Before Stephanie Allen found Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), her life had taken a painful and unexpected turn. Having recently left a career in law enforcement after surviving an assault, Stephanie was left navigating the emotional aftermath—confused, alone, and unsure of how to move forward. While she had a desire to help others, particularly survivors of sexual assault, she quickly realized that true healing begins from within.
“I wanted to make a change, but I didn’t know where to start,” she shared. “I knew I wanted to work with survivors, yet I also realized that I needed to focus on my own healing first.” That crucial insight led her to SWIHA, a place where her personal healing journey became the foundation for her professional path.
Stephanie enrolled in the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) program, where she was introduced to holistic healing tools that supported her recovery from trauma and also equipped her to help others. “My defining moment came when I discovered SWIHA and realized this was my true calling,” she said. “I knew I was on the right path when everything I was learning resonated with my own life experiences.”
Each course she took at SWIHA contributed to her transformation—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. What once felt like paralyzing anxiety and isolation began to shift. She learned to approach life’s challenges with resilience and compassion, not only for others — for herself too. “The journey has been nothing short of enlightening,” she explained. “I used to feel dissocialized and stuck; now I face life with confidence and clarity.”
That transformation inspired Stephanie to launch her own practice: Allen’s Certified Life Coaching and Advanced Hypnotherapy. Her business focuses on empowering clients through hypnotherapy and life coaching, offering support in areas such as weight loss, addiction recovery, fear and phobia release, and self-confidence building. However, her true passion lies in working with survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault—clients who, like her, are looking for a path forward.
“I am deeply committed to creating a safe, empowering space for individuals to heal and reclaim their lives,” she says. The tools she gained from SWIHA have become essential in her client sessions, allowing her to hold space, guide, and empower those ready to heal from deep emotional wounds.
One of the most impactful parts of Stephanie’s education came from her time with instructor Sherry Gilbert, whose warmth and genuine care left a lasting impression. “Her classes created such a comforting and supportive environment. I always felt safe and seen.”
Looking back, Stephanie credits SWIHA for her career transformation and also for the inner peace and purpose she has discovered. “Before discovering SWIHA, I often felt adrift. Since becoming part of the SWIHA community, I’ve found hope, inspiration, and the strength to overcome.”
To future students, Stephanie offers this advice: “Take full advantage of your time here. The lessons you’ll learn will help you help others—and yourself.”
Today, Stephanie is a living example of how healing can lead to purpose. Her journey reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we have the power to rise, transform, and become a light for others.