Southwest Institute of Healing Arts

–I find that this is an amazing, genuine, affordable school of consciousness. In my experience, they really have excellent resources (teachers, staff, program directors, counselors/​advisors), a Yoga studio, Massage Clinic, and plenty of learning materials onsite. Their clinics for students and the public are top notch. I’ve had great interaction/​learning experiences here and have made measurable progress with evening & weekend visits/​clinics.
I’ve personally been given an immense amount of support from the school staff and they have gone out of their way to make sure details concerning classes are going well for me. I wish more schools of this type embraced their structure, student support services and business planning/​services. They are organized, provide great workshops, and free Friday night community events which also help graduating students/​new community members.
I’m very proud to have attended some classes here and would recommend this school to anyone interested in a combined, professional approach to the healing arts and mindfulness/​transpersonal psychology work. The Hypnotherapy professors seem very well-​versed in their chosen fields, run what I would consider successful and legitimate businesses, and share first-​hand real-​world knowledge. Yes, I’ve been a client. Yes, it was life changing. The free school clinics (quite a variety) for the public are amazing, and the student practitioners seem very passionate and involved.
Also, SWIHA helps out students as much as they can, as they want to see them succeed. For the most part, I’ve seen an immense amount of dedication in all realms; student support, a rapid response time and a place where soft science meets hard science with compassion and intellectual rapport. Discussions and classroom work remain relevant, bring a mature and open audience together to share insights while also providing mutual respect. The therapeutic experiences are taking place on any given day-I’ve not ever left here feeling uninspired. How often does that happen? This could just be a second home for many students.
I say, bring your curiosity and spiritual self, no matter what that means to you, and you will not be disappointed. I encourage potential students in the area to really research and canvas this school-it’s such a gem in (Tempe) Phoenix, Az! Try out the free health and wellness events, or a workshop. Also, the scenery is not all that bad either but do bring sunblock and a love of the sun for a good six months of the year. Good Luck!

What great customer service. I had an issue with the price of the student massages… I felt the quality of the massages I had gotten were not worth the price. The manager quickly responded and offered me a complimentary massage with a licensed therapist so I could experience what SWIHA had to offer. Libna, my massage therapist, was amazing. She carefully listened to what I needed and gave a extremely deep massage which is what I was looking for. She even explained where my tight areas are and showed me some good stretches. I was very impressed with her. Thanks SWIHA.

Super friendly and helpful staff! My licensed therapist, Peter was awesome and made me feel comfortable and relaxed. I can’t wait to come back! The prices are more than reasonable and if you ask for a student, not only is a great deal, but you’re helping that student get their hours! I love that.

I almost didn’t write this review but I feel that I have no other choice.
I really wanted to like this school. I am one of those that LOVE education, sitting in classroom, learning and growing. I went through the websites hundreds of times dreaming of completing multiple programs. I already have a career that I love so the classes for me was more of personal growth and professional development and not necessarily looking to start from scratch in a new career.
I work with Veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in a clinical and case management setting. When I saw the workshop on how to teach yoga for veterans and others with PTSD I felt it was a good fit. I was always interested in teaching yoga to my current clientele and felt that this course would be the perfect fit for me. I was extremely disappointed. I completed the course feeling upset, hurt and angry. What was being taught in class went blatantly against ‘best practices’ that had been outlined by the nation’s leading trauma experts (Dr. Bessel van der kolk, Judith Herman, Peter Levine) and in certain cases what was taught could cause a lot of harm to a population that is already hurting.
Being a class about trauma the instructor didn’t even touch on the most common reason for trauma for Veterans or even for the general population. When I brought it up he was like «what is that?» During break out group sessions my classmates were asking me loads of questions often saying that I sound more like i «knew what I was talking about» than the instructor. Sad.
I ended up completing an EXCELLENT program in Massachusetts. I showed several of my classmates the course material from SWIHA and they were in disbelief of what was being taught as compared to what we were learning at the school in Massachusetts.
It was just one class and I can’t base an entire school off one teacher so I started looking into the Aromatherapy certification. This is a certification that I want for no other reason other than personal growth. What can I say? I LOVE learning. I was about to sign up for it when instead I decided to check out its credentials. Aromatherapy is a self regulated field represented by two organizations in the United States, the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) and the Alliance of International Aromatherapists (AIA). Neither of those organizations listed SWIHA as an approved school. Well there goes that plan to take aromatherapy classes at SWIHA. Thank goodness I didn’t pay for it yet!
I spoken to many students at the school and the information given to them by the school of what the program is truly about is not exactly the case. I have spoken to a handful that were told that the 800-​hours Teaching Training Program is to directly lead you to becoming a yoga therapist. SWIHA website even states «800 Hour Yoga Teacher Training /​Yoga Therapist» Sadly, that is NOT the case. SWIHA is not approved by the International Associations of Yoga Therapy (IAYT).
I have been warned by many in the community about this school — several of my yoga teachers in the community told me not to attend because of its reputation. I should have believed them from the start.
I removed SWIHA’s website from my favorites. I won’t take their catalog next time I am shopping at Whole Foods. I give up on them.
Save your time and money. Don’t go here.

