SWIHA Blog

When life asks you to rebuild, it also gives you the chance to rediscover who you truly are. For Sarah Hanlon, a recent graduate of the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) program, her journey has been one of courage, renewal, and transformation.

Before enrolling at SWIHA, Sarah was a dedicated massage therapist and mother living in Massachusetts. She was also in the process of healing from a painful chapter in her life — a toxic relationship she had left behind. “I wanted to help others in ways that I wanted to be helped as I was getting out of a toxic relationship,” she shares. “I wanted to be that hand that helps guide people through the tunnel to the other side of the hurt that allows them to build their lives for themselves.”

"It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society." — J. Krishnamurti

What does it mean to be the light? “You light up my life!” “Let your light shine!” “You are the light and the salt.” The light illuminates the way and divides the day from the night. It allows us to find our way out of darkness.

So how does one continue to push on and be the light when the world around you gets dark? How do you harness that light and keep showing up when it can be so turbulent to be seen?

Before finding Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Elliott Warner (they/them) was in a place of deep uncertainty. “In my life before SWIHA, I was facing many challenges,” Elliott recalls. “I was struggling to make sense of my life, and being a professional of any kind seemed impossible.”

It was during a hospital stay—when Elliott was searching online for affordable hypnosis training—that their life took a powerful turn. “Even a single class was around $500,” they share. “This was significantly out of my budget. So, I logged on to the SWIHA website I had encountered years before to look into Yoga training… I found that financial aid was available for my program of study, and it was more than I could have dreamed.”

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.

Energy healing is a holistic approach that works with the body’s natural energy systems to promote balance, healing, and well-being. At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), students have the opportunity to train in a variety of energy healing modalities, including Reiki, Polarity Therapy, and Cranial Unwinding. These powerful techniques help practitioners facilitate healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels.

In a world where wellness is more important than ever, many people are discovering their passion for nutrition and healthy living. Yet you may be asking, how do you turn that passion into a thriving career? Whether you dream of helping others achieve their health goals, working in a clinical setting, or launching your own wellness business, a career in Holistic Nutrition can be deeply fulfilling—and financially rewarding.

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.

St. Patrick’s Day reminds us that spring is just around the corner, inviting us to tap into the energy of renewal and transformation. This season of rebirth encourages us to shed what no longer serves us, just as nature awakens from its winter slumber. It's a time for both the earth and our bodies to rejuvenate, align with new intentions, and embrace growth. Spring offers a fresh start, an opportunity to focus on vitality, and to nourish ourselves with vibrant, nutrient-dense foods that fuel both body and mind.

In a world that increasingly values whole-person healing, holistic wellness education is more than just a path to personal transformation—it’s an opportunity to build a fulfilling and profitable career. At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we believe that everyone has unique gifts and graces to share with the world, and our mission is to support individuals in turning their passion for healing into a meaningful profession. Whether you’re seeking a new career, expanding your current wellness practice, or beginning your journey of personal growth, holistic wellness education opens doors you may never have imagined.