04
What might I experience?
Experiences vary considerably from person to person.
You may notice changes in your breathing, temperature, physical sensations, tingling, tension or relaxation. Some people experience emotions or thoughts coming to the surface. Others have a quieter experience.
You may also experience temporary muscle tightening or cramping, sometimes referred to as tetany, particularly in the hands, feet or around the mouth.
It can feel a little unusual, especially the first time, but it is generally temporary.
I'll explain what is happening before we begin, keep an eye on how you're doing throughout, and guide you if anything feels uncomfortable. You can also slow down or return to your normal breathing at any time.
There isn't a particular sensation or outcome you're supposed to achieve.
Before we breathe
Joining an UN/complicate breathwork session through your workplace?
Whether this is your first experience with breathwork, you've tried other breathing practices before, or you're simply wondering what you've signed up for, here's what you need to know before we begin. No previous experience is needed.
Before attending, please complete the short health screening form here. Complete health screening →
01
What exactly is breathwork?
Breathwork is an umbrella term for practices that intentionally change or bring awareness to the way we breathe.
The practice I facilitate is Embodied Breathwork, which uses Conscious Connected Breathing alongside awareness of what's happening in the body.
Depending on the format arranged for your organisation, your session may include an introduction to the breath, guided breathing practices and/or a longer period of Conscious Connected Breathing.
I'll explain and demonstrate everything before we begin. You don't need to know how to do it beforehand.
02
I've never done anything like this before. Is that okay?
Absolutely.
You don't need experience with breathwork, meditation, yoga or other wellbeing practices.
There is also nothing you need to be "good" at. I'll guide you through the breathing technique and you can take time at the beginning to become familiar with it.
03
I've done breathwork before. Will this be the same?
Possibly not.
"Breathwork" describes many different practices, ranging from very gentle breathing exercises to longer, more active facilitated experiences.
Even if you've practised breathwork before, listen to the introduction and guidance at the beginning of the session rather than assuming the technique will be the same.
And even with the same practice, no two experiences necessarily feel alike.
15
Will you tell my organisation about my experience or what I shared?
What you experience or choose to share during the session is personal to you.
I will not ordinarily share your individual experience, reflections, health information or anything you tell me privately with your employer or colleagues.
The exception would be an unusual situation where I believe disclosure is necessary because of a serious safety concern, an emergency, or where I am required to do so by law.
If you choose to share your own experience with your organisation or colleagues afterwards, that is entirely up to you.
16
And finally, a quick health check.
Before we breathe together, I need to understand if there is anything about your health that may affect how we approach the session.
The questions are there to help me facilitate your experience safely and appropriately. Answering “yes” to something doesn't necessarily mean you can't participate. It may simply mean we have a conversation first or adapt the practice.
Please answer as accurately as you can. Your responses will be kept private and used only for screening and the safe facilitation of your session.
05
Is breathwork the same as meditation?
Not quite.
Both can involve awareness and paying attention to what is happening in the present moment, but breathwork involves deliberately working with the way you breathe.
In Embodied Breathwork, I'll guide you through a connected breathing rhythm while encouraging you to notice what's happening in your body.
You don't need to know how to meditate, clear your mind or stop your thoughts. If your mind wanders, that's completely normal. The breath simply gives you something to come back to.
06
Is breathwork connected to any religion or spiritual belief?
The breath has been used in many different cultures, traditions and practices throughout history, some of which have spiritual or religious roots.
The sessions I facilitate are not based on any religion, faith or spiritual belief system.
You don't need to believe in anything for the practice to be relevant to you. I approach breathwork through the breath, the body and your own experience.
You're free to make sense of that experience in whatever way feels appropriate to you.
07
Is breathwork suitable for everyone?
Not necessarily.
Certain health conditions and circumstances can mean that Conscious Connected Breathing is not appropriate, requires modification or should only be undertaken following appropriate medical advice.
This is why I ask everyone participating to complete a short health screening form beforehand.
Complete health screening →
If something in your screening response needs further discussion, I'll contact you privately where appropriate.
08
Is what happens during the session private?
Everyone experiences breathwork differently. You will never be required to share what you experienced with the group.
If there is an opportunity for reflection afterwards, sharing is always optional.
09
Do I have to participate in everything?
Participation is always your choice.
You can slow your breathing, return to your normal breathing pattern, pause or stop at any point.
If something doesn't feel right, let me know.
You don't need to push through discomfort simply because other people in the room are continuing.
11
What should I wear?
Wear something comfortable that doesn't restrict your breathing or movement.
You don't need special workout clothing unless your organiser has told you otherwise.
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12
Should I eat beforehand?
You don't need to fast. However, you may find it more comfortable to avoid a particularly heavy meal immediately before the session.
Stay normally hydrated and avoid arriving overly hungry.
14
What happens afterwards?
We'll gradually return to normal breathing and take some time to settle before getting up.
You may be invited to notice or reflect on your experience. You don't have to interpret it, explain it or share it with anyone else.
Give yourself a few moments before rushing straight back into your day where possible.
13
What should I bring?
Your organiser will let you know if you need to bring anything specific.
Otherwise, come in comfortable clothing and bring some water.
If you tend to feel cold easily, you may also want to bring a light jacket or something warm, as your body temperature may feel different as you settle into the session.
No other special equipment or preparation is needed.
Please disclose relevant information through the health screening form.
Depending on your circumstances, I may recommend an adapted breathing practice, ask you to seek appropriate medical clearance, or advise against participating in Conscious Connected Breathing.
If you're unsure whether participation is appropriate for