In my work as a psychologist, I have found that insight alone is not always enough. When appropriate, I also integrate body-oriented techniques such as breathwork into my work.
A breathwork session can help you develop greater awareness of your body, notice tension more easily and support your ability to regulate stress. This can create space for recovery and relaxation. Of course, everyone experiences this differently.
Do you feel like you are constantly ‘switched on’?
Maybe you notice that your mind keeps racing. Thoughts follow one another quickly, and it can be difficult to truly switch off. The constant flow of stimuli, expectations and information means that many people experience very few moments of genuine quiet.
Restlessness, overthinking, tension, difficulties concentrating or problems sleeping can be signs that your body and mind are under strain. This is, in itself, a normal response to stress. Usually, the body naturally returns to a state of recovery after a stressful period.
When stress persists for a longer period, however, the nervous system can remain in a state of heightened alertness. This is sometimes referred to as hyperarousal. Your body remains alert, as though it is continually preparing for a potential threat. This can be exhausting and can make it difficult to truly relax.
Learning to listen to your body
When you experience chronic tension, it can be important to recognise this pattern and gradually learn how to interrupt it. During a breathwork session, attention shifts from thinking towards experiencing. Rather than analysing problems, we pause and notice what is happening in your body: tension, breathing, physical sensations and signals from your nervous system.
My approach draws on principles from body-oriented approaches such as Somatic Experiencing®. The focus is on gradually developing a greater sense of safety, body awareness and self-regulation. The breath can provide a valuable way of becoming more aware of the signals your body is giving you.
Nervous system regulation
A sense of calm and safety can provide an important foundation for recovery after periods of stress. During a breathwork session, we therefore focus on supporting relaxation and helping you develop greater awareness and regulation of your nervous system.
What does a breathwork session look like?
🧭 Intake and tuning in
We start by discussing what brings you here and explore together what feels appropriate for you at this moment.
🌬️ Working with the breath
Through breath and simple body-oriented exercises, attention shifts from thinking towards experiencing.
🛡️ Safe and at your own pace
The session is adapted to your needs and capacity. Nothing is forced.
🌱 Integration
We take time to reflect on what you experienced and how you might integrate this into your daily life.
Who is it for?
Almost anyone can benefit from a breathwork session. Especially if you:
✔ find it hard to relax
✔ tend to overthink or feel constantly ‘switched on’
✔ experience tension or restlessness in your body
✔ want to develop greater awareness of your emotions and physical sensations
✔ are curious about a body-oriented addition to talking therapy
Not every form of breathwork is suitable for everyone. That's why we take time beforehand to discuss your concerns and relevant aspects of your health. Together, we can consider whether a breathwork session is appropriate for you at this point and tailor the approach to your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as therapy?
Breathwork is a body-oriented form of support. If you are already in therapy or receiving psychological support, a breathwork session can, where appropriate, be a valuable addition to your existing support. Together, we explore what best fits your needs.
Do I need any previous experience?
No. You don't need any previous experience with breathwork or meditation. We take the time to get to know each other and tailor the session to your pace.
What if I get emotional?
That can happen. During a breathwork session, emotions or physical responses may arise. There is space for this. We approach these experiences with care and continually adapt the session to what feels safe and manageable for you.
Is breathwork safe?
For most people, breathwork is safe. However, certain medical or mental health conditions may require adaptations or may make a breathwork session less suitable. That is why we always discuss your health and expectations beforehand.
How many sessions do I need?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Some people find a single session helpful as an introduction, while others choose to have several sessions to further develop new skills.
Every session takes place at your own pace. Nothing is forced, and we continually check in with what feels safe and appropriate for you.
Curious whether breathwork could be helpful for you?
During an initial conversation, we can explore together whether this approach fits your needs and expectations.