SWIHA Blog

At some point in life, many of us feel a deep inner calling—a whisper that says, “There’s more for you out there.” For Paulette Brown, a retired police officer with a lifelong passion for helping others, that call came with a desire for a new beginning. She knew she wanted to live a more meaningful life, one aligned with spiritual purpose and healing service. That calling led her straight to Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), where she enrolled in the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) program with the dream of becoming a Spiritual Life Coach.

When Taryn Ravi Sadesh first stepped onto the campus of the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) in 2011, she was a recent high school graduate with a vision — one rooted in healing, service, and deep spiritual connection. Today, Taryn is a thriving holistic wellness practitioner and founder of Holistic Wellness Sedona, guiding others through transformative journeys with the wisdom, tools, and heart-centered leadership she has cultivated over the past decade.

Meet Shannon Hogan, a proud graduate of the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner program at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA). Once feeling lost and disconnected, Shannon found her true calling through holistic healing and the power of integrative wellness. A single transformative session with a client confirmed she was on the right path—and she hasn’t looked back since. Now ordained and running her own healing practice, Shannon blends Reiki, sound therapy, and aromatherapy to help others find balance, purpose, and peace. Her journey is one of passion, growth, and the profound impact of following your heart.

In today’s fast-paced, high-stress world, something is shifting. More and more people are waking up to the reality that true wellness goes far beyond prescriptions and symptom management. They're seeking deeper healing—healing that touches the body, mind, and spirit. That’s where holistic practitioners come in. And the truth is: we need them now more than ever.

Whether it’s the rise in chronic illness, the growing awareness around mental health, or a collective desire to return to ancient, earth-centered practices, the call for holistic healers is getting louder—and more urgent.

Have you ever felt called to help others heal? Do you sense that wellness goes deeper than what’s on the surface? If you're wondering whether a career in holistic health is your soul’s path, you're not alone.

At Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we believe that everyone has a unique gift to share. Our programs are designed to teach techniques and awaken purpose. If you’ve been curious about turning your passion for wellness into a profession, these five questions can help you assess if a holistic health career is right for you.

Before joining the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Yana Atim felt her life lacked guidance. Having endured profound personal losses, including the passing of beloved family members, Yana was drawn to a program that could help her heal and grow. Yana enrolled in the Integrative Healing Arts program with a focus on Spiritual Coaching, Healing Botanicals & Earth Ceremonies Facilitation. Her passion for this modality stemmed from her own healing journey, inspiring her to create a sacred space for others navigating grief through the celebration of life and love.

At Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we know that each healing journey is as unique as the individual walking it. That’s why we offer flexible learning options designed to meet students exactly where they are—whether that’s in a classroom or in the comfort of their own home.

Why Flexibility Matters

Life can be beautifully full—whether you're raising a family, managing a job, or navigating personal growth. Our online and on-campus learning formats give you the freedom to choose a path that aligns with your lifestyle, learning style, and professional goals. We believe that education should support your transformation, not stress it.

At Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we celebrate the incredible transformations our students undergo as they step into their calling as holistic healers. One such inspiring graduate is Shamiya Taver, a passionate Holistic Health and Wellness Coach who turned her personal journey of healing into a mission to help others.

In today’s world, more people than ever are seeking alternative and holistic approaches to health and well-being. As the demand for holistic wellness services continues to grow, so does the need for skilled practitioners who are experts in their fields and also capable of running successful businesses. At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we believe in empowering individuals to step into their purpose, share their healing gifts, and build sustainable, thriving businesses in the holistic wellness industry.

Before attending the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Natalie Bowker felt called to help others yet wasn’t sure how. The Hypnotherapy program gave her the skills to guide clients which also led her on her own healing journey. Seeing profound transformations within her clients confirmed she was on the right path. Now, as the founder of Space Between Wellness LLC, she empowers others through hypnotherapy and coaching, integrating the lessons learned at SWIHA into her practice and personal life.