SWIHA Blog

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.

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, I felt like I was living in survival mode 24/7, just trying to get through each day. The difficult experiences I faced in childhood, coupled with the lingering effects they left behind, made navigating adulthood feel overwhelming and impossible. From a tough and often abusive childhood to the lifelong impact of trauma, I was constantly juggling my roles as a human being, friend, daughter, sister, mother, and community member. At the same time, I was trying to manage the internal chaos that trauma left in its wake. Most importantly, I was learning how to genuinely care for myself and how to love myself. SWIHA was one of many baby steps I started implementing into my life.

In a world that increasingly values whole-person healing, holistic wellness education is more than just a path to personal transformation—it’s an opportunity to build a fulfilling and profitable career. At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we believe that everyone has unique gifts and graces to share with the world, and our mission is to support individuals in turning their passion for healing into a meaningful profession. Whether you’re seeking a new career, expanding your current wellness practice, or beginning your journey of personal growth, holistic wellness education opens doors you may never have imagined.

At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we celebrate the journeys of our students and graduates—each unique, powerful, and transformative. Annmarie Lieto, a recent graduate of the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) program, shares her inspiring story of self-discovery, passion, and purpose.

Healing Ourselves

We are all looking for “a quick fix,” and most of the time it doesn’t go as planned. When we seek to master our health, quick fixes rarely work. We can heal if we are willing to dig deep, hold ourselves accountable, and explore!

Humans have evolved and this progression has led us from the caves to creating exquisite communities. We are still hard-wired with primal instinct and this instinct is vital for survival. Now, we are using this same wiring for our current reality, which is working overtime. As humans progress, we no longer need our primal brain to protect us from animal predators, however, it is still in use in the modern era triggered by different stimuli. We still face the predator, yet it may be a car with an inattentive driver or someone running out before you. After severe enough events, there can be everlasting scars left.

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romantic love—it’s the perfect time to embrace self-love and nourish your body, mind, and soul. At SWIHA, our Nutrition Program inspires a holistic approach to health, teaching students how food can nurture both physical well-being and emotional balance. So today, we’re sharing a recipe to help you celebrate love in all its forms: Strawberry Rose Bliss Bites!