Her Story
About Lauren
Lauren Danielle Leonino is the owner of Blissful Mind & Body, a wellness and mental health coaching practice based in Pacific Palisades, California. With experience in mental health treatment, addiction recovery, and therapeutic coaching, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals develop effective coping strategies and improve their emotional well-being. Since founding Blissful Mind & Body in January 2011, Lauren has provided mindfulness techniques and coping skills to clients in drug and alcohol treatment centers, sober living facilities, intensive outpatient programs, and nonprofit crisis treatment centers. Her work emphasizes individualized educational programs that empower clients to take ownership of their physical and emotional wellness goals.
Lauren holds a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, where she graduated with honors, earning a 3.8 GPA in 2024. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, with a focus on advertising and business, from Loyola Marymount University in 2014, graduating magna cum laude. Her academic background, combined with her professional experience, supports her approach to therapeutic coaching, mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Throughout her career, she has worked with individuals experiencing complex mental health challenges, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder, with a focus on developing practical skills that support recovery and daily functioning.
Beyond her work at Blissful Mind & Body, Lauren is committed to expanding access to mental health services for individuals who lack reliable family or social support. She is developing a nonprofit treatment center intended to provide housing and access to pro bono services from therapists and psychiatrists, giving individuals with severe mental health conditions a supportive environment in which to stabilize, pursue treatment, and participate in meaningful activities such as gardening. Lauren attributes her perseverance and professional growth to overcoming adversity, including challenges associated with dyslexia, and refusing to give up when faced with discouragement. Guided by her commitment to honesty, compassion, dignity, and respect, she strives to help people recognize their potential, build self-efficacy, and pursue lasting improvements in their lives.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lauren
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to overcoming adversity and refusing to give up when others tried to limit me because of my dyslexia. Despite facing rejection and challenges, I remained determined to prove that my circumstances would not define my potential. Through perseverance and hard work, I graduated with honors from both Loyola Marymount University and Pepperdine University.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to treat everyone with dignity and respect, especially those who are difficult to work with. In crisis centers, it’s important to recognize that the people who present the greatest challenges are often the ones who need help the most. I believe in approaching everyone with compassion, patience, and understanding, regardless of their circumstances.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to pursue work you are passionate about and remain persistent through adversity. Always remember that you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Make your voice heard, stand up for yourself, and never settle for less than the fairness and respect you deserve.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is finding a reasonable coaching rate that aligns with my values while remaining accessible to clients who have been hurt by the system. It is also essential to prioritize my own mental health so I can effectively support others. Despite these challenges, the most rewarding experiences are hearing from former clients who credit my guidance with helping them maintain their sobriety.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are treating everyone with dignity and respect, practicing honesty, and pursuing my passions wholeheartedly. I believe in staying true to myself, doing meaningful work, and advocating for women's rights. These values guide my decisions and inspire me to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
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