Sometimes the path to our purpose arrives as a whisper. Other times, it arrives as a feeling so undeniable that it resonates through every part of us.
For Julie Nelander, that feeling came when she discovered the Integrated Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) program at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, with a specialization in End-of-Life Doula studies.
Today, as she nears graduation, Julie is stepping confidently into a future she once only dreamed about—one filled with healing, service, and the courage to share her gifts with the world.
Before finding SWIHA, Julie knew she was meant to help others.
She recognized her natural gifts as a healer, medium, and channeler, yet struggled with how to develop those abilities and use them in a meaningful, professional way.
"Before I found SWIHA, I was a little lost," Julie shares. "I have certain talents, gifts, and abilities, yet no real way to get those healing modalities out to others. It was very frustrating not knowing how to grow my gifts or reach the people who need me."
Encouraged by her spouse, Julie began exploring educational opportunities that aligned with her calling. Initially, she considered massage therapy; however, when she discovered SWIHA, everything changed.
"I was beyond grateful to have been led to SWIHA—my 'Hogwarts,'" she says. "A place where people like me can learn how to use our gifts and talents to help heal others and bring love and light to the world."
What stood out most was SWIHA's unique ability to blend personal transformation with practical business education.
"While simultaneously teaching us how to maneuver around in the business world so that we can reach as many people as possible and sustain our livelihood in doing so."
Many students can point to a specific moment when they knew they were exactly where they were meant to be. For Julie, it was a feeling she couldn't ignore.
After diving deeper into the IHAP curriculum and learning about the program's offerings, she experienced what she calls a powerful inner confirmation.
"This one put a tingle in my chest that resonated throughout my body. That's a 'right path' indicator for me."
That intuitive knowing became the foundation for a journey of profound personal growth.
Julie describes her transformation at SWIHA through a powerful metaphor.
"My life has changed so dramatically since starting at SWIHA. I liken it to a jigsaw puzzle. I have all the pieces, and I even have the picture. What I didn't have was the knowing of where to begin."
Through the support of her instructors, coursework, and community, Julie began finding clarity and confidence.
"Along comes SWIHA, who quietly sits down next to me and begins finding the edges. After we found the edges, we were able to start rebuilding the picture."
That picture now includes a future she once thought was out of reach.
"With hope, knowledge, courage, integrity, and faith, I get to move forward with my dreams instead of painfully longing."
While Julie enjoyed many aspects of the IHAP program, one specialization left a particularly lasting impact: End-of-Life Doula studies.
Among her favorite classes were Aromatherapy and End-of-Life Doula training, each offering unique lessons and perspectives.
"The End-of-Life Doula course was one of my favorites because I gained so much useful insight into myself, others, and spirituality."
More importantly, the training helped her develop deeper communication and listening skills.
"I learned how to better talk to and listen to people in a way I never thought I could before."
For those called to support individuals and families through life's final transition, End-of-Life Doula work offers an opportunity to provide compassion, presence, and comfort when it is needed most. Julie found the experience both professionally valuable and personally transformative.
One of the biggest surprises of Julie's SWIHA journey was becoming a business owner.
With guidance from her coursework and instructors, she launched her company, Sensing Soul DBA Julie Nelander.
"I never thought I would start my own business," she admits. "It wasn't until I got partway through my coursework that the reality hit me that I was going to do this thing."
Today, Julie offers a diverse range of healing and spiritual services, including:
Her mission is simple yet profound: helping clients feel seen, supported, and at peace.
"No matter the level, the client walks away feeling loved, seen, relaxed, and hopefully at peace."
SWIHA helped her bridge the gap between passion and professionalism, giving her the confidence to share her work with a broader audience.
When asked about the greatest lesson she learned during her time at SWIHA, Julie's answer is refreshingly simple.
"The greatest lesson I learned at SWIHA was that I can."
For someone who once felt overwhelmed by the idea of marketing herself or running a business, this realization has been life-changing.
"It's not as hard as we make it out to be, and I am capable of doing it."
She credits SWIHA with helping her move beyond fear and self-doubt.
"I learned how to set my ego aside just long enough to step past fear and meet my dreams and goals."
As Julie prepares to complete her program, she has one powerful message for future SWIHA students:
"Know that this is a safe place. A place where you can be honest with yourself and others. With no judgement. Everyone is here for the same reason: love."
She encourages students to fully immerse themselves in their studies and personal growth.
"Delve in with all you've got for the best results possible—and I don't mean the grades."
With graduation just around the corner, Julie is busy preparing for the next chapter—updating her website, expanding her offerings, growing her online presence, and building the foundation for a thriving healing practice.
First, she has one important item on her schedule.
"I will be giving myself one week after completion to completely unplug from all things for a complete refresh and positive restart!"
It's a fitting reminder that even healers need time to recharge.
Julie’s story is a testament to what can happen when passion meets purpose, and when someone chooses to trust the calling in their heart. Through SWIHA's Integrated Healing Arts Practitioner program and End-of-Life Doula specialization, she discovered not only the tools to support others—she discovered the confidence to step fully into who she was always meant to be.
Whether you're drawn to energy healing, spiritual development, holistic wellness, or compassionate end-of-life care, SWIHA's Integrated Healing Arts Practitioner program offers a transformative educational experience designed to help you develop your gifts and turn your passion into purpose.
Explore the IHAP program and take the first step toward a meaningful career helping others heal, grow, and thrive.