If you’re reading this, then you are curious about breathwork but maybe have some apprehension around what it entails. I get it, I like to know what’s going to happen before committing to something, so let me try to shine some light on things and walk you through what a typical session may look like.
In a nutshell, think of a breathwork session as a guided meditation with rhythmic music and different breathing techniques than you might be used to. The breathing techniques are simple enough that you’ll pick it up in no time, but profound enough to bring about significant change.
Online and in-person sessions are largely the same format, with the exception of the obvious differences. When we are in-person I’ll make sure the setting is comfortable and you have everything you need.
Finally, as a disclaimer, I am not a therapist and this is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please contact your doctor or emergency services immediately.
Checklist
Here’s a quick handy checklist of things you may want to prepare before our session. All of the following are optional, but recommended. As you progress through your breathwork journey you’ll figure out what works for you:
- A distraction free, comfortable place to hold space for yourself
- No heavy meals an hour before your session
- A blanket
- An eye mask
- Headphones
- A water bottle
- Notebook and pen
Pretext
Everyone is different and no two breathwork sessions are the same. My sessions are tailored to you and your needs at the moment. What you need today may be different from what you needed last week and that’s okay.
These sessions are built around you and the time is yours. You are in charge of your experience. My purpose is to create a safe and nourishing environment for you to explore your inner landscape, suggesting guidance I think best to support you in that moment.
I offer everyone the opportunity to fill out an onboarding form before the first session to preload some of this information. Often we find it easier to share things in writing and when we have the time to think, others prefer to vocalise this. Either is fine and the onboarding form is completely optional.
Rest assured that whatever you share with me before, during or after our sessions is confidential. Breathwork can have a profound effect on the body and mind and can bring up a lot of held emotions. It’s important to have a safe space to process these emotions and my role here to support you in that.
Set and Setting
Ideally you’ll want to be in a space where you won’t be disturbed for the duration of the session. Preferably somewhere you can lie down comfortably. If you aren’t able to lie down, that’s fine too, you can do this sitting up in a chair. Laying down is preferred as it allows the body to fully relax but it’s not a hard requirement.
Like any other kind of exercise, it’s recommended that you don’t eat a heavy meal for at least 1 hour before a breathing session. This ensures your body feels light, safe, and fully able to drop into the breath without discomfort.
You might like to keep the following items close by. As you progress through your breathwork journey you’ll figure out what works for you, but for your first time you might consider:
- A blanket - Some people may experience a drop in body temperature during the session. Having a blanket in hand can help you stay comfortable.
- An eye mask - This can help to block out external stimuli and deepen the meditative state. If you don’t have an eye mask, a scarf or t-shirt will work just as well.
- A water bottle - To stay hydrated during and after the session. I’d recommend having a glass of water before the session too so that you can fully immerse yourself in the experience.
- Headphones - These can be great to help you lock in to my voice and the music as well as blocking out any background noise.
- Clothing - wear comfortable loose clothing for movement and ease
For in-person sessions, I’ll make sure you have everything you need.
Getting Started
Typically we’ll start the session with a brief chat. The aim of this is for me to understand your frame of mind coming into the session and your intentions for the session. Of course this is completely optional and if you’re not feeling it we can just jump straight in.
The Practice
Once you’re comfortable with the breathing technique, we’ll continue doing just that. I will guide you with my voice as you journey through the practice.
Throughout the practice, I’ll be checking in with you to see how you’re doing and offering support as needed. Support through toning, facial releases or body adjustments. Your consent to do so will be taken. Remember, this is your time and whenever you want to adjust, take a break, or stop, you can.
Integration
As the session draws to a close, we’ll begin to slow down the breathing and bring you back to a more regular pattern.
At this point you may wish to discuss your experience, journal, meditate, stretch, or simply rest. There’s no right or wrong way to integrate the practice and you should do what feels right for you at the moment.
Follow-up
After the session, I’ll check in with you to see how you’re doing and offer support as needed.