The Coulda’s, Woulda’s, and Shoulda’s of life can keep us locked into a painful and limiting view of ourselves and those we care about.

In this workshop, “Finding Lessons in Our Regrets,” licensed mental health counselor Alison Issen will examine the nature of regret and how to use those lessons to move forward.

According to Alison, our regrets tend to fall into distinct categories of action or inaction, not following our core values, choices that damaged relationships, and choices that favored short-term gratification over long-term gain. Although we live in a society that preaches “no regrets!” and “don’t look back,” reframing our perceived failures and hurts, and finding the meanings or lessons within our more difficult experiences can help us move forward with intention towards a more fulfilling future with more compassion for self and others.

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

About the Presenter:   

Alison C. Issen has a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida, and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, as well as a Registered Nurse. Alison recently retired as the outpatient counselor at Orlando Health/UFHealth Cancer Center. For several years, Alison coordinated the Sage-ing Center, a program that encourages and supports adults of all ages, and particularly those in the second half of life, to inventory, evaluate, and intentionally plan a life of purpose, learning, fulfillment, and community service. Alison brought this comprehensive program to the hospice several years ago and developed Hospice of the Comforter’s Quality of Life Education Program. Alison has taught psychology at the college level and has worked in the field of health and wellness for over 35 years, including over 10 years as a hospice nurse and counselor. Her specialty areas include stress management, grief and loss, end-of-life, aging and relationship issues, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, and Positive Psychology. Beyond her professional life, Alison is an “extreme gardener,” volunteers at a local animal shelter, and performs with local singing and theatre groups.