For many healers, the path to purpose isn’t linear—it’s forged through deep self-inquiry, courage, and a willingness to honor authenticity above all else. For Valarie Hopkins, a graduate of SWIHA’s Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner program with a focus in Hypnotherapy, that journey has been nothing short of transformational.
“I have always loved the various Healing Arts,” Valarie shares. From early on, she felt a calling to support others in moving through internal blocks and reclaiming their joy. “My main goal is to assist others in moving past obstacles that are in the way of following their bliss, and Hypnotherapy is a great resource for that.”
Like many who are drawn to healing work, Valarie’s purpose was clarified through personal challenge. About ten years ago, she experienced what she describes as a Dark Night of the Soul—a profound period of inner reckoning that reshaped her entire life.
“It made me realize my life didn’t have room for anything not congruent with my authentic self,” she explains. That realization became a turning point. Rather than returning to what felt safe or familiar, Valarie chose to realign her life around what brought her joy, meaning, and truth. “I decided to create my own business after that, with everything in my life so far that brought me joy and purpose.”
That decision set her on a path of conscious creation—one that would eventually lead her to Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA).
At SWIHA, Valarie found both the structure and support to deepen her healing practice while staying true to herself. Her focus on Hypnotherapy allowed her to work directly with the subconscious, helping clients release limiting beliefs and patterns that no longer serve them.
Today, she shares that her life has changed in a fundamental way. “Yes,” she says simply. “I feel so much more alive now that I am following my passion.”
Valarie is the founder of Illuminate Peace Healing, a practice that reflects both her diverse skill set and her heartfelt mission. Through her business, she offers Reiki, Life Coaching, Intuitive Readings, and Hypnotherapy, creating a holistic approach to healing that meets clients where they are.
“SWIHA has helped me turn my skills into a business that can reach more people,” she says. Beyond technique, the school supported her growth as an entrepreneur. “It has also helped me become more resilient in Holistic Entrepreneurship.”
Perhaps one of the most empowering lessons she gained during her time at SWIHA was this: “That I can have a successful business without having to be something I am not.” For many healers, this realization is as healing as the modalities themselves.
Valarie continues to expand her work, both personally and professionally. She is currently working toward offering workshops and group experiences designed to help people grow together—personally and spiritually. Her vision is rooted in community, connection, and shared transformation.
When asked about her experience with instructors and classes at SWIHA, her answer speaks volumes: “This is hard to say. I loved them all.”
For those considering their own journey at SWIHA, Valarie offers heartfelt encouragement:
“I would advise you to keep going even when the doubts and fears start coming in. Your perseverance will pay off.”
And perhaps most beautifully, she closes with gratitude—a quality that clearly permeates both her life and her work:
“I am grateful to be alive and to have the opportunity to share my gifts with others and to share the journey with like-minded people.”
Valarie Hopkins’ story is a powerful reminder that healing begins within—and when we honor our truth, we not only transform our own lives, we illuminate the path for others as well.
Connect with Valerie, founder of Illuminate Peace Healing
Website: https://www.illuminatepeacehealing.com/
Instagram: @illuminatepeacehealing
Facebook: Illuminate Peace Healing