Is your inner critic the loudest voice in your mind? Do you find yourself dwelling on your shortcomings far more than your successes? Join Mental Health Counselor Alison Issen for this deep dive on the importance of your relationship with yourself. Whether you seek health and happiness in your own life or are hoping to be of greater service in the world, your relationship with yourself is always the starting point. In this workshop, you’ll explore common myths about self-compassion, learn the components of true self-care and learn to overcome common barriers to authenticity and growth.

By participating in this program, you can expect to:

• become familiar with common myths about self-compassion;

• understand the components of true self-care;

• learn to overcome common barriers to authenticity and growth.

This program is presented by Alison C. Issen and is hosted by the Winter Park Health Foundation.

About the Program Presenter

Alison C. Issen is a licensed mental health counselor and registered nurse. She is recently retired as the outpatient counselor at Orlando Health/UF Health Cancer Center. For several years, Issen coordinated the Sage-ing Center, a program which encourages and supports adults of all ages, but particularly those in the second half of life, to inventory, evaluate and intentionally plan a life of purpose, learning, fulfillment and community service. She brought this comprehensive program to the hospice several years ago and developed Hospice of the Comforter’s Quality of Life Education Program.

Issen has taught Psychology at the college level and has worked in the field of Health and Wellness for more than 35 years, including more than 10 years as a hospice nurse and counselor. Her areas of specialty include stress management, grief and loss, end-of-life, aging and relationship issues, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy and Positive Psychology.

She has a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Beyond her professional life, Issen is an “extreme gardener,” volunteers at a local animal shelter and performs with local singing and theatre groups.