SWIHA Blog

“Everything that happens in life has a lesson. Sometimes you have to look harder to find it, but it is there,” affirms Jenny Sirwet.

Jenny is a graduate of the 800-Hour Yoga Teacher Training program, has studied Polarity, Life Coaching and Aromatherapy, and serves future SWIHA community members in the Admissions department with her warm and welcoming presence. Though Jenny is now what we lovingly call a ‘SWIHA-Lifer’, she admits that she didn’t quite jump in to her journey feet-first: “I was allergic to the word ‘trauma’ when I first started as a student at SWIHA,” discloses Jenny, “That word was a trigger for me. It was a reminder of the ‘victim mentality’, which I try to avoid.”

Five years ago, Jenny suffered a serious back injury which launched her into a journey of healing and a mindset of growth. After a year and a half of  physical therapy, she had lumbar spine surgery in August of 2016 followed by six more months of remedial exercises.

“As cliche as it sounds, I truly cannot believe I get to do what I love each day,” Taressa Riazzi, Hypnotherapist and Life Coach, tell us.

It used to be a very different story for Taressa. Prior to her healing journey, she was struggling through a challenging time; doing her best to be a stay-at-home mom while battling significant depression and debilitating anxiety. After realizing that putting everyone’s needs ahead of her own was having a negative impact on her emotional landscape, she knew something had to change.

“I originally was drawn to Southwest Institute of Healing Arts for the nutrition program,” she tells us, “however, after I experienced hypnosis and saw the impact it had on me and those I worked with, I decided to primarily practice hypnosis and life coaching.

We've all heard of "Internet Trolls"--those who intentionally stir up drama and discord. They comment mean things, thrive on shocking others, and generally target complete strangers.

It's said that they best way to deal with web-bullies is to ignore them--"Don't feed the Trolls!". Some, however, attempt to create a true connection with these types of people in hopes that they begin to see others as human and will stop being hateful to strangers.

New research into the personality of Internet Trolls suggests that this practice of building their empathy for others could be one way to change their behavior for good.

Christine Iring, SWIHA graduate and founder of The Wounded Healer, believes wholeheartedly that anything is possible with the right mindset, people and surroundings.

She tells us: “Five years ago, I believe I hit my rock bottom due to divorce, selling my home short sale, and relocating for a job…yeah, many major life changes. That in itself took major adjustment, reflection, and ‘doing the work’,” Christine continues, “SWIHA took a better version of me and provided the tools I needed to create a business with awesome modalities, but more importantly discovering even more of myself, my purpose and enjoying the journey along the way!”

In January, Southwest Institute of Healing Arts celebrates the art and business of Life Coaching. 

As interest in holistic modalities grow, people from all walks of life are increasingly seeking out this powerful modality to create major positive change in their lives. SWIHA is so proud of the many talented coaches our program has guided! Our graduates work hard to identify their niche and style, cultivate a toolbox of proven techniques, and build a profitable private practice.

Here are thirty of our favorite quotes from SWIHA Life Coaches!

Liana Salas was guided to SWIHA’s Life Coaching program while on a soul-journey of her own.

She had struggled with her weight in her teens and early twenties, and told herself she’d be happy after she released the weight and unhealthy habits.

“On my own, through nutrition and exercise, I lost over 80 pounds,” she says, “and I still wasn’t happy. I realized I was looking to circumstances outside myself for my happiness. As long as I stayed on that path, I would never be content.“

SWIHA graduate Elizabeth Hartigan embodies the essence of her business, The Gratitude Girl! She specializes in helping women entrepreneurs grow their business and coaching them in order to get from where they are to where they want to be. She provides her clients inspiration, motivation, accountability, and ideas to move them forward.

“Life coaching is about helping someone reach their optimum potential,” she explains, “it’s about providing balance and support while they take inspired actions. It’s being their biggest cheerleader and believing in them, and reminding them of who they truly are.”

Nicholas Stanley believes he was guided to SWIHA by his “Angels, Ascended Masters, and loved ones”. In 2015, Nicholas was involved in a serious car accident in Long Island where he passed over into the light and came back into his body with a new awareness, mission and purpose.

“When I woke back up from not being responsive, I didn’t know who I was, where I was, or what I had been doing for the past few years. I felt a sudden switch in my mind, body and soul,” he explains.

Regina Bentley is a student in SWIHA’s Mind-Body Wellness Practitioner diploma program who’s using her story as a big vision for her future as a holistic entrepreneur.

A few years ago, Regina was bullied out of what was, at the time, her dream job.

“My physical, mental, and financial health were shattered,” she says, “The resulting anxiety and depression were almost unbearable.  There were so many times I wished I had someone to help me make sense of what happened and point me in the direction of recovery from the trauma. The post-traumatic stress disorder made it impossible for me to continue working in the same field.  So, I spent months doing research and informational interviews to figure out what to do for my next career.”

To Sue Shapiro, Life Coaching is “the roadmap to help you achieve your dreams, learn to be authentic, and live your full potential.”

Sue is a SWIHA Life Coaching graduate, and further deepened her practice by becoming a certified Habit Change Practitioner. Through her business, Finding Your Divine Spark, she offers heart centered ‘flow-with-soul’ Life Coaching to help people reclaim the Divine Spark of their life, and describes her style as “soft-spoken”.