As we gain living experience, the changes and losses we encounter can seem to be a lose-lose proposition. We may tend to react to an upsetting or distressing experience with either a victim-blaming reaction or a learning-coping reaction. Emotional resiliency allows us to face these challenges with mindfulness, courage, and good humor.

In this workshop presented by Licensed Mental Health Counselor Alison Issen, you’ll explore these dimensions through contemplative techniques, story and myth, and a sharing of wisdom and experience with fellow travelers on life’s sometimes rocky path.

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

Canceling Your Reservation: If you are unable to attend a program, canceling your reservation gives us an accurate count of how many to expect; for sold-out programs, canceling your reservation also allows someone on the waitlist to attend in your place. Canceling can be done in two easy ways: by calling 407.644.2492 and selecting Option 1, then Option 3 to speak to a representative or by using the online ticket cancellation option in your original confirmation email from Eventbrite.

By participating in this program, you agree to CHWB’s Gracious Space policy.

About the Program Presenter

Alison C. Issen is a licensed mental health counselor as well as a registered nurse. She is recently retired as the outpatient counselor at Orlando Health/UF Health Cancer Center. For several years, she 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, and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy and Positive Psychology. Beyond her professional life, Issen is an “extreme gardener,” volunteers at a local animal shelter and performs with local singing and theatre groups. Issen holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida.