Activated breathing involves taking deep, full breaths in and out of the mouth at a strong pace. This stimulates the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and Limbic System, allowing access to frozen energy, sensations, and emotions in order to facilitate release and resolution of previously unprocessed energy and/or emotions.

Restorative breathing, on the other hand, involves slow, gentle, deep breaths in and out of the nose. This technique is used to access deeper levels of relaxation and peace within the mind and body.

During the restorative phase of the breathwork journey, the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS) is stimulated, which slows the heart and breathing rates, lowers blood pressure, and promotes digestion. When the body enters this state of relaxation, it becomes more conducive to healing.

Activated and restorative breathing can increase your awareness of your daily breathing habits, but it is not meant to coach you through functional daily breathing techniques.

It's important to note that I do not provide trauma-focused or trauma-responsive care, which focuses on understanding the impact of specific traumas on a person's life. This type of care is outside the scope of my practice, and I recommend speaking with your physician for referrals if you are seeking help with healing from a significant traumatic experience.

Stress and unresolved traumatic events can contribute to imbalances within the body, and as a trauma-informed practitioner, I approach trauma with an awareness of how it has the potential to impact all aspects of life. I utilize a practice called titration, which involves introducing manageable amounts of activation to safely process stressful memories or stress without re-traumatizing clients. The safety of my clients is of the utmost importance, which means I honor their unique history and actively avoid re-traumatization. Ultimately, you, the client, are always in control of your transformation.

If you are unsure whether you are a good candidate for a breathwork session, ask yourself the following questions:

Am I ready to feel my emotions and physical sensations?

Am I willing to put in the effort required to perform the activation breathwork?

Am I open to receiving support in a potentially vulnerable way?

Am I willing to endure temporary discomfort to foster growth?

Do I want to facilitate change within myself?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, you are on the right track! However, there are still some things to consider before embarking on a breathwork journey.

Breathwork is not recommended for people with a personal history of mental illness, personality disorders, hospitalization for any psychiatric condition or emotional crisis, suicidality, psychosis, drug or alcohol addiction.

Possible side effects may include dizziness, fainting, changes in body temperature, disorientation, tingling, carpopedal spasms, cramping, emotional breakthroughs, feeling physical, mental, energetic and/or emotional triggering and/or vulnerability.

If you are experiencing or have a history of any of the health conditions listed above, I recommend getting in touch with your physician or healthcare provider to check if it’s safe you to be doing deep breathing exercises, confronting potentially triggering memories and emotional material, as well as experiencing intense physical and / or emotional release.

Additional questions to ask your healthcare provider:

Is it safe for me to do intense physical activity or exercise?

Is it safe for me to do breathing that might shift my blood PH, or increase physical exertion of the nose, throat and lungs?

It is normal to feel sensitive or energized after a breathwork session, but every session is unique and emotional responses may vary. If you need additional guidance after a session, please do not hesitate to contact me. However, please note that I am not a therapist and post-session assistance is not intended to replace traditional talk therapy.