
Lisa Wessan, LCSW, CLL, RM
Motivational Author, Speaker, Counselor and
Coach
Mind-Body Geriatric Consultant & Advisor
Certified
Therapeutic Laughter Leader and Laughter Yoga Teacher
Certified Reiki Master
On-air host and producer of the cable television show,
Z Lighter Side of
TransformationSM
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Mission Statement turning your defeats into victories and your scars into stars. I take a stand for more joy in your journey, using therapeutic laughter as part of a broader multimodal approach to managing stress. |
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I have seen what a laugh can do, it can transform almost unbearable tears into something bearable, even hopeful. ~ Bob Hope Comedian, Actor (1903-2003) |
Laughter Therapy with Lisa Wessan and staff of Lowell Sun News http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x13kAb478tE |
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Calendar of Upcoming
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Three times every week on Channel 8 in Chelmsford, MA: Tuesdays 9:30 - 10:00 AM, Thursdays 9:30 - 10:00 PM and Fridays 6:30 - 7:00 PM. |
June 22 – July 3 Declutter Your Heart, Home & Office (2 of 12): The Inner & Outer Journey. July 6 - 17 Declutter Your Heart, Home & Office (3 of 12): Four Questions for More Freedom. July 20 - 31 Declutter Your Heart, Home & Office (4 of 12): Face it, Trace It & Erase It. |
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Thinking Out Loud The first Tuesday morning of every month, 10:00-10:30 AM ET,
I am a guest on Thinking Out Loud, a fabulous radio talk show that
covers politics and health, hosted by David Tierney, aka 'The Mouth of the
Merrimack.' |
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LIVE RADIO on 91.5 FM in @10:00 - 10:30 AM ET |
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Remaining Broadcast Schedule for 2009 |
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July 7 |
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August 4 |
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September 1 |
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October 6 |
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November 3 |
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December 1 |
Upcoming Clutter Relief
Programs
in Chelmsford and
Westford MA...
Over the mountain, more mountain.
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Recent interview in THE BOSTON GLOBE, 4/19/09
By Cindy Cantrell http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/04/19/decluttering_life/ |
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Declutter Your Heart, [This is the foundation course -- it is a prerequisite for the Clutter
to Clarity Mastermind Group.] Westford, MA (ample free parking) WHEN: Wednesday, October 7, 7 – 9 PM. TUITION: |
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Declutter Your Heart, [Lecture, keynote] Having clutter at home or at work is a personal challenge that
can distract, overwhelm and sometimes disable the clutterer and those
around him/her. Successful strategies are presented, including techniques for
the release of clutter, how to find safe sources of emotional support,
stress reduction and guided imagery. |
Clutter to Clarity [Group coaching] Incorporating gentle methods and systems from many schools of organizing and clutter management, you will have a chance to successfully work through problem areas at home or work. You will learn to reinforce your positive actions and get support for your resistance, negative emotions and the energy blockages that arise. C2C includes an exciting blend of structured group exercises, focused topics and group discussion. You will have a chance to speak and process your success and challenges each week. *** Limited to 12 participants. Please enroll early to ensure your place. *** WHEN:
TUITION:
$200.00 Please call
978-455-0660 to reserve your place. Due to the small size of this
group, spaces fill quickly. Send your check payable to 'Mirth Maven
Productions.' |
Laughter Yoga combines laughter with yogic breathing exercises. It is a
perfect way to laugh and get exercise at the same time. It approaches
laughter as a body exercise so it's easy to laugh even if you're depressed
or in a bad mood. Last year I highlighted Laughter Yoga on my TV program.
I've tried it, and it works.
