SWIHA Blog

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.

In the realm of holistic healing practices, hypnotherapy shines as a beacon of hope, providing a gateway to the subconscious mind and fostering deep healing across various levels. It is vital to stress the significance of finding a qualified hypnotherapy practitioner to ensure a safe and effective therapeutic journey. Despite being often misconstrued in popular culture, hypnotherapy offers a secure and impactful means to explore the depths of the mind, address underlying issues, and catalyze positive and enduring transformations. I am dedicated to unraveling some of the mysteries surrounding hypnotherapy, highlighting its benefits, dispelling myths, and showcasing its potential for personal growth.

“Before SWIHA I was going through a spiritual awakening that was very unorganized, uncomfortable, and scary. My gifts were all over the place. I knew that I wanted to help others who were also going through it, as I was all alone. I was randomly led to one of SWIHA's mailers. That was the answer to organizing my gifts and making my awakening more comfortable. I am passionate about all things spiritual. These healing modalities saved my life. I aim to help others feel the same way.”

“I felt most aligned with the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner with a concentration in the Advanced Hypnotherapy Diploma Program and I am SOul grateful that I followed my heart because prior to this entire experience, I have had a history of allowing my head to talk my heart out of following itself. I graduated in February 2023 and since then I feel even more confident in my decision to choose SWIHA to further my education and help me develop my gifts.”

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.

“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.

“My life was very depressing, painful, and boring before SWIHA. After being discouraged by doctors and being told that there was nothing they could do for me outside of praying, I got fed up and felt I needed to take matters into my own hands. I scrolled on Facebook, saw the SWIHA ad, and did some research! Shortly after, I decided to switch schools and majors. I started going to school for business and management yet I wasn't happy - I just felt I needed it. So after signing up for SWIHA, I had in my mind that I would use what I was being taught to heal myself. However, as I progressed throughout my studies, I began to get all types of ideas on ways I could help others heal.”

“Before SWIHA, I had been studying psychology and sociology and had been looking at a career in clinical psychology. At the same time, I started going through a spiritual, awakening and Covid all at the same time and realized that I did not want to deliver traditional clinical psychology. I wanted to work more with people, mind, body, and spirit, and help them live fulfilling wonderful lives.”

They say that destiny has a way of orchestrating the most unexpected reunions, and the story of Saul and Angie is living proof of this cosmic force. Saul and Angie, whose paths first crossed in middle school, experienced a connection that defied explanation. Yet, the currents of life pulled them apart toward the end of those early years. Fate, however, had other plans, and years later, they found themselves drawn back together. Their journey took them from the uncertainty of youth to a shared destiny of love, purpose, and the remarkable power of healing.

“Before SWIHA, I had two decades of social work experience in the context of non-profit organizations and State Government. In 2009, I had a series of unfortunate, life-altering events occur that made me realize there are gaps in services for people like myself (grieving, going through a divorce and the loss of a parent, and also living away from my family) lacking a support network to help me navigate the process or hold space for my grief. This led me on a search for healing and eventually, I landed in massage school, reiki training, yoga, meditation teacher training, and end-of-life doula classes.”