Great place to get an affordable massage. Here, I like to go with the professional massage therapists (Nearby Cortiva works out to be much more affordable for student massage), and the price point for them is affordable enough where they are still a major value even compared to Massage Envy and similar establishments. The therapy rooms are a little stark. However, they tend to still have spontaneous appointments when Cortiva doesn’t, in my experience. Tip: Stop by the store on your way in and out. They have a good selection of books, yoga music and incense.

This school has changed my life and I will continue to take classes here for the rest of my life! Wonderful, caring teachers, intriguing classes and new friends/​peers that will last a lifetime.
Get a student massage — they are amazing (and they need your honest and caring input to be the best therapist they can be!)
Schedule a facial at SWINA — fantastic
Take a yoga class at SOY — insightful (and honestly life changing, but I won’t go into that)
Everything (at the core) these students are trained to do is to help you feel good and learn how to take a look at life in a different and sometimes life-​changing point of view. We could all use more of that in the world!
Just stop by and meander through the bookstore, talk to a couple of people — you’ll feel it right away — they’re onto something and you’ll want to be a part of it! :)

I discovered SWIHA in 2010 and had an INCREDIBLE massage with Lance. Now that I’m back in town with work, I made it a point to return to this awesome facility. I had a great massage with Peter – but quite possibly the best massage I’ve ever received from Ari.
Thank you to the owners, staff, teachers and therapists for making these transformative treatments possible.
I look forward to returning to SWIHA. Hopefully it doesn’t take another 3 years!

Swiha is a sometimes disorganized but mostly incredible resource for anyone seeking self-​help, massage and other holistic healing modalities. I go for the free hypnotherapy clinics and the affordable student massages. What the clinics sometimes lack in professionalism (starting late, confusion, etc) they make up for with the well-​trained and very warm therapists. The entire place has a healing vibe that calms me as soon as I walk in the doors. The massages are always great, and the hypnotherapy is mostly great. I found the individual hypnotherapy sessions to be much better than the group sessions.
*Side note: The bookstore will not give you a refund sans receipt without manager approval. I found this to be a little annoying when I purchased a lamp that was clearly broken and the manager was never there to approve the refund at the same time as me (in the evenings). After 2 weeks and leaving a note for the manager, I eventually did get a refund for the lamp.

I have loved every moment I have spent at this school as a student and I encourage others to enroll as well.
I am a licensed skincare therapist who practices in an integrative health clinic. I am a proud graduate of SWIHA because their classes are taught with the Mind Body Wellness that allopathic medicine lacks.
I am very proud to say I recently achieved my certification as a life coach and clinic hypnotherapist at SWIHA.

