Therapist and folk medicine apprentice, Alissa Shanahan, is the founder of Whole Sol Medicina. Alissa is devoted to supporting others in reconnecting with the wisdom of their minds, bodies, and spirits, and their innate wholeness. Alissa has training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic therapies, and folk medicine, and weaves earth-based practices into work with others to hold grounding, transformative space. Her work invites others into presence, inner listening, and communion with the human and spiritual parts of themselves. 

Alissa humbly came to therapy and folk medicine through her own desire for “healing” her mind, body, and spirit. Starting with Western therapy, then teacher trainings, medicine ceremonies, naturopathic medicine, and more… Her pursuit for ‘healing’ felt never-ending, overwhelming, and… expensive. Always looking to new frameworks, new teachers, and someone or something outside of herself for the answers on how to mend from trauma and longterm health challenges. While grateful for the numerous therapeutic offerings and teachings she benefited from along the way, she became weary and frustrated with the western, capitalist, healing frameworks that led her to believe there was always something to ‘fix’ or rid herself of, whether that be mental health conditions, illness, or spiritual malaise.

Eventually, Alissa cosmically came to a folk medicine apprenticeship that introduced her to the “Wise Woman Tradition,” as taught by Susun S. Weed. The Wise Woman framework posits that “disease” (be it mental, physical, or spiritual) is not something to purge or rid ourselves of, but instead something to be worked with as a natural ally for transformation.

Trauma, colonialism, and capitalism often lead us to believe that we are broken machines in need of fixing of maximizing and perfecting. The Wise Woman Tradition gently reminds us that the ‘treatment’ for mental, physical, or spiritual challenges is a framework of love and nourishment. While seemingly elementary, Alissa has found this approach to holistic well-being deeply radical and transformative in her own healing journey and in her approach when working with others.

As a queer person, Alissa also knows there is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy, or existing in this world. She offers an open mind and creative approaches including movement, spirituality, breathwork, meditation, and more. She is fundamentally eclectic and person-centered, meaning she works to create an environment that best suits each unique individual.

In her daily life, Alissa finds enjoyment in connecting with nature and community. Her free moments are filled with seeking sunshine, dance, astrology, reading, and finding sensory pleasure through slow, intentional living.