SWIHA Blog

What is Holistic Health & Wellness? As a new Wellness Coach, I feel that it is important to have educational reading for those who enjoy going a little deeper. Let’s explore the fundamental principles and give some insight into how individuals should be treated as a whole and not just their symptoms. And also the importance of holistic preventative care. I am proud to be a part of an approach to health that distinguishes itself from traditional healthcare.

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?

My life before SWIHA, when it came to professional work, was working 12-hour shifts at a local Level 1 Trauma Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. All my life since I was young, I had this desire to help people so I decided to go into the medical field. I worked alongside great people and carers for 13 years. Working in the hospital, I had this innate feeling that I would one day be working on my own, I would say "One day, I'll have my own business, I'm going to be my 'own boss', just you watch". That was my favorite line to say to people when someone asked me how I wanted to "grow" in the company. I didn't envision myself retiring as a healthcare worker.

“Prior to becoming a coach I was in corporate sales. I knew I wasn’t living my purpose and that I had a deeper calling. When I went through the Life Coaching program at SWIHA I had no idea that this would become my passion and my full-time career.”

Karen chose SWIHA for her education based on the recommendation of a friend. Initially unaware that life coaching would become her true calling, Karen discovered a huge perspective shift during her training. She learned to view every life event as happening FOR her, not TO her, turning her pain into purpose and enabling her to serve others with compassion and empathy.

“Be willing to get to know yourself better, step outside your comfort zone, and view obstacles as lessons.”

Melisa Rae, the driving force behind rESPONSIBLE nONCONFORMIST, began her coaching journey after spending 15 years in the mental health field. Her firsthand experience in mental health provided her with a unique perspective on the struggles individuals face and ignited a passion for proactive, goal-oriented solutions. A graduate of SWIHA, Melisa completed the Life Coaching, Intuitive Guidance, and Reiki programs.

What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and to your particular program of study?

Before SWIHA, I was working at Cardinal Health for 8 years as a Customer Service Professional providing service to people in need of crucial medical supplies for the necessity of their wellness. Speaking with people who are in a health crisis requires deep listening, compassion, patience, and faith. In my position, I learned how important it is for Light Workers to make their wellness a priority. Working at Cardinal Health introduced me to new ways, how thoughts are seeds and words become the nature of what can be created.

“I love being a Coach because I get to see people helping themselves heal, and turning their life into the life that they deserve to live and feel proud of! In turn, I learn a lot as well…and I feel like through helping others I am able to help myself!”

“I've always loved to serve others, to help them see their own possibilities, to find the courage within to become the version of themselves they wish to be. Seeing that happen for them lights me up, warms my heart, and inspires me to keep going.”

ReNae's decision to choose SWIHA was driven by a multitude of factors that resonated with her on a deep level. The vibrant atmosphere drew her in immediately. What set SWIHA apart for ReNae was not only the flexibility of class hours, it was also the unique opportunity to "try out" classes with a guest pass, coupled with the option to audit classes for a refresher—a perfect blend of accessibility and continuous learning that aligned with her vision.

As an alumni, I wanted to share a response of mine that I gave in a recent interview. The question was “Why did you choose transformational life coaching at SWIHA?” Here is my response, “Thank you for your thoughtful question. My journey toward the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts and to transformational life coaching was not a straight path, it was a winding road, full of learning experiences, self-discovery, and a deepening of my faith.”

"I was seeking something that was the right fit for me, a school that had purpose, supportive staff and instructors, where I felt like I was a part of something great and SWIHA embodied all those things and more for me. I had a client that provided me great reviews about the school and from her testimony, I knew SWIHA was the place for me.”

“I grew up using herbs and had wanted to become an herbal pharmacist. The training I was looking into was in China, and then life happened, and going was discouraged. Then in my second half of revolving around the Sun, I walked by SWIHA and noticed the sign that I never paid attention to, it said ‘Herbalism and Reiki’. I had just started a new chapter in life and finally saw what I needed to do to get on the path to my original plan A.”