In this episode of The Healers Cafe, Manon speaks with Dr. Alan Weisser, a JD, attorney, clinical psychologist, and program developer, discussed his unique journey integrating legal, psychological, and organizational expertise to address complex mental health conditions and chronic pain.
For the transcript and full story go to: https://www.drmanonbolliger.com/dr-alan-weisser
Highlights from today's episode include:
Existential Immune System & Human Power – We're not designed to be powerless or just suffer; we have an "existential immune system" that's always trying to heal us if we use our thoughts and feelings correctly.
Living in Inspiration – Healing doesn't mean no pain, but having purpose and inspiration (like his patient rediscovering a love of robotics) gives people a real "fighting chance" to live meaningfully despite pain.
The Body Is Built to Heal – The body (and person) is inherently designed to heal; the key is to stop fighting that capacity and instead support it—physically, emotionally, and energetically
ABOUT DR ALAN WEISSER:Dr. Alan Stephen Weisser, JD, PhD, is a psychologist, attorney, and program developer whose career spans more than five decades across law, behavioral health, and system-level clinical leadership. His work reflects a rare integration of legal, psychological, and organizational expertise, with a sustained focus on complex mental health conditions, chronic pain, and the development of effective, patient-centered systems of care.
Dr. Weisser began his professional career in law, practicing as a trial attorney and later in private practice, specializing in real estate, business development and creation, and organizational structuring in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. His early legal work included service with the Legal Aid Society in New York, where he handled civil, consumer, and poverty law cases, as well as legal defense for underserved populations. This foundation shaped his lifelong understanding of systemic barriers, advocacy, and the structural dimensions of human suffering.
Transitioning into psychology, Dr. Weisser trained and practiced in some of New York's most demanding clinical environments, including Bellevue Hospital, Maimonides Medical Center, and the Einstein/Bronx Psychiatric Center. There, he developed extensive expertise in psychological assessment, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and psychiatric rehabilitation. He played a key role in the transformation of long-term inpatient psychiatric care into community-oriented rehabilitation systems, designing programs that integrated inpatient, transitional, and outpatient services with a focus on autonomy, functional recovery, and reduced recidivism.
Over the course of the 1990s and early 2000s, Dr. Weisser held multiple senior leadership roles, including Program Director, Clinical Team Leader, and ultimately Clinical Director positions within community mental health systems in Washington State. In these roles, he was responsible for large-scale clinical operations, program development, quality assurance, contract compliance, and supervision of multidisciplinary staff. His work involved the design and implementation of integrated service delivery systems, coordination across agencies and stakeholders, and the advancement of innovative approaches to behavioral health care.
Since 2002, Dr. Weisser has been the Founder and Director of New Options, Inc., in Seattle, Washington, where he provides individual, group, family, and couples therapy, as well as specialized chronic pain evaluations and treatment coordination. His work emphasizes integrating psychological, behavioral, and physical health perspectives, particularly in the treatment of chronic pain and medically complex conditions. He has developed psychoeducational programs, clinical interventions, and training materials designed to empower patients and improve treatment outcomes.
Dr. Weisser is also the author of New Possibilities: Unraveling the Mystery and Mastering Chronic Pain and the developer of the Mastery of Chronic Pain program, a structured, curriculum-based approach to helping individuals regain control over their lives. His work combines clinical rigor with practical application, translating complex psychological and medical concepts into accessible tools for both patients and practitioners.
In addition to his clinical and programmatic work, Dr. Weisser has served as an instructor at the university level, teaching in psychology and public administration. His career reflects a consistent commitment to education, system improvement, and the integration of theory and practice.
Across all phases of his work—from law to psychology to organizational leadership—Dr. Alan Stephen Weisser has focused on one central aim: developing meaningful, effective pathways for individuals and systems to move beyond limitation toward recovery, functionality, and sustained well-being.
Core purpose/passion: My mission in life has been to pursue curiosity, understanding, and deep engagement with what it means to be alive and human. At the center of that journey is a desire to help others.
ABOUT MANON BOLLIGER, RBHT, FCAH:
As a retired Naturopath 1992-2021, I saw an average of 150 patients per week and have helped people ranging from rural farmers in Nova Scotia to stressed out CEOs in Toronto to tri-athletes here in Vancouver.
My resolve to educate, empower and engage people to take charge of their own health is evident in my best-selling books: 'What Patients Don't Say if Doctors Don't Ask: The Mindful Patient-Doctor Relationship' and 'A Healer in Every Household: Simple Solutions for Stress'. and What if Your Body is Smarter than You Think? I am the Founder & CEO of The Bowen College Inc. which teaches BowenFirst™ Therapy and holds transformational workshops to achieve these goals.
So, when I share with you that LISTENing to Your body is a game changer in the healing process, I am speaking from expertise and direct experience".
Mission: A Healer in Every Household!
For more great information to go to her weekly blog: http://bowencollege.com/blog.
For tips on health & healing go to: https://www.drmanonbolliger.com/tips
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* De-Registered, revoked & retired naturopathic physician after 30 years of practice in healthcare. Now resourceful & resolved to share with you all the tools to take care of your health & vitality!