Lisa Wessan presents Laughter Therapy for Neuropathy Association, Weston, MA

Sept. 14, 2010 - PRLog -- The Neuropathy Association of Massachusetts has invited Lisa Wessan, LCSW, to speak at their next meeting on Friday, October 15th, 2010, 1- 2:30 PM, at the Weston Council on Aging, 20 Alphabet Lane, Weston, MA. This event will be free and open to the public.  (Even though it is free, the Council appreciates a pre-registration phone call so they can prepare the auditorium and chairs. Please call (781) 893-0154 to register.)

Wessan will present, "Therapeutic Laughter for Neuropathy and Caregivers."  Wessan started facilitating laughter therapy support groups after September 11, 2001, at the Senior Center Outpatient Unit of Elmhurst Hospital-Mt. Sinai Medical School in Elmhurst, NY.  "I was already facilitating several wellness programs at the hospital, including Relaxation Techniques, Clutter to Clarity and a Diabetic Support Group, but the stress of 9/11 was off the chart in New York City and we desperately needed something radically different to help us cope and pump us up again...Laughter Therapy seemed like a good idea," said Wessan.

Many of the participants in her weekly Laughter Therapy group began to have extraordinary physiological results: there was a decline in high blood pressure (several patients were taken off their blood pressure medication), sleep disorders improved, weight management was more successful, and diabetics had significant improvement with their blood sugar management.  Many reported that chronic aches and pains went away on the days they laughed with Wessan at the hospital.  

Psychologically, many patients reported better communication and improved relationships at home and with their families. "Besides having the extended laughter session -- which often brings the patients to tears, and even a bit of drooling, which is all good --  part of the program involves cognitive and behavioral therapy.  I encourage my patients to see how they are accountable for their lives, to learn to stand in their power, and to slowly, slowly give up their victim consciousness, which is the real culprit in aging, disease and depression," explained Wessan.

Due to her success with clients over the years, her work has frequently been featured in the media, including interviews on CNN, Paula Zahn Now, The Boston Globe, The Lowell Sun and The Wall Street Journal.  

Wessan’s programs have also been fully approved for continuing education credits in Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

In April, 2004, Kathy Rutkowsky, RN, Director, Gerontological Services, Elmhurst Hospital-Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, invited Wessan to present  “Laughter Therapy for Caregivers” for the entire inpatient and outpatient community.  The event created a laughter circle that included over 500 people, and a massive explosion of laughter for the attendees and the staff. “By the use of universal sounds and gestures, Lisa helps people feel commonly bonded and comfortable so they can identify with each other, laugh and be silly together in a very serious and powerful way…everyone participated, from all our diverse cultures…our souls were touched very deeply from this Laughter Circle,” said Rutkowsky.

Since Wessan moved from New York City to North Chelmsford, MA in 2006, she has presented her therapeutic laughter programs all over New England.  Most recently, she presented "Therapeutic Applications of Humor and Laughter" at the Nashoba Valley Medical Center (NVMC), Ayer, MA, as the keynote speaker for the hospital's Nurses' Day celebration.  

Mary Mathieu, Director of Casework, NVMC, said “Having been to many Nurses' Day dinners in my 21 years as an RN, I enjoyed this presentation the most. Lisa began by providing evidence-based research on the physical and psychological benefits of laughter and the second half of the program was lots and lots of laughter...I laughed until I cried....I laughed on the way home...the next day...and thinking of the event still makes me smile. I look forward to attending many more of her events in the future. I very highly recommend her!”

At the Weston event this Laughter Therapy session will be a relaxing experience where attendees will laugh their stress away. The interactive session will include a calming sequence of deep breathing; gentle stretching, Laughter Yoga, Laughter Meditation and Laffirmations.  (No yoga mats are needed; wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring water.)