~ Oprah Winfrey
January
14, 2008

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Upcoming Laughter Wellness Program… [Intergenerational public
program] Friday, July 17, 2009, 7 - 9 PM Circles of Wisdom 90 Main Street, Andover, MA
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July 7, 2009 - In greater Boston area, tune
into WUML, 91.5 FM, 10-10:30 AM or globally go to www.uml.edu/thinkoutloud for wicked funny
banter on health and politics with host David Tierney and monthly guest
Lisa Wessan. The Society for Ladies Who Laugh Out Loud. "First Ladies of Laughter"
article, Vol. 4:7, VIDEO: New York Daily News, October 27, 2004, "The Laugh that Heals," by Carol
Forget, November, 2008 - NASW NEWS (National Association of Social Workers),
"Social Work in the Public Eye" by Paul R. Pace. August 31, 2008 - Feature article in The Lowell Sun,"Make 'em laugh:
Chelmsford counselor is dedicated to the healing power of mirth" By Nancye
Tuttle. May 28, 2008 - One hour radio Interview, 30 minutes on Laughter Therapy
and 30 minutes on Decluttering topics - with host Elizabeth Foley on The
Phoenix Hour, archived at May 12, 2008 - One hour radio Interview - Declutter Your Heart &
Home - with host Debby Hoffman on WKLX 1450’s Community Business
Connection. Aired multiple times throughout the Concord NH area. Hear it
on April 29, 2008 - Radio Interview - The Ways to Harmony - Inside and
Out February 20, 2008 - 30 minute radio Interview - What is Laughter
Therapy? With host Dean Johnson on The Merrimack Magazine Talk Radio Show
, WCAP-AM (980 AM). Hear it on Shrink Rap Nashua Telegraph, November 9, 2007 The Boston Globe, September 23, 2007 Somerville Journal News Upstate Update (newsletter of SUNY Upstate Medical University),
CNN News, "Paula Zahn Now," March 10, 2005, "Laughter is the Best
Medicine"
The Mirth Maven in the Media...
April 19, 2009 - Interview in THE BOSTON GLOBE.
"Decluttering life." By Cindy Cantrell
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2009/04/19/decluttering_life/
April 9, 2009 - Interview in THE BOSTON GLOBE.
"Laughter is the
best medicine, so here's to your health" by Denise Taylor
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What Makes a Strong Woman?:
101 Insights from Some Remarkable Women.
By Helene Lerner (2005), Quote on page
33.
October 14, 2008 -
30 minute radio interview with host Bob Ellis on The Sunrise Show, podcast
archived at
with Boston
host Jordan Rich, guest Jay Uhler cites helpful tips from Lisa's
workshops. Read the transcript at http://www.jordanrich.com/JayUhler/TheWaysToHarmonyInsideAndOut.pdf
January 4, 2008 - The Lowell
Sun
"Giggle, chuckle, cackle or snicker -- it's
all good" By Rita Savard.
"Laughter
Therapy"
"Laughter is the Best Medicine"
by Cindy Cantrell
www.jimsullivanink.com, June 12, 2007
"Clutter: What is it good for?
Absolutely Nothing." by Jim Sullivan.
Merrimack
Valley Happenings, the newsletter of the Merrimack Valley Economic
Development Council, June 6, 2007, "From Clutter to
Clarity"
The Boston Globe (Boston, MA) May 27, 2007, "From
Clutter to Clarity: A Holistic Approach"by Bobby Hankinson
http://calendar.boston.com/events/show/10836705-From-Clutter-to-Clarity-A-Holistic-Approach
Syracuse, NY, November 1, 2006
"National Pastoral Care Week
celebrated with series of events Oct.
22-28"
IRC Newsletter
(InterReligious Council of Central New York), Syracuse, NY, September
2006,"Pastoral Care Day Explores 'Healing Humor' "
The Journal News (Westchester, NY) September
25, 2005
Hospital and Health Update, "The Science Behind the Smile"
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Testimonials
CLUTTER TO CLARITY
WORKSHOPS…
"Lisa's workshop, 'From Clutter to Clarity: A Holistic Approach,'
was one of the highest attended that we've had for our Adult Services
Program. She filled the room to capacity and had the crowd enraptured with
her practical, Kristina Leedberg Thank you again for speaking at church on THERAPEUTIC LAUGHTER, TEAM
BUILDING WITH LAUGHTER, LAUGHTER YOGA, LAUGHTER
MEDITATION.... Dr. Marc Kramer, Executive Director Marie Herman, Creative Director THERAPEUTIC LAUGHTER, TEAM BUILDING WITH
LAUGHTER, LAUGHTER YOGA, LAUGHTER
MEDITATION.... "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."
