SWIHA Blog

For some, the call to healing arrives suddenly. For others, it unfolds over a lifetime of listening, learning, and devotion. For recent SWIHA graduate Lisa Victorson, the path has been decades in the making—and continues to deepen with every step.

“I have been a student, teacher, and mentor to many on this path,” Lisa shares. “I have been immersed in ‘Woo Woo’ for over 38 years. I will never stop going to school to learn and working with others to heal.” That lifelong commitment to growth and service is what ultimately led her to Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, where she completed the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner program (IHAP) with a focus on End of Life Doula studies.

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For much of my life, spirituality seemed synonymous with staying positive—keeping my vibration high, speaking love and light, and pushing away anything that felt heavy. The belief lingered that focusing hard enough on peace could somehow outshine pain. What I’ve learned, especially through my journey at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), is that true healing doesn’t come from avoiding the dark—it comes from walking straight into it with compassion and curiosity.

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End-of-life work holds a sacred place in my heart. There has always been a deep knowing that no one should ever be—or feel—alone when nearing the end of life. The thought of someone taking their final breath without a hand to hold or a comforting presence beside them moves me on a soul level. That belief is what first drew me to become an end-of-life doula, a calling that feels less like a career choice and more like a purpose meant to be lived.

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When life delivers unexpected challenges, some people lose their way — and others, like Nika Shelton, find their purpose.

Before enrolling in the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) program at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Nika’s life was filled with uncertainty. A traumatic car accident left her in a wheelchair for months, forcing her to fight both physically and mentally to recover.

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Supporting someone through their final transition is one of the most sacred and meaningful callings a person can answer. End-of-Life Doulas—sometimes called Death Doulas or Transition Guides—hold space for individuals and families during one of life’s most profound passages. These compassionate caregivers provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support to those nearing the end of life, helping them find peace, dignity, and closure.

If you feel called to this work, it’s important to take time for deep reflection and preparation. Here are five important things to consider before becoming an End-of-Life Doula.

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