Integrated Counselling and Training Services

What Is Breathwork?

Breathwork is a simple breathing process that releases trapped energy in the body. We mostly respond to trauma or upset by holding our breath and tensing the body, thus trapping that energy and emotion in our cells. Using a continuous, connected breath allows this energy to be released, freeing your energy for positive change.


Benefits of Breathwork

• Increased vitality
  
• Greater clarity
  
• Uncovering/rediscovering your life purpose
  
• Sense of peace and calm
  
• Freedom from anxiety
  
• Ability to deal with stress
  
• Relief from depression
  
• Improved relationships with others
  
• and much more

Origins of Breathwork

Developed in the 1970s by Leonard Orr the process was originally called Rebirthing due to the fact that he experienced his own birth memories with profound healing benefits. The process has evolved since and is now also referred to as Breathwork, a more general term acknowledging the power of the breath in healing.

Both past and current research has been undertaken that verifies the usefulness of the Breathwork technique for anxiety and depression, also proving the benefits to be sustainable.

How & Why Breathwork Works?

We experience events in our lives that might be the source of trauma or upset. This might range from a severe situation like a car accident to something more subtle such as receiving shocking news, or losing something precious to us. No matter what the event is, the impact is unique to every individual. What is significant for one person is a non-event for another.

When trauma is inadequately processed our tendency is to avoid experiencing the associated emotions. Similarly avoiding the memory of physical trauma leads to repression. This is a natural coping mechanism however it does lead to the body holding the energy of that event in our cells. The effects show up in life when we struggle to understand why we might react in such a strong manner to a situation that another might simply shrug off.

If you think of a time when you had a shock of some kind like falling over or receiving bad news, the natural tendency is to hold the breath and tense the body, trapping the energy of that event in the body. Utilising the full, conscious, connected breathing of the Breathwork process allows for release of this energy and integration of a traumatic (large or small) experience.

We cannot change the past but we can change how we perceive the past in the present. Over time we can accept what has happened, not necessarily condoning it, and find a way to live the present with vitality and ease.

What Happens In A Breathwork Session?

In your initial session time is taken to get acquainted and answer any lingering questions you might have about Breathwork. As with subsequent sessions we would discuss the changes you desire in your life. Most sessions would be conducted lying down however it is possible that an eye-to-eye session might be useful at times. After a period to simply relax you will then be guided into the connected style of breathing unique to Breathwork.

This breath is a full inhale, connected to the exhale which is relaxed. Similarly the exhale begins immediately the inhale is complete. This creates the 'connected' breath - it is continuous, with no gaps or pauses between the inhale and the exhale, nor the exhale and the inhale.

You will begin to experience physical sensations including feelings of heat, cold, tingling, muscle tightness, pain, nausea – sounds great huh? These sensations are merely symptoms of the body releasing trapped energy and emotion. They will pass and by the end of the cycle you will generally feel very relaxed. A full cycle of breathing is normally complete within 50-70 minutes after which you have a period to integrate your experience.

The first session may take up to three hours and subsequent sessions, up to two hours. It is suggested that you clear your day as much as possible so that after a session you have time to ease gently back into the busyness of life.

It is possible that after a series of sessions (around ten) you may be able to use this process by yourself.

COST

The scheduled fee for a Breathwork session is $180.

TESTIMONIALS

"My experiences of Breathwork with Doreen prove to me that, Breathwork does work. She has assisted me on my path towards change through helping me find my own power. This has come about through her rapport and empathy with my needs. She assisted in guiding me towards deeply rooted fears which needed to be addressed, yet respected my desires to steer clear when overwhelming for me. Breathing sessions with Doreen bring about exhilaration and untapped energy."
JMcK


“Of all the things I’ve tried this [Breathwork] really gets to the core of things.”
DH


"... when I spoke to Doreen about the process and the fact that I was interested in a consultation, she made me feel so safe and at ease. My first session was no less than amazing, Doreen sat with me and guided me through so gently. Since then and in subsequent sessions I have discovered and uncovered things about myself, my family, my children and my life, that I will be forever grateful to her for. Thank you Doreen for your love, understanding and compassion."
KMS