Early Settlement Mediation Director Authors Book
Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) Early Settlement Mediation Services Director Lauren O’Brien has something to celebrate – her book, Uncomfortable Questions for a More Comfortable Life, was recently published. The book focuses on an honest approach at internal reflection and self-evaluation through asking tough questions when we are faced with challenges and diversity.
O’Brien was inspired to write the book through her experience as a therapist as well as personal challenges throughout her life.
“I have possessed a passion for both writing and helping others for as long as I can remember,” O’Brien says. “Writing this book was a perfect marriage of my skills, experience and mission to serve others.”
Considered to be a self-improvement work, Uncomfortable Questions reviews four questions that O’Brien poses as the author, how they impacted her life, and how they can impact those who seek answers in their own lives.
Uncomfortable Questions for a More Comfortable Life is currently available on Amazon.com and can be viewed on any electronic device. A paperback version is currently being developed and the book will be available in multiple in-store locations as well as Barnes and Noble’s online store soon. Click here to purchase the book on Amazon.
For the future, O’Brien has a goal to continue to spread knowledge and positivity to the community through written expression as well as to utilize her skills for the betterment of the university, the students, and the community as a whole.
“I am so appreciative to work for a university such as OSU-OKC in which the accomplishments of the people are celebrated and supported by others,” O’Brien says. “I have been so welcomed into the OSU-OKC community and look forward to what the future holds here!”
About Lauren O’Brien:
Born and raised in Stillwater, O’Brien attended Oklahoma State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She then attended the University of Central Oklahoma where she received a master’s degree in addiction counseling with a co-specialization in mental health. O’Brien practiced as a community-based therapist for a number of years, then transitioned into human capital management. From there, she was led to her current position as director of Early Settlement Mediation at OSU-OKC.
She currently lives in Oklahoma City with her spouse, Sean, and two dogs, Olive and Buster.
The Early Settlement Mediation Program helps those in conflict define issues, explore solutions and reach practical, workable and mutually satisfactory agreements. Mediation sessions are held in out-of-court settings, such as jury rooms, conference rooms, libraries, or other public meetings rooms. OSU-OKC’s program covers Oklahoma County, and works with the community and courts to provide mediations for different types of cases ranging from small claims to child permanency. The program will also be partnering with the Public Services program to begin providing college courses on conflict resolution and mediation beginning fall 2018.