Beyond the Body: Katie Carl’s Journey into Trauma-Informed Soul Healing

Katie Carl's journey through SWIHA IHAP program

Before discovering Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Katie Carl was already practicing as a massage therapist—doing meaningful work, yet sensing there was something deeper calling to her. She felt the limitations of focusing solely on the physical body and knew true healing required more than just technique; it needed heart, intuition, and a space where the emotional and spiritual could be held just as tenderly as the physical. Drawn to SWIHA’s soul-honoring, holistic approach, Katie found not only a school - she found a sacred catalyst for transformation. What began as a desire to deepen her Massage practice became a powerful journey of purpose, authenticity, and the creation of a healing space where softness meets shadow. Her story is one of courage, clarity, and calling—read on to see how Katie is redefining what it means to be a healer.

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 SWIHA, I was already working as a massage therapist and a chiropractor, doing the best I could with the tools I had—yet I knew there was more to healing than just muscles and tissue. I had lived experience with trauma, both personally and through caring for my adopted children, and I wanted to understand how to truly support others navigating complex emotional and spiritual pain. I was drawn to SWIHA because of its holistic, heart-centered approach that honored both the science and soul of healing. I ended up enrolling in the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner Diploma program. I wanted to create a space where softness meets shadow, a place where people can be held, seen, and supported through all layers of their being. I want to help others experience the reclamation of self. These practices aren’t just tools, they’re acts of radical care.

Is there a “defining moment” you’d like to speak about? When did you know that you were on the right path?

One defining moment happened during a hypnotherapy session I did with a volunteer client through my coursework. They ended the session in tears, not from sadness, it was the first time they felt like their trauma had been witnessed, not just managed. In that moment, I knew I was doing more than just practicing a technique, I was offering sacred space for transformation. That’s when it clicked, this is the work I’m meant to do.

Has your life significantly changed? If so, how?

Yes, though not in the flashy, overnight kind of way. SWIHA has helped me soften into my purpose. Before, I knew I was a good massage therapist, yet I didn’t see myself as a "healer". Through the classes, the reflections, and the deep inner work, I’ve stepped into a more integrated version of myself, one where my lived experience, my intuition, and my skills are all part of the offering. I now move through my work with more clarity, confidence, and sacred responsibility. I’ve stopped asking for permission to show up as who I am, and that’s been life-changing.

What are you up to now—professionally and personally?

Professionally, I co-own Morrigan’s Nest Holistics with my younger sister, who is also a massage therapist. We’re building a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed space for healing in a community where that kind of care can be hard to find. It’s been so meaningful to create this vision together—both of us bringing our own strengths and shared values to the work.

Personally, I just got married to my amazing wife, Niki. Together, we’re raising five incredible kids—now 16, 13, 11, 10, and 8—most of whom are neurodivergent, and/or navigating PTSD. Our family life is full of challenges, love, and resilience. Balancing parenting, adoption, business, and my own healing journey is a sacred (and sometimes chaotic) dance, but it’s all part of the same purpose: showing up with love, care, and authenticity.

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 co-own Morrigan’s Nest Holistics, a trauma-informed healing space that I run with my younger sister, who is also a Massage Therapist and Reiki Master. Our vision was born out of our own lived experiences and a shared desire to create a space where people feel safe, seen, and empowered in their healing.

We offer massage therapy, intuitive energy work, hypnotherapy, and inner child healing sessions. Our work is especially supportive for folks who are living with trauma, neurodivergent, or feel like they are in a constant fight or flight. Everything we offer is rooted in the belief that healing doesn’t have to be perfect or linear; it just has to be honest and supported. The training I’ve received through SWIHA has given me the tools to hold space with integrity, emotional safety, and deep presence, which has completely elevated how I serve my clients.

What was the greatest lesson(s) you learned while at SWIHA?

That healing is relational. It’s not about fixing, it’s about holding. I’ve learned to listen more deeply, to trust the body’s wisdom, and to honor the emotional and energetic layers beneath physical tension. I’ve also learned that being authentic, even in professional spaces, is a strength, not a liability.

If you could give advice to future SWIHA students, what would it be?

Honor your timing. This journey isn’t just about learning techniques, it’s about transforming you. Don’t rush through the emotional work, and don’t be afraid if old wounds surface; they’re showing up because you finally have the tools to hold them. Also, lean into the community. There are so many beautiful, wise souls at SWIHA who will remind you that you’re not alone.