So often self-defeating talk, harsh self-criticism and difficulty tolerating physical and mental discomfort create barriers to the wellness goals we wish to achieve. Based in part on the work of Dr. Kelly McGonigal, the author of The Neuroscience of Change, Licensed Mental Health Counselor Alison C. Issen will explore the foundations of positive change and changing our relationship to stress during this interactive program. You’ll discuss ways of turning your mind away from your default patterns and negativity that no longer serves you, in order to establish new behaviors and attitudes that support and sustain your current goals and values.

By participating in this program, you can expect to:

• Explore what weakens your willpower and why your reserves are limited;
• Link the effect of high stress levels on willpower, and learn how changing our relationship to stress will enhance your abilities to effect desired change;
• Learn strategies to overcome common barriers to desired behavior change such as ‘surfing the urge,’ ‘terror management’ and distress tolerance.

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

How to join the Zoom Program:

Upon registration for this program, you will receive two emails:

• One email from Eventbrite: you can either disregard this email or save it for your records. No action needed with this message.
• One email from the Center for Health & Wellbeing: this email will contain your link to join the Zoom meeting. Simply select the link and the Zoom Meeting will launch. Please allow yourself five – 10 minutes before program start to launch Zoom and confirm your technology is properly working.

All CHWB Digital Education Programs are now presented with live captioning service. Please refer to your registration confirmation email for instructions on enabling live captions.

By participating in this program, you agree to the CHWB’s Gracious Space policy. Unless otherwise noted, all CHWB Digital Education programs hosted via Zoom are recorded and made available for on-demand viewing on WellbeingNetwork.org. If you prefer to be left out of the program’s recording, please leave your camera and microphone off for the duration of the program.

About Your Program Presenter

Alison C. Issen is a licensed mental health counselor and a registered nurse. She recently retired as an outpatient counselor at Orlando Health/University of Florida 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. Issen brought this comprehensive program to the hospice several years ago and developed Hospice of the Comforter’s Quality of Life Education Program. She has taught Psychology at the college level and 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 Relationships, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy and Positive Psychology. Issen holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Beyond her professional life, she is an “extreme gardener” who also volunteers at a local animal shelter and performs with local singing and theatre groups.