comfortable, not clinical. The theories behind our approach are proven, evidence-based, and scientifically validated. Our delivery system is everyday language, humor, storytelling, and metaphor. This makes for a good experience and sets the client up for success. Check out our blog for an idea of how stories, humor, and metaphor make complicated concepts simple and facilitate change.

THEORETICAL ORIENTATION - "THE STACK"

Layer One

At the Motivation Lab, we infuse everything we teach with the science behind human motivation. Motivation maintains effort in the right direction, puts the skills you learn into practice, and rewires your neurology.

Motivation isn't a solitary force that one has or doesn't have. It is a constellation of things working together and independently to move us forward. Our method develops and polishes each component of motivation. Great things happen when they all work together, but when one lags, the others continue to fuel momentum and progress.

The modality underneath our work in motivation is Self-Determination Theory (SDT). SDT teaches that well-developed senses of autonomy, competence, and relatedness in an individual to create motivation and engagement in their pursuits. 

Layer Two

Our approach to counseling and coaching harnesses the power of neuroscience to influence the brain from the bottom up and the top down. This creates rapid progress and sustained change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) identifies the unconscious thoughts, beliefs, and patterns that lead to dysfunction and re-engineers them to create success. This approach influences the "old" brain (bottom-up), including the limbic system and the default mode network. CBT is considered the gold standard for treating anxiety and depression. When trauma is involved, we also offer EMDR Therapy.

Layer Three

Mindfulness is the ability to experience the present without assessing it or allowing our unconscious mental patterns to have a negative autopilot reaction. CBT primarily deals with unconscious programming, whereas mindfulness harnesses the power of the conscious mind and the "new brain" (top-down).
Mindfulness allows us to stay in the rational part of our brain more often and stay out of the more primitive, reactionary part. Integrating mindfulness and CBT is a powerful tool for change.

Layer Four

We take a strengths-based approach to everything we do. The foundation of this is Positive Psychology (PP). PP isn't about thinking or being positive. It is about the mindset that comes from the incredible neurological effect of building strengths instead of focusing on problems. You will identify and develop your strengths and use them to propel you to the next level.

Get in touch with us to set up an appointment! Our office is in Leon Springs, convenient to Northwest San Antonio, Boerne, or ask about our online counseling platform.