Lauren Astor became certified in the Option Process® Dialogue in 2001 and currently practices in Millerton, New York. As a way to support and encourage private mentoring practice, we are pleased to provide a web page for each of our Certified Mentors. The following information has been provided to us by Lauren.

Lauren Astor 25 Dutchess Ave. Millerton, NY 12546 718-715-1302 Email: laurenastor@optonline.net

1. What is your mentoring background and related experience?

I earned my certification as an Option Process® Mentor/Counselor in 2001. Since then I have mentored hundreds of clients young and old, from all around the world at The Option Institute and in my own private practice as well. I have seen people drop issues that have been a source of misery for many years. I have seen people come to peace with profound life challenges. With every Dialogue my compassion and love grows deeper and my faith in the human heart and spirit grows stronger.

2. Why did you become an Option Process® Mentor/Counselor?

My life-long commitment to personal, emotional and spiritual growth has guided me to explore many paths. When I came to The Option Institute and had my first Dialogue I was astonished at how quickly I was able to cut through my issues, drop down into my feelings, and make the changes that I wanted in my life. The tight knots of judgments and self-limiting beliefs became untangled with a clarity and ease I had never experienced previously despite many years of therapy. I wanted more of that in my own life and I wanted to bring this process to others.

3. Why do you believe the Option Process® and the Option Process® Dialogue are so effective?

As an Option Process® Mentor/Counselor, I am highly trained in what is referred to as “the mentor attitude” - being fully present, completely non-judgmental, fully accepting, non-directive, and really wanting the best for the client. This attitude is the foundation of the Dialogue and provides a space of gentle loving kindness for the client. Many people have never experienced simply being heard in such a present, gentle and nurturing way.

From this deeply accepting place, the Dialogue helps you first to see what beliefs you are holding. Once you are aware of what you are believing, then you can explore the beliefs that are running your life. Beliefs are very much like the operating system of a computer, running in the background, often without any awareness on your part. The Dialogue helps you to bring these beliefs into the light where you can take a look at them. You can decide whether or not your beliefs are serving you and if you want to keep them or replace them. It is a truly liberating experience to see the change you experience when you change a limiting belief to an empowering one. Life-long issues suddenly become easy to release.

As a Mentor, I feel like a midwife, helping you to give birth to your own best answers. An important component of the Dialogue is the non-directive attitude of the Mentor. Rather than giving advice or telling you how to resolve your issues, I help you find your own answers. The answers you come to through your own process of exploration are always the most powerful and effective answers for you.

4. How can someone specifically use the Option Process® Dialogue to change their life?

It all starts with awareness – with identifying the belief that is generating your unhappiness. It’s not always obvious. With gentle, non-judgmental questions, you get to the core of the issue – the belief that is fueling your feelings. With the help of the Dialogue questions and the Mentor attitude you can look at why you are holding this belief. Is it working for you to hold this belief or is it not working? How do you feel holding this belief? You are holding your limiting beliefs for the best of reasons – you are always doing the very best you can to take care of yourself given the beliefs you are holding. Beliefs can be changed in an instant and your discomfort will dissolve when the belief shifts. This means that you are in the driver’s seat of your life. What belief is holding you back from living a life you love?

5. How have you used the Option Process® Dialogue to make changes in your life?

Before studying at The Option Institute, I was riddled with self-doubt and self-criticism. I felt like a victim of the circumstances of my life and there was nothing I could do except feel miserable. Today I am happier, clearer, more self-empowered and confident than ever. I am more loving and accepting of myself and others. I use the Dialogue every day. It’s not that I don’t have issues come up for me. Now I move through my issues and challenges faster and easier using the tool of the Dialogue.

6. Do you recommend anything to help someone prepare for a dialogue(any specific reading, listening, viewing, etc.)?

I recommend reading Happiness Is A Choice to familiarize yourself with the fundamental principles that will help you take charge of your experience of life.

I suggest that you come to a Dialogue with an open mind, and a willingness and desire to explore. The Dialogue is a wonderful experience, an opportunity to really trust and give love to yourself – to discover the loving person you are beneath your judgments and unhappiness.

7. Do you have any quotes from any clients that you would like us to include?

“Lauren has been my mentor for a year and I always, always look forward to our dialogues together every week. She helps me work out the big issues and the little ones and, through it all, she offers the gifts of deep love and acceptance, both quite palpable. When I develop comfort and conviction about something, I can feel her cheering me on. I am pursuing a new career in radio and have had a number of doubts and fears along the way. Our weekly sessions have enabled me to get past each obstacle I encounter and I now have my own radio show! I feel so comfortable and safe with Lauren that I have discussed just about every aspect of my life with her! Lauren is a gem, a jewel, a precious gift to me and others.”

Abigail Lipson
~Radio Talk Show Host, Austin, TX

"I called you in a state of utter confusion. I wanted to go in many directions at once and couldn't get going in the newest, scariest, the direction I wanted most. Within minutes we were breaking down barriers together. You asked me simple, nonjudgmental questions that cut through the confusion. I could feel the excitement come back into my voice when I spoke about doing what I really wanted. It seemed like such a big over extension until you brought me to the place where I could declare I had those skills already.

And in the process of working through the intricacies of this new career move, I had the very satisfying discovery that I didn't have to solve anybody else's problems, fix the world, shift continents. Yet interestingly, by becoming clear about what I wanted, I had created space for moving easily, bringing the new work anywhere I chose to go. What a relief to take care of myself and nurture me in this way. Thank you Lauren!"

L.W.

8. Please include a brief statement on what being a mentor has meant to you along with any inspirational stories or updates on your progress as a professional.

The Dialogue continues working even after the Dialogue is over. Oftentimes, since beliefs are interrelated, issues seem to simply fall away. Abraham Lincoln said, “People are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” The Dialogue helps bring more happiness into people’s lives and I believe that a happier world is a more peaceful and loving world.

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle.
The other is as if everything is."

~Albert Einstein