Getting Comfortable with Discomfort

Everyone experiences mild anxiety from time to time, but debilitating anxiety disorders are being diagnosed at higher rates than ever before. This workshop will offer tools to recognize the differences between stress, fear and anxiety and help you turn anxiety into strength. Led by licensed mental health counselor Alison Issen, you’ll learn how to view anxiety as a sign to re-evaluate, re-balance and attend to your self-care, and in the process, you’ll discover how anxiety and distress can, paradoxically, improve our relationships with ourselves 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. 

Host or Publisher Center for Health & Wellbeing