Making a Difference – Serving Others While Nurturing Ourselves

Posted February 19, 2021 | By ale_bellot

Digital Education Programming Presented by the
Center for Health & Wellbeing

We want to hear from you! After viewing this CHWB On-Demand program, please take a few minutes to complete this survey. Your privacy is of the utmost importance; your information will never be shared nor sold. Your feedback will be used to evaluate existing CHWB programs, and to help us create new ones.

Did you know that your fundamental wellbeing is inextricable from the wellbeing of the world? Let us explain. If we isolate ourselves and disconnect from the suffering of those around us, we’re actually disconnecting from ourselves. Yet, when we make a commitment to address other’s suffering it can feel overwhelming and terribly draining. In this workshop presented Licensed Mental Health Counselor Alison Issen, she explores the rhythms of compassion and ways to balance our needs with the vast needs of those we serve. You’ll learn how to take care of yourself while deepening your capacity and motivation for compassionate action in the world.

By viewing this program, you can expect to:

  • learn how to define and recognize symptoms of burnout and compassion fatigue;
  • differentiate proactive versus reactive responses in difficult situations;
  • and explore methods of self-renewal, which will support you in your compassionate outreach with others.

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

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.