Lurking in the Shadows: How Unrecognized Grief Impacts Your Life

A common misconception is grief only follows the death of a loved one, but many other life events are also associated with loss and result in grief.  These losses and the grief that follows can be dismissed by others, remain hidden from others, or be unacknowledged, even to ourselves. Things like unemployment; migration; moving houses; separation and divorce; illness or disability; and other significant changes can lead to deep feelings of grief. 

The lack of validation and understanding can contribute to prolonged or complicated grief reactions and increase the risk of developing mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

This workshop, led by licensed mental health counselor Alison Issen, will help to identify and validate disenfranchised or unacknowledged grief, which has remained hidden or which others have ignored, and will look at ways to turn hidden grief into energy for positive growth and healing. 

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