Mind Body Medicine Classes

Humor can be very beneficial in shaping your attitude toward your health. This class will show you the effects of laughter on your mind and body. You will learn where to find humor, how to use it and the steps in developing a helpful humor habit. Come laugh, exercise your insides and free your mind! 

Nancy Street, M.Ed., has used humor in all aspect of her life, from 30 years of school counseling to caring for her aging parents to her journey with two rounds of cancer. 

There is no musical experience needed to have a great time in this class. Let your soul make music, de-stress, and feel alive when you leave. You don’t have to be perfect … just attend. All tools provided. 

Facilitator Cheryl Kerr, BA, CMP (certified music practitioner), has worked for many years at Orlando Health. She is also a certified Remo HealthRHYTHMS facilitator.

• Give yourself the gift of sanity this holiday season. 

• What if you could actually relax and enjoy yourself? 

• What if you could stop feeling stressed out and exhausted? 

The holidays come with incredibly high expectations. The “shoulds” surrounding us can be downright overwhelming. In addition, the losses and crises of life rarely occur at a “good time.” Getting through the holiday season after experiencing a major challenge or transition can be an overwhelming task. Come explore ways of coping with holiday expectations. We will look at reducing the stress of preparing for the holidays and learn to make our celebrations simpler, more meaningful and less materialistic. As a bonus, the tips and techniques offered can be applied year round. Start using them now and be ready to welcome 2013 with new habits already in place that will help keep stress at bay and allow much more joy in! 

Facilitator: Alison Issen, MS, RN, LMHC, with Patient and Family Counseling 

4th floor classrooms at MD Anderson – Orlando 

Throughout the whole of our lives, we search to be our best selves, and each stage of life offers its own opportunities and responsibilities. This seminar will enhance our ability to help ourselves and others live intentionally through life’s twists and turns; to create a personal vision for the future while sharing wisdom and life experiences with others. In this two-week program, topics will include: 

• Tapping our inner wisdom 

• How to choose to transform old resentments into blessings and current challenges into opportunities for growth 

• Identify things that nourish and renew us 

• Recognize the gifts we bring to the world and consciously develop our legacy 

Facilitator: Alison Issen, MS, RN, LMHC, with Patient and Family Counseling 

4th floor classrooms at MD Anderson – Orlando 

Keeping a journal is a powerful process that appears deceptively simple. The mere act of putting thoughts and emotions into words and putting those words to paper can transform our deepest feelings and inner experiences into realistic goals and actions. Research has shown that journal writing can improve our immune system and help with pain management. Journaling helps us develop our insight, intuition and contemplative skills, and can serve as a way to release the stress associated with many of life’s challenges. 

Facilitator: Alison Issen, MS, RN, LMHC, with Patient and Family Counseling 

4th floor classrooms at MD Anderson – Orlando 

Stretch your mind as well as your body by learning the postures, breathing exercises and meditation that comprise the practice of yoga. Yoga is a wonderful way to increase energy levels and release tension and stress while stretching and strengthening muscles. Scientific studies show that yoga can be a powerful healing tool. These classes are designed for and adapted to the unique needs and limitations of cancer patients. 

Facilitator Daniela Ellis is a certified master yoga instructor with more than 20 years experience studying and teaching yoga. With her studies in anatomy and physiology, and a strong awareness of health movement, Daniela personalizes classes for her students’ needs.  The cost is $10 per session (every fifth session free with payment of $40 for 4 sessions).

Energy Medicine I: This introductory class gives participants a basic understanding of their body’s energy system. You will also learn a simple daily routine that can improve quality of life and relieve symptoms. 

Energy Medicine II: Discover ways to support your body’s energy system by working with your energy centers and your meridians for optimum quality of life. Please register for this class if you have completed Energy Medicine I. These classes are taught by certified energy medicine practitioners. 

Please join us to learn and practice a variety of relaxation exercises aimed at calming the body and mind. This class is suited to all and techniques will be practiced with participants either sitting or lying down. Classes are held in the fourth floor classrooms on the first Wednesday of each month from Noon – 12:45 pm. 

Facilitated by Dana Nolan, MS, LMHC, NCC 

The labyrinth is an ancient symbol, a metaphor for our life that has been used throughout history to address the basic questions of life. It is a winding, purposeful path that leads to a center and often yields peace. Comfortable shoes and sunglasses are helpful. The session begins inside the classroom before a guided walk on the outdoor labyrinth. 

Facilitator Jeanne Miller-Clark, manager of Mind Body Medicine, board-certified chaplain and trained labyrinth facilitator, teaches this class on the history, meaning, research and power of this ancient healing tool. This class is offered at no cost.