What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and your particular program of study? Why are you passionate about this modality?
Before SWIHA, my life was marked by a journey of self-discovery and healing, particularly following an extensive series of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments. I was on a quest to find out who I truly was and what I was meant to do in life. Despite working in retail, which I found to be unstimulating and unchallenging, I knew I was capable of so much more. My desire to challenge myself and to avoid being stuck in a position that didn’t fulfill my potential led me to seek out a career where I could genuinely help others. A close friend introduced me to SWIHA, and together, we embarked on this journey to acquire hypnotherapy skills to offer as a service in our envisioned New Age store and community garden. My friend, a passionate herbalist and tarot reader, inspired me to explore a path where I could channel my natural leadership abilities and pursue my calling to help others. After leaving a toxic relationship, I knew it was time to follow my passion and become my own boss. So, I enrolled in the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner Diploma program, specializing in Hypnotherapy.
Is there a “defining moment” you’d like to speak about? When did you know that you were on the right path?
I knew I was on the right path when I began to witness the transformative experiences my clients were having with each session. As I refined my scriptwriting skills, the profound results my clients achieved validated my efforts and talents. The joy of seeing volunteers' smiles and hearing their enthusiastic reactions after each session confirmed that I had found my calling. Knowing that I possess a skill that can address both mental and physical issues is incredibly empowering. It made me realize that I could contribute to changing the world by helping others heal, guiding them to discover their true purpose, and becoming their most authentic selves.
Has your life significantly changed? If so, how?
Yes, my life has changed significantly. I have fully let go of a toxic relationship, and I no longer feel that addictive attachment to the person. I’ve become more responsible and have taken concrete steps toward achieving my goals, including purchasing a home. The key change has been my newfound ability to take action. This journey has shown me that I am capable of much more than I previously believed, and I now recognize myself as a powerful individual. I have become adept at setting boundaries and am eager to help my community by encouraging others to embrace their authenticity.
What are you up to now—professionally and personally?
Currently, I’ve hired a coach to teach me how to secure high-ticket sales and market my services effectively, making client acquisition less of a struggle. My long-term goal is to open a holistic rehabilitation center in my city, aimed at helping young people who are struggling with substance abuse. I want to show them that life, with all its challenges, is something to be embraced, not escaped. My mission is to help them understand that trauma does not define them and that there are opportunities for healing and growth.
If you own a business or private practice, tell us all about it! What inspired you to start your own business? What services do you offer? How do you powerfully impact clients? How are the skills you learned at SWIHA supporting your work?
I’m in the early stages of starting my own business. Although I have not yet begun bringing in clients, I’m actively working on my business plan to apply for grants to fund my marketing efforts. I’ve already secured office space to ensure I have a dedicated place to work, avoiding the pitfalls of inactivity that come with working from home. I continue to work with several volunteer clients as part of my programs. My vision includes incorporating a range of holistic services under one roof, including aromatherapy, dietetics, yoga, massage therapy, and acupuncture, to offer comprehensive mind, body, and soul healing.
What was the greatest lesson(s) you learned while at SWIHA?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned at SWIHA is to trust in my intuition and embrace a growth mindset. While I naturally had a love for learning, understanding the full scope of a growth mindset has been transformative. I also learned that healing is a process that requires time and effort; to reap the benefits, you have to be willing to put in the work.
Who were your most impactful teachers while you studied at SWIHA? What were your favorite classes?
Linda Bennett was a tremendous inspiration to me. Her vast knowledge of hypnotherapy is truly remarkable. My favorite classes were the scriptwriting class and the flower essence/aromatherapy class, where I found a deep connection with the material.
If you could give advice to future SWIHA students, what would it be?
My advice to future students is simple: don’t give up. Stay committed, and keep pushing through the challenges. The journey is worth it.
