SWIHA Blog

Stepping into adulthood in 2020 meant navigating a world full of uncertainty. For Makena Doyle, it also meant questioning the traditional paths she once believed she had to follow. When she discovered Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), she found an education that helped her reconnect with her intuition, rediscover her passions, and begin building a life centered around helping others.

Today, as a graduate of the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) program, Makena is using the skills she developed to support families in her community while building a coaching program focused on strengthening connections between parents and children.

Before discovering Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Marleigh Brown had already embarked on a deep personal healing journey—yet something was missing. She had gained insights and clarity on her own, however, she found herself craving structure, community, and a deeper sense of direction. “I knew I wanted to create space for others to feel safe, seen, and supported in their own healing journeys,” she reflects. That longing led her to SWIHA’s Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) program, with specializations in Advanced Professional Hypnotherapy and Life Coaching.

What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and to your particular program of study? Why are you passionate about this modality?

Before attending SWIHA, my life felt like it was missing something deeper, a sense of purpose and alignment with who I truly am. I was going through the motions yet felt a pull toward something more meaningful, something that would allow me to grow and help others in a way that felt authentic. I was led to SWIHA because of that inner calling. I had always been interested in personal growth, healing, and connecting with people on a deeper level, and SWIHA offered the perfect space to explore that. The program I chose, Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner, felt like it aligned with my heart and values, giving me the tools to turn my passion into a purpose. I’m passionate about this modality because it allows me to create meaningful connections, bring healing to others, and empower others to discover their own potential. It’s not just about helping other people, it’s also about growing and learning alongside them.

Many of us will reach certain points in our lives where we feel “stuck.” Whether it's uncertainty about the future, difficulty overcoming obstacles, or a longing for deeper fulfillment, navigating life’s challenges alone can feel overwhelming. That’s where Life Coaches come in.

At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we offer a comprehensive 100-hour Certificate of Excellence in Life Coaching, designed to equip you with the skills, tools, and knowledge to guide others through transformation. Rooted in the 12 Guiding Principles of Transformation, our program empowers aspiring coaches to support clients in clarifying their goals, overcoming barriers, and taking meaningful steps toward the life they desire. This certificate is offered both in person and online, providing flexibility for students.

A “motivator” is a charismatic person who provides encouragement and inspiration to others to take action, pursue goals, improve performance, or take on a new, more positive outlook on life. They are described as cheerleaders, coaches, caregivers, or even Firewalkers!  

Coaching is more than a profession—it’s a calling to create safe spaces for transformation. Lori Dye, founder of Village of Islands Yoga & Wellness, embodies this ethos. Her journey from social work and hospitality to coaching and holistic wellness is a testament to the power of aligning passion with purpose.

Life often presents challenges that can feel isolating or insurmountable—especially for those navigating the complexities of hearing loss. Maureen Covinsky, founder of Hear 2 Hear U, is a SWIHA Life Coaching Graduate who has turned her personal journey with hearing loss into a mission of empowerment, guidance, and connection for others.

Meet Kayla O’Connell, founder of Mazy’s Garden, a business rooted in spiritual counseling, coaching, and metaphysical products. Kayla’s passion lies in guiding individuals through transformative journeys, helping them heal their minds, bodies, and souls as one. Her path to becoming an Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner and coach is as inspiring as the work she does every day.

Amber Gomez, the founder of Cerebral Awakening, is a proud graduate of the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner program. Her journey into the world of coaching is as inspiring as her approach to helping clients rediscover their inner light.

Bam! Mic drop! These words really caught my attention: “You can’t criticize yourself into changing!”

During a recent road trip, my husband and I were listening to a podcast by Jay Shetty known as ON PURPOSE.  The topic was “The Inner Critic”. The following are the notes I felt compelled to write down and share with you all today: