Breathwork

Breathwork is an ancient practice that has gained momentum in modern day wellness settings. It is also an umbrella term which captures all forms of breath related explorations. It is a powerful body-based approach to well-being. I specialise in a conscious connected breathing technique which is a deep diaphragmatic practice that uses the entire respiratory system. Breathwork enriches the body with oxygen and energy, revitalising our often depleted systems to support our natural healing abilities and capacity to develop resilience.

Breathwork practices have been passed down through a long lineage of ancient teachings including Eastern Yogic traditions. These span thousands of years and encompass a variety of spiritual, religious, and ceremonial practices. These include rituals connected to nature, mythology, philosophy, and healing.

I work with a technique that draws inspiration from rebirthing and holotropic breathwork. Rebirthing breathwork is credited to metaphysical teacher Leonard Orr who in 1962, explored the profound impact of conscious breathing on emotional healing. Holotropic breathwork delves into non-ordinary states of consciousness and was developed in 1974 by psychiatrist Stanislav Grof M.D. and his late wife Christina.

My practice includes teachings from Clarity Breathwork and Owaken Breathwork, along with other modalities including energy medicine, emotional freedom technique and somatic release. I am further influenced by the traditions of my ancestors through Irish Breathwork and ancient Celtic Shamanism, both of which hold a proud place within my family heritage.

Research shows that beathwork can positively influence a wide range of diseases and critical functions related to stress hormone levels, inflammation, muscle tension, blood flow, immunity, diabetes, arthritis, and autoimmune diseases. Breathwork is a sustainable practice that can support the nervous systems and offer relief from chronic stress whilst promoting deep relaxation, healing and expanded consciousness. It can nurture self-compassion, provides connection to your inner guidance, strengthens resilience and supports the reprogramming of any limiting beliefs.

Far from being a passing trend, breathwork is a well-established evidence based practice. Breathwork has gained recognition and adoption by prominent organizations including Navy Seals, and the All Blacks, who have all incorporated breathwork to enhance employee performance and emotional well-being. The power of breath lies in its ability to transform your physiology, contributing to emotional resilience, nervous system support, holistic healing and so much more.

Good marketing does not equate to safe practice. It is critical that the facilitator you choose has received formal breathwork training and certification from a reputable provider. Without comprehensive training, facilitators can cause unintentional harm. Breathwork is currently unregulated which means that anyone can say they are a facilitator and not be trained or have any relevant experience in working with people.

A competent and accredited facilitator will be led by codes of ethics, be by backed by a professional body and will always prioritise client safety and care. Always inquire about the facilitator’s client screening process, their scope of practice, referral pathways, breathwork contraindications and adherence to ethical standards, including professional supervision, commitment to learning and development, confidentiality and privacy. Finally, trust your instincts and seek testimonials to gauge the experience of others.

I am based in Auckland, New Zealand. I run private sessions by appointment from a beautiful mid century space, which overlooks a large private garden surrounded by bush and inhabited by native birds. Off street parking is available.

My clients encompass a broad spectrum of people including business leaders, public servants, entrepreneurs, social workers, first responders, educators, creatives, musicians, as well as government organizations and NGOs aiming to develop leadership skills, foster wellbeing, and enhance their creative processes.

I work with clients seeking a wide range of outcomes as well as clients whose experiences may include grief and loss, addiction, homelessness, sexual adversity, and family violence.

I am committed to ongoing professional development through continuous learning and have completed additional trainings to compliment my role as a Facilitator of restoration and wellness.

I attend monthly trauma informed case conceptualisation with fellow professionals to elevate and uphold professional standards within my work. I also engage in clinical supervision with a registered social worker and professional coach to ensure that my work is consistent with best practice and ethical standards.

In the event you require additional specific support, I can provide referral pathways to other professionals and work within a multi disciplinary team to ensure continuity of our work together

Absolutely. Breathwork supports nervous systems balance and deep relaxation is a key element of breathwork. We cannot think our way out of an overwhelmed nervous system. It requires a gentle body based approach to work with the subconscious mind. When the body feels safe, the mind feels safe. I am additionally trained in Mental Health and Intentional Peer Support and can provide the unique option to work with you as part of an integrated mental health support plan.

Breathwork is a powerful practice and is not for everyone. It has some contraindications (a condition where a practice is not recommended). Please read the Terms & Conditions on this website for a comprehensive list.

Breathwork (or breath holds that can cause light-headedness) must never be practiced when driving or operating machinery.

Breathwork or breath holds must never be practiced in extreme hot or cold temperatures or in water (including bath tubs, showers, spas, pools, ocean, saunas, ice baths and any other body of water not mentioned here) or in any other place or environment where it might be dangerous to faint.

Breathwork or breath holds must never be practiced when working with sharp objects or partaking in any other potentially hazardous activity including immediately following a breathwork session. It may take some time to ground and integrate so please plan accordingly.