This is an excellent school. I have taken a few classes there and they are very on time and spot on in their teaching and instuction. There are many levels to approch anyone needing to know things they might be interested in to professional health care people who are great at what they do and want to improve their skills.

First off — I love the programs this school offers. The teachers are absolutely fantastic. The office staff? Not so much. If you like advisors switching once a week, not telling you the full truth and waiting until the last minute to tell you that you have to take more classes (thus pushing back your graduation date), then this is the school for you. I have never experienced such disorganization, inadequacy, flakiness, unreliability, and irritation in my entire life. I’m glad I took the programs I liked the most, because I refuse to go there for anything else again.

Prenatal massages for less than $ 40 for an hour?! SIGN ME UP!
As a birthday gift (February), J got me a gift certificate for a prenatal massage at SWIHA. I did not cash it in until April, because I wanted to be a little further along in my pregnancy… when I knew I would need the massage the most.
After my first visit, I was hooked! I started booking regular Friday afternoon appointments every 2 weeks. And at $ 33 for an hour… for a student. who’s received the necessary prenatal massage training… it was not breaking the bank!
Thanks SWIHA for making the last month of my pregnancy tolerable! :)

I had a wonderful massage last saturday and the pricing is reasonable. I have been having some discomfort after working out. I asked Aileen B who she would recommend and she was able to provide me the names of her favorite three therapist (LMT’s). The location is easy to find but the parking was difficult on a saturday. It was a perfect massage and my therapist worked on my sore spots and I finally felt some relief. great massage and the therapist even did some light reflexology which reduced my stiffness and pain that I had. overall I felt like I received my money’s worth and great alternative to high end spas.

I received my training as a Certified Hypnotherapist from Southwest Institute of Healing Arts ten years ago but I continue to meet and know many of the instructors and students of the school all the time.
The instructors that I had were top of their field here in AZ and I had one instructor who truly changed my life she was such an inspiration. It is amazing how many really talented healers in the Valley continue taking classes from SWIHA. There are always great classes there to keep you growing and improving your modality.

SWIHA is an awesome school. I truly did find my dream there. In the process I also learned a lot about myself.
One of the best things they’ve done is include business classes in the curriculum. My last class, Entrepreneurial Support really created a lot of momentum for me to set the foundation for my business. I will be moving into my own office in a few days thanks to the business classes that help me move in the right direction.

Well, I learned something new a month ago– SWIHA regulars get a free massage on their birthdays! Then again, maybe I was told of the deal before, but never got a chance to take advantage of it, because I’ve had to be at work… Anyhow, I was made aware of it in advance and was able to secure the day off, so you know where I’ll be for 90 minutes in a couple of days :)))
Apparently, one may also get 50% off all treatments during your entire birthday week! Hmm… should I give sister SWINA another chance and try out another treatment there? Thinking about it…
Back to SWIHA– I’ve a few LMTs (both male and female) I can count on for great massage, body work, and even reflexology sessions here. If you need their names, just send me a PM, and I’ll gladly give you a few names!
Correction: The free massage is with a student, which would’ve been the reason I never took advantage of it in the past [insurance (now obsolete) and FSA only reimburse claims performed by LMTs]. Since there was a misunderstanding, they offered to oblige me with a massage from an LMT and an employee discount! Sweet!

I had been here once a few years ago to attend a workshop when I was contemplating a degree as a ND (Naturopathic Doctor). But still unwilling to leave my cushy government job I headed back up into the mountains of AZ.
Fast forward 5ish years and I am living in Phoenix, yet again looking to follow what I feel to be a calling. A calling to continue my education, to help myself so I can help others. I have started to attend some of their seminars and attending some of their student clinics. Still reluctant to leave my cushy government job just yet, I just go and enjoy my time and the the knowledge acquired in each little course.
The staff, students and teachers have been professional and welcoming. They offer a loyalty card for their student clinics and occasionally offer free group sessions.
For now I am just trying to be aware of the «signs», let life happen, and let each day be.