Kathy Rutkowsky, RN "Lisa Wessan's lively and interactive group session, "Lunch and
Laugh," encouraged us to shed our inhibitions, release our stress, and
laugh out loud without shame or guilt. Paul R. Darnell, DMin, LMHC "I am writing to recommend Lisa Wessan as a laughter therapist. In my
personal opinion, she did more for the 20 people that gathered for her
seminar in 90 minutes than many professionals will do in a
lifetime.
yet enlightening PowerPoint presentation. I have had
"decluttering" programs at the Library before but Lisa's approach was far
more interesting than our past presenters...I have already invited Lisa
back to do another program in June. I highly recommend her as a program
presenter for libraries."
Head of Information Services
J. V. Fletcher
Library
Westford, Massachusetts
"Sacred Spaces:
Declutter Your Heart & Home." Many people have commented on how your
message spoke to them and their own situation vis-a-vis a parent or
partner. Your suggestion about talking with the person to understand the
story behind the clutter and not just pushing ahead to throw things out
was very helpful. The humor you brought to it all was also much
appreciated.
Rev. Cricket Potter
First
Parish Church United
Westford, MA
"Wonderful speaker!
I need you at my church, especially at church council
meetings!"
Jill Magnuson, Pastor
Jordan United
Methodist Church
Jordan, New York
"Great job!
Loved your energy, passion and vulnerability."
Madelyn Boynton
CPE Student (Clinical Pastoral
Education)
University Hospital
Syracuse, New York
"Whether it's facilitating a group of people to experience
their natural, intrinsic laughter mechanism, or celebrating freedom from
compulsive eating -- by having a Food Funeral -- or providing guided
imagery to create a life you love, Lisa Wessan's ideas are innovative,
unique and freeing.
Her passion runs deep -- she is committed to
contribute and enliven whatever environment she's in.
When I saw
Lisa facilitate an auditorium full of ethnically diverse elders, some not
even being able to stand up without assistance, I thought, "She'll never
get them to do a penguin laugh." But lo and behold, the room was
transformed into a pack of laughing people, Lisa leading the way. It's a
vision I'll never forget. Lisa rocks!"
Lois Barth, President
Healingworks
On-Site Services, Inc.
New York, New York
"Lisa Wessan not only brings the gift of
laughter, she brings the presence of joy. She is a remarkable teacher, a
gifted facilitator, and a model of mentshlicheit."
"50 & Solo" of the
JBFCS
New York, New York
"I attended your
session on 'Healing with Laughter' at the Holistic Self Care Center
and
I thoroughly enjoyed it…I felt pounds of stress lift from my shoulders and
it stayed
that way for several days...I really would like to continue
with this. Please keep me posted...and thanks for spreading the laughter
and making it have value to the universe."
Melissa
Carnevale, President
MouseHelp, LLC
Nashua, New Hampshire
"I'm so glad you're giving people this opportunity to obtain a new
perspective of life and use laughter to transform their lives!"
Cristabel Cervantes, Student
Middlesex Community
College
Lowell, MA
"Thank you Lisa Wessan!
Laughter Fitness was such an extraordinary experience....
We began as
very mature adults and by the end of your Laughter Fitness program
we
were transformed into the happy, connected, carefree, uninhibited children
we once were. This was an incredible, powerful, healing, fun experience --
the best play date ever! It was good to be a kid again! Everyone on the
planet should experience Laughter Fitness..."
Mh by Design.com
New
York, New York
"Thank you for a dynamic,
informative and vibrant evening. Your laughter workshop was well received
by the women who attended. When I told people about your workshop, a broad
smile automatically came across my face! The next day students from the
workshop came by and smiled, breaking into laughter as they remembered
your experiential component.
We look forward to working together in the
future."
Zelda Braun, Assistant Dean of
Students
Yeshiva University
New York, New York
"This was fabulous -- I had a very rough day
at work -- and came here feeling discouraged and frustrated. I left with a
much better, healthier frame of mind. Thank you!"
Deborah
Matson
Nashua, NH
"This was
outstanding...it came at the end of two long days and dissolved the
fatigue!"
Louis and Kathy Emond
Nashua, New
Hampshire
Director, Senior Care Center
Elmhurst
Hospital-Mt. Sinai School of Medicine
Elmhurst, New
York
"Thank you so much for a night full of laughs. Your presentation,
'Healing with Laughter for Caregivers' was excellent. I got positive
feedback from several attendees. I hope we can work together again
soon."
Brunilda Mejia, Director of
Admissions
Fairview Comprehensive Nursing Care
Hudson, New Hampshire
Lisa taught us that stress
and miscarried grief are at the root of many degenerative physical
illnesses, and can trigger mental illnesses as well.
Thanks to
Lisa's experiential techniques, we learned that the use of therapeutic
laughter is one of the most potent, accessible, inexpensive and reliable
sources of stress management.
When combined with the other modalities,
we now trust there can be magnificent healing results with Laughter
Therapy!"
THE
CONGREGATION SHEARITH ISRAEL
New York, New York
"I loved the roller coaster
laugh! I have a back problem, but decided to let laughter distract me so I
could participate with others...it was extraordinary! My only regret at
Pastoral Care Day was being "all dressed up" so we couldn't get on the
floor!"
Syracuse, New York
Through a very carefully thought out process of teaching,
experiential learning and consistent corroboration, Lisa taught all of us
how to move
forward in our lives in a more relaxed and flexible way.
She backed up everything she stated with scientific facts and figures and
because we actually experienced the information given, no one disputed her
teachings.
She laid out simple, easy ways to shift perspectives,
to make you lift your spirits, heal and move forward in your life. Plus
all 20 of us had a great time which further reinforced all that she
taught.
I unequivocally recommend her - she has a practical
message for everyone alive and learning it is fun. It is a powerful
combination. I have become an advocate for "Therapeutic Laughter"
techniques and philosophies."
Leslie Gabriele,
Director
With Love & Gratitude Foundation
Bedford, MA
Only a special
teacher with extraordinary skills could affect a group of seniors, as well
as some non-seniors, the way you did when you presented your "Laughter is
the Best Medicine" session at our church...Thank you so much for transforming all of us in just one
short session.
In today's world, we all know that we need to relax
more and reduce the stress in our lives, but we needed someone to actually
guide us into learning techniques to facilitate the process.
As
the audience left the church hall, they seemed amazed at how much less
stressed they felt: "I'm sure my blood pressure is much lower now!" "I
don't think I've ever laughed this much since I was a young child!" " Now
I know what Lisa meant by a 'laugh-induced massage'---I feel less anxious
and SO mellow now!"
Thank you, Lisa....you performed a life
changing service for all of us! Many of us are already planning on
attending future workshops with you...See you soon!
Violet
Dagdigian
St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church
North Andover, MA
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Partial List of Clients:
CORPORATIONS
Strategic Defense of the Environment
Group, Inc. New York and Casablanca
Whale Securities, Inc. New
York, New York
Yogacaps Inc., Merrimack,
NH
COUNSELING SERVICES
InterFaith Works of Central
New York, Syracuse, New York
Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services
(JBFCS), New York, New York
HOSPITALS & MEDICAL
SCHOOLS
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AWARDS and AFFILIATIONS
A
Course in Miracles
Association for Applied & Therapeutic
Humor
Middlesex Chamber of Commerce
MIT Toastmasters Humor & Drama Group
National Speakers
Association
National Association of Social Workers
MirthMaven.com has won the Laughter
Website Award
of the World Laughter Tour…for details see
www.worldlaughtertour.com/sections/links/award.asp
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