SWIHA Blog

Before Alyssa Moates found the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), her life was centered around one very personal mission—figuring out how to heal herself. Like so many others, she was navigating a healthcare system that often left her with more questions than answers. So, she became her own advocate. She researched. She asked questions. She tuned in to what her body needed. Along the way, something powerful sparked within her: the desire to help others do the same.

Life has a way of leading us toward healing when we need it most. For Maria Appelbe, the path to self-discovery, resilience, and purpose unfolded through the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA). Now a graduate, Maria is dedicated to using yoga and mindfulness to support others in their journeys, just as it transformed hers.

Have you ever felt called to help others heal? Do you sense that wellness goes deeper than what’s on the surface? If you're wondering whether a career in holistic health is your soul’s path, you're not alone.

At Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we believe that everyone has a unique gift to share. Our programs are designed to teach techniques and awaken purpose. If you’ve been curious about turning your passion for wellness into a profession, these five questions can help you assess if a holistic health career is right for you.

What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and to your particular program of study? Why are you passionate about this modality?

Before attending SWIHA, my life felt like it was missing something deeper, a sense of purpose and alignment with who I truly am. I was going through the motions yet felt a pull toward something more meaningful, something that would allow me to grow and help others in a way that felt authentic. I was led to SWIHA because of that inner calling. I had always been interested in personal growth, healing, and connecting with people on a deeper level, and SWIHA offered the perfect space to explore that. The program I chose, Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner, felt like it aligned with my heart and values, giving me the tools to turn my passion into a purpose. I’m passionate about this modality because it allows me to create meaningful connections, bring healing to others, and empower others to discover their own potential. It’s not just about helping other people, it’s also about growing and learning alongside them.

Before joining the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Yana Atim felt her life lacked guidance. Having endured profound personal losses, including the passing of beloved family members, Yana was drawn to a program that could help her heal and grow. Yana enrolled in the Integrative Healing Arts program with a focus on Spiritual Coaching, Healing Botanicals & Earth Ceremonies Facilitation. Her passion for this modality stemmed from her own healing journey, inspiring her to create a sacred space for others navigating grief through the celebration of life and love.

At Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we know that each healing journey is as unique as the individual walking it. That’s why we offer flexible learning options designed to meet students exactly where they are—whether that’s in a classroom or in the comfort of their own home.

Why Flexibility Matters

Life can be beautifully full—whether you're raising a family, managing a job, or navigating personal growth. Our online and on-campus learning formats give you the freedom to choose a path that aligns with your lifestyle, learning style, and professional goals. We believe that education should support your transformation, not stress it.

Before finding the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Patricia was on a profound journey of self-discovery. Seeking a deeper connection to her spirituality, she immersed herself in yoga, meditation, and breathwork. Despite her passion for holistic practices, she struggled to find a clear path forward. It was during an astrology reading that she received the encouragement she needed—to explore formal education in the healing arts.

At Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we celebrate the incredible transformations our students undergo as they step into their calling as holistic healers. One such inspiring graduate is Shamiya Taver, a passionate Holistic Health and Wellness Coach who turned her personal journey of healing into a mission to help others.

Energy healing is a holistic approach that works with the body’s natural energy systems to promote balance, healing, and well-being. At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), students have the opportunity to train in a variety of energy healing modalities, including Reiki, Polarity Therapy, and Cranial Unwinding. These powerful techniques help practitioners facilitate healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.

Before embarking on her transformative journey at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Chelle Washington was balancing two passions—developing a tarot business and pursuing a career in entertainment. She sought a way to integrate her love for healing and creativity into a sustainable foundation that would support and uplift creative individuals. Through SWIHA’s Integrative Healing Arts Diploma Program, Chelle discovered the power of blending her unique modalities and coaching style, equipping her with the knowledge and experience to make a profound impact on the creative community.