Lauren O'Keefe received her Master’s of Counselling Psychology: Art Therapy from Adler University in 2016 after which she moved to Fort Simpson where she served the community as a Mental Health Addictions Counsellor, Regional Clinical Supervisor, and Regional Manager. Lauren then relocated to her current home in Yellowknife region, where she works as a Mental Health Addictions Counsellor. 

Lauren enjoys time outdoors, especially in the summer months and her favourite coping skill is mindful walking. To practice mindful walking, you work to keep your focus on the present moment throughout each step of your walk (beginning with feeling how your feet feel in your shoes, how your shoes feel on the floor, how your steps sound against the ground, how the air feels against your face). It is normal for your mind to wander and begin to think or worry about different things. With each step you take on your walk, work to bring your focus back to the present using each one of your senses.