I’ve been to quite a few colleges, seriously. It took me 2 state universities, two community colleges and one private college to earn my Bachelors and Master’s degrees. The good news is I still managed to finish in 6 years. Then I decided to attend SWIHA.
Technically I suppose you could call SWIHA a private/​vocational school. However, anyone who has ever taken a class here will tell you it’s much more. This place is incredible for many reasons.
When you walk into the doors of this place, the feel here is so calm and welcoming. If you’re coming for a message or going to SWINA (separate building) for spa services you won’t be sorry. For message, pay the cheaper price and go with a student. I have yet to be disappointed. There are so many modalities here, some you probably haven’t even heard of. In addition to message they also offer clinics in hypnotherapy, reiki, polarity and other holistic healing methods. So call the student clinic and ask. Some things are free the first time you come in (not massage though). Oh and as an added bonus if you are a student here, you get your massage by a student practitioner at half price. Comes out to $ 15 bucks or so.
Ok now let’s say you want to go to school here. You meet with an admissions counselor and then an advisor. These are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met in a college. They really do care about what you want and are here to help you acheive your goals. The whole school is geared towards this. They even have awesome job placement people for when you graduate.
The programs here are numerous and in many ways all intertwined. You will be in classes with people from all different backgrounds and lifestyles. Everyone will be approaching health from a holistic perspective, each with their own special talents. The teachers here are incredible. Honestly, I’ve had some great professors in all of my education but there is something different about the teachers here. They also seem to have a lot of input in creating the actual classes which makes each class very dynamic and unique. Some of them create events and groups as well. Students are also able to do the actual work while still going to school to learn more and more.
Imagine going to a school where people remember your name. Picture going to a place where you can actually grow, heal, learn and are encouraged to think outside the box. If you want a place where you will be guided through an incredible process that often leads to great success then come check out SWIHA. You won’t be disappointed.
Oh and the other day some one asked me if this was a school mostly for women. While they seem to be the majority, there are still quite a few of us guys there… and male teachers too.

I’ve been attending yoga classes here for a couple of months and have enjoyed it so much that I’m signing up for their yoga instructor certification program. SWIHA is both tranquil and positively energizing, warm and familial yet open to strangers. I had only really experienced yoga studios where fitness was the primary concern, but the feel here is more spiritual and health-​oriented rather than just fitness. AND the price is right — some of the cheapest yoga and massage prices in the valley.
Coming here makes me want to quit my day job and be someone’s life coach and make sacred music mixes… not really, but it’s definitely cool being in an education scene where people are learning about herbology and holistic healing. Hippie-​esque? Defintely, but in a way that provides a good oasis from the bronzy, plastic kind seen elsewhere in surrounding areas. Lovely, lovely place.

SWIHA is not only a school but a massage/​bodywork clinic and yoga studio. You can take a class, get massaged, and drop into a yoga class all in the same day. Sounds like my type of school!
They offer a variety of classes and programs like Massage Therapy, Holistic Nutrition, Yoga Teacher Training, Life Coaching, Hypnotherapy, Western Herbalism, Reflexology, Reiki, Polarity… the list goes on. You can get a comprehensive education and go for a degree in Holistic Health care or Mind-​Body Transformational Psychology or you can just register for one class, whatever suits your needs.
It’s an amazing place to learn about any alternative therapy. Right when you walk in the doors there’s a very warm and welcoming atmosphere. After going through many of the various programs at the school, I highly recommend it for those looking to broaden their horizons in alternative therapies, or are themselves on the road to self-​discovery and better health. They offer financial aid and are an award-​winning private institution.
The yoga studio is fantastic and just so happens to be one of the cheapest studios in the valley. It’s $ 10 for a drop-​in class, but they offer monthly, 3 month, and 6 month passes which come out to way less than $ 10 a class. Also, all classes and passes are 10% off for students with ID and anyone over 50. The teachers are amazing. I highly recommend Cathie and Ann’s classes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays!