“The Mastery Certification has changed everything—how I relate to clients, set boundaries, and share my own struggles. Clients trust you more when they know you’ve walked the path yourself.”

When you meet Alicia Brunson, you instantly feel her heart for people. As a military spouse who has moved 14 times during her husband’s Navy career, she understands what it means to adapt, grow, and stay committed to what matters most. Today, Alicia is not only the Administrator at her local church, but also an Integrative Health Practitioner (IHP) Levels 1, 2, and Mastery graduate who helps clients transform their health and habits.

“I have been an IHP since 2021, and taking the Mastery Certification was a game-changer for me,” Alicia says. “It gave me a deeper understanding of how to walk alongside people in their journey, both physically and spiritually.”

Her story is one of perseverance, learning, and discovering how to connect with clients on a deeper level.

Why Alicia Chose the IHP Mastery Certification

For Alicia, the decision to take the IHP Mastery Certification was personal.

“After being on a church staff, I was inspired to take the Mastery Certification. It could benefit my coaching business, but it could also give me a better understanding of people’s lives from a spiritual perspective and allow me to share my knowledge with my coworkers.”

This desire to combine faith, wellness, and coaching made Mastery the perfect fit for her.

The Heart of Coaching: Relationships First

What Alicia loves most about being an IHP is the relationship she builds with each client.

“This is a journey I am on with them,” she explains. “I help them see how their past affects where they are today and teach them steps they can take to improve their health and wellness.”

For some clients, that means encouragement, accountability, and knowledge. For others, it’s a complete lifestyle change. One of Alicia’s biggest takeaways from Mastery was learning how to ask the right questions.

“Learning what questions to ask was huge. It allows me to really hear what the client is feeling or trying to say—and that changes everything about how I coach them.”

Balancing Family, Work, and Mastery

Studying while working full-time was not easy, but Alicia embraced the challenge.

“Since I work full time, I had to be diligent about completing my modules. I set aside evenings and weekends to stay on track. Honestly, I liked having deadlines—they kept me accountable.”

This level of dedication ensured that she was fully prepared for the live workshops, which she describes as one of her favorite parts of the program.

The Power of Community and Study Partners

Alicia found tremendous value in going through Mastery with a partner and participating in live workshops.

“I really enjoyed going through this [certification] with a Mastery partner. We still meet even after completing the [certification]! Having someone to practice with, share ideas with, and talk through the curriculum was so helpful.”

She emphasizes that the IHP Mastery community is one of the program’s greatest strengths:

“The study partner and live workshops definitely set this [certification] apart. Everyone was so encouraging, and hearing from other IHPs kept me motivated and focused.”

How the IHP Mastery Changed Alicia’s Coaching

Since completing Mastery, Alicia’s approach to coaching has evolved.

“I now prefer in-person appointments and focus on reaching more people in my community,” she explains. “I’ve learned to dig deep and find the root causes for each client. This means fewer clients, but it allows me to give them more of my energy and attention.”

She also notes that Mastery gave her tools to meet clients where they are without forcing them into a one-size-fits-all plan.

“Not everyone fits into a perfect protocol. We all grow and improve in different ways, and I can help my clients in the areas that will benefit them the most.”

Advice for Future IHPs

Alicia encourages anyone considering IHP Mastery to take the leap.

“Go for it! It takes your coaching ability to a deeper level—filled with emotions, past experiences, and personal growth. You’ll not only become a better coach, but you’ll grow as a person too.”

She adds that the skills she learned have impacted every area of her life.

“The Mastery Certification has changed everything—how I relate to clients, how I set boundaries, and even how I share my personal struggles. Clients trust you more when they know you’ve walked the path yourself.”

Connect with Alicia

You can find Alicia at www.eatwellwithalicia.com and on Instagram and Facebook @eatwellwithalicia.

October is Cancer Awareness Month, and in our recent blog we shared practical ways to support your health through nutrition, lifestyle, and integrative testing — read it here to explore those tips.