SWIHA Blog

Before attending the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Natalie Bowker felt called to help others yet wasn’t sure how. The Hypnotherapy program gave her the skills to guide clients which also led her on her own healing journey. Seeing profound transformations within her clients confirmed she was on the right path. Now, as the founder of Space Between Wellness LLC, she empowers others through hypnotherapy and coaching, integrating the lessons learned at SWIHA into her practice and personal life.

Why Deep Breathing Helps

Deep breathing is one of the greatest things we can do for ourselves in pursuit of good mental health. This time-honored practice of using our own bodies and breath to self-regulate works wonders to reduce stress and anxiety and to engage the parasympathetic nervous system. Breath work in all forms is a way we can hit an internal reset button. It is our ability to stop and reframe. It allows us to slow down for just a moment to get our thoughts in order.

St. Patrick’s Day reminds us that spring is just around the corner, inviting us to tap into the energy of renewal and transformation. This season of rebirth encourages us to shed what no longer serves us, just as nature awakens from its winter slumber. It's a time for both the earth and our bodies to rejuvenate, align with new intentions, and embrace growth. Spring offers a fresh start, an opportunity to focus on vitality, and to nourish ourselves with vibrant, nutrient-dense foods that fuel both body and mind.

The Definition of Emotional Intelligence
Everyone seems to agree that your intelligence quotient, your IQ, is an important measure of cognitive ability. It is often used as a way to measure your potential for success on job applications, college applications, and in social settings. This leaves me wondering what emotional intelligence is and why it isn’t held in our society with the same level of relevance and validity as IQ. According to a survey done by the World Economic Forum, called The Future of Jobs Report, only 35% of respondents reported that they knew about emotional intelligence (referred to as EQ).

Have you ever thought about where traditions come from, and what makes an event a tradition? Have you thought about changes you have experienced, and how those changes transform from tradition into ritual? These are important markers on the road called life. We all have traditions, whether they are carried from generation to generation or are self-created, and we have all experienced life-transforming changes that we choose to highlight with tradition and ritual.

Many of us will reach certain points in our lives where we feel “stuck.” Whether it's uncertainty about the future, difficulty overcoming obstacles, or a longing for deeper fulfillment, navigating life’s challenges alone can feel overwhelming. That’s where Life Coaches come in.

At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we offer a comprehensive 100-hour Certificate of Excellence in Life Coaching, designed to equip you with the skills, tools, and knowledge to guide others through transformation. Rooted in the 12 Guiding Principles of Transformation, our program empowers aspiring coaches to support clients in clarifying their goals, overcoming barriers, and taking meaningful steps toward the life they desire. This certificate is offered both in person and online, providing flexibility for students.

The Role of an End-of-Life Doula

The role of an end-of-life doula or death doula is one that many people might not fully understand. It’s a relatively new modern profession yet one that is deeply rooted in ancient practices of caring for the dying. A death doula provides nonmedical support and comfort to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives. This support can be emotional, spiritual, and practical, helping both the dying person and their loved ones navigate the complex and often overwhelming process of dying.

Understanding Women’s Experience of Trauma

Many women face trauma in their lives. Whether it’s from past experiences, relationships, or difficult situations, trauma can leave deep emotional scars. However, it’s important to know that healing is possible. By transforming pain into power, women can reclaim their lives and find joy again.

Massage therapy is a rewarding career that allows you to help others while also cultivating a meaningful and fulfilling profession. Whether you are drawn to the healing arts as a new career path or are seeking to deepen your expertise, the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) provides a comprehensive and flexible approach to massage therapy education.

How do you define abundance? Most people define abundance along the lines of “a whole lot of money.” What if I were to tell you that abundance is more than the balance in your checking account? To me, abundance is anything that causes your heart to swell with happiness. Sometimes, that is having a solid amount in your bank account; sometimes, it is the laugh of your children running through the house, and sometimes, abundance shows up in the form of feeling the sunshine on your face after sitting in a cold office all day.