Breathwork
Therapy Sydney
We understand that mental health is deeply personal, and no two journeys are the same.
Benefits for Mental Health and Wellbeing
Emotional
Regulation
Breathwork practices can enhance emotional regulation by promoting mindfulness and increasing awareness of the present moment. This heightened awareness can lead to better management of emotional responses and improved psychological resilience.
Anxiety &
Depression Alleviation
Meta-analyses have shown that breathwork interventions can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. By modulating the autonomic nervous system, breathwork may decrease physiological arousal associated with anxiety and improve mood in individuals with depressive symptoms.
Stress
Reduction
Controlled breathing can activate the body’s relaxation response, helping to manage stress and stress-related conditions. Practices like diaphragmatic breathing encourage deep abdominal breaths, promoting a state of calm.
Understanding Breathwork
Breathwork encompasses various techniques that involve conscious control of breathing patterns to enhance physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. By focusing on intentional breath patterns, individuals can reduce stress, enhance relaxation, and gain better emotional regulation. At Connecting Mental Health, we provide access to experienced breathwork practitioners across Australia, making it easier to incorporate this beneficial practice into a mental wellness journey.
Breathwork involves deliberate alteration of breathing patterns to influence the body’s physiological and psychological states. Techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, slow breathing, and specific breath ratios are commonly employed to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
What to Expect in a Breathwork Session
During an Breathwork session:
- Initial consultation to discuss goals and concerns.
- Guided breathing exercises tailored to individual needs.
- Sessions lasting between 30 to 60 minutes.
- Potential physical sensations such as tingling, warmth, or deep relaxation.
- Post-session reflection and integration guidance.
Types of Breathwork Techniques
4-7-8 Breathing
This method consists of inhaling for four seconds, holding for seven seconds, and exhaling for eight seconds. It is widely used to promote relaxation, ease anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
Box Breathing
A structured breathing method involves four equal steps: inhale, hold, exhale, and hold again. This technique enhances focus, reduces stress, and promotes emotional stability.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
This deep breathing technique focuses on engaging the diaphragm to maximize oxygen intake. It helps slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and promote relaxation, making it beneficial for stress and anxiety management.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
A technique that involves inhaling and exhaling through alternating nostrils, helping to balance the nervous system, improve focus, and reduce anxiety.
Holotropic Breathwork
An intensive practice designed to induce altered states of consciousness through deep and rhythmic breathing. It is often used to facilitate emotional release and deep relaxation.
Finding a Breathwork Practitioner
Connect with Our Therapists Today
Jono Derkenne
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Jono (He/Him) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker.
Annabel Igoe
Social Worker, Psychotherapist & Yoga
Annabel (She/Her) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (BSW, MSW), Psychotherapist
Brooke Smith
Registered Psychologist
Brooke is a Psychologist with a background in the not-for-profit mental health and LGBTIQ health.
Carli McIntyre
Occupational Therapist
Carli is a registered Occupational Therapist with 22 years’ experience in community & hospital health
Chauncey Sjostedt
Gestalt Therapist
Chauncey (She/Her) is a dedicated healthcare professional with over ten years of experience
