Embracing Your Inherent Strengths Beyond Mental Health Challenges:
For Sensitives, Empaths & Those Who Feel Different
About Lauren Polly
Lauren Polly has walked through the fire of mental health challenges and emerged with wisdom that transcends traditional approaches. Through her own journey of transformation, she discovered that what makes us different isn't what needs fixing—it's what holds the key to our greatest potential. As an empathic mental health speaker and advocate, Lauren's storytelling approach creates a safe space for curiosity and self-discovery. She empowers sensitive individuals, those with formal diagnoses, self-identified misfits, and the people who love them to build unique toolkits for emotional wellness beyond limiting labels. Her work bridges multiple perspectives—offering insights to those who feel different, validation for empaths and sensitives, compassion for family members, and valuable first-hand knowledge for mental health professionals.
“Lauren is a wonder. When I began working with her, I wanted to rediscover my power. What I experienced was my true self and my body. These two things, opened me to an expanded awareness, which helped me to realize not only my true identity, but how I can use this to create possibilities. Working with Lauren is a wondrous adventure, and a gift that you give yourself.”
~ Renee, Author and Screenwriter, Oregon
As Seen In
“Lauren’s openness about the ups and downs of her own journey is so relatable. She reminded me that the world is ready for me as is, warts and all!”
~ Rebecca, Entrepreneur & Coach
Interview with PBS's Jim Masters: Emotional Intelligence & The Power of Empathy: Embracing Self-Awareness and the Gift in Our Differences
Breaking Free from Labels: My Journey to Mental Wealth through Holistic Care and Energetic Psychology
“A note to express my appreciation and gratitude for what you brought to Transport Topanga Literary Festival. It’s amazing to me that a person can be a container for so much transformation and still hold a brilliant, genuine smile and bounce in their step. Your triumph over doctors and labeling and pain is truly inspiring and educational. I hope our paths cross again.”
~ Kim, Director of Topanga Literary Festival
The Other Side of Bipolar Lauren’s Best-Selling & Multi-Award-Winning Book
I invite you to walk alongside me as I navigate the complex terrain of mental health challenges, treatment, and ultimately, freedom. This memoir isn't about drawing lines or connecting dots for you—it's about opening curiosity and showing what's possible when you look beyond labels to discover your inherent strengths.
In my own journey, I discovered that what made me different wasn't what needed fixing—it was actually my greatest gift. Through these pages, I share how I transformed my relationship with my sensitivity and found freedom beyond limiting diagnoses.
“I just touched your book and a wave of compassion washed over me.”
~ Reader message from social media
“The Other Side of Bipolar sits apart from other autobiographical surveys of psychological struggles, offering readers the rare opportunity to explore and utilize many of the gifts formerly identified as disabilities. Any who have faced such a diagnosis will find this an inspiring, engrossing saga which offers hope, revelation, and much food for thought as it follows a journey that takes the identification of 'bipolar' and turns it upside down.”
~ Diane Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“This intensely honest and insightful book is impossible to put down. From the first page, the story of this girl's struggle and courage drew me in so powerfully that I read the book in one sitting. I feel as if the author were a close personal friend, she is so soul-baring. Not only does she master the intensities of loneliness and being "other," she always shows compassion for everyone who was involved along the way. There is no blame or wrongness assigned to anyone. Soaring far above the hopes that even her family had for her, just to be able to survive and function, Lauren Polly is not only outwardly extremely successful, she has more awareness of herself and the world than most people. For those who have been given labels and who have been assumed to be less than or too different, this book is a lighthouse leading out of ostracism into possibility and joy. For those who have felt wrong, lonely and just out of place, this book shows how difference could be extra gifts and capacities, a greater contribution to our world. This is a hero's tale par excellence, which also happens to be a true story. I would add 5 more stars.”
~ Anonymous Amazon Review
Speaking Engagements Bring Lauren's Mental Health Storytelling to Your Audience
Lauren delivers powerful talks blending personal experience with practical wisdom. Her presentations create both emotional resonance and actionable takeaways that make complex mental health concepts accessible while honoring lived experience.
Speaking Topics:
Life Beyond a Label: What's Been Right About You All Along
High Achievers, Hidden Issues: Healing Perfectionism, People Pleasing, and Overcontrol
Holistic Help: How to Use the Body as a Gateway to Mental Well-being
Self-Care for the Caregiver
“Lauren’s true gift lies in her ability to connect – whether that is one on one or in a group of 100+. I’ve sat in her presence in both circumstances and truly felt seen, heard, and inspired to take action on the tools she shares.”
~ LeAnn, HR Manager, Los Angeles
“I was impressed at Lauren’s vast knowledge base, real-life examples, and the simple tools she shared. I was particularly impressed that she invited group participation and fielded questions so that everyone got help on the issues that were directly impacting them. We all left with a lot of practical tips to help lead our team into healthier dynamics.”
~ Joe, Cardiac Rehab Manager, Los Angeles
VIP Days Accelerate Your Healing Journey with Personalized Guidance
Experience a transformative one-on-one day designed to shortcut your wellness path through 20 years of personal and professional wisdom.
Your personalized day includes:
1. Deep consultation addressing your specific challenges
2. Somatic techniques creating immediate emotional shifts
3. Intuitive development distinguishing anxiety from inner guidance
4. Custom 6-12 month action plan tailored to your unique system
Perfect for sensitives, empaths, and those seeking more than conventional approaches.
“My day with Lauren gave me more actionable insights than months of conventional treatment.”
~ Lucy, Graduate Student, Texas
“Lauren danced lightly into my world, opened my awareness and never made me wrong.”
~ Sue, Artist, Belgium
“Lauren can speak both woo-woo and practical. It's the perfect mix. She asks incredible questions to open my perspective and calls me out when needed on less-than-helpful behaviors."
~ Mary, HR Manager, Yoga Teacher, Canada
Emotional Awareness Education
I believe in the language of your emotions and the wisdom of your sensitivity. Together, we'll explore how to navigate the space where your inner world meets your outer reality with greater ease and less overwhelm. My emotional awareness education helps you develop practical tools for everyday wellness, whether you're an empath, a sensitive soul, or someone who's always felt different.
Living Beyond Labels
Your experiences and sensitivities are not flaws to be fixed—they're potential strengths to be understood. I'll guide you to explore what's been right about you all along and transform your relationship with the labels or perceptions that have defined your journey. Experience the freedom that comes from embracing your whole self, including the parts that have always felt "too much" or "different."
Holistic Approach to Mental Wellness
I know there is no one-size-fits-all path to wellness. Together, we'll build your own rich, varied toolbox of practices that honor your uniqueness and evolve with your journey. My holistic approach integrates mind, body, and spirit for comprehensive mental health support that responds to your individual needs.
Lauren’s Mission
My mission is to guide sensitive, empathic individuals beyond limiting mental health labels toward discovering their inherent strengths and wisdom. Through my book, speaking engagements, and personalized VIP experiences, I offer transformative perspectives that honor the complexity of your journey while providing practical tools for emotional sovereignty. Drawing from my own path through bipolar diagnosis to freedom, I create spaces where sensitivity becomes power, intense emotions serve as guidance, and what was once considered a limitation reveals itself as your greatest gift—empowering you to move beyond conventional treatment paradigms into a life of authentic wholeness and purpose.
“I am always captivated by Lauren’s unique ability to identify core issues with such dynamic awareness. In her presence, I immediately feel a sense of relaxation—it’s clear she has my back. Her openness about her failures, transforming them into strengths and opportunities, is truly inspiring. Being a part of her community and watching her navigate the adventure of life inspires me to discover my own truth and let my voice be heard.”
~ Stacey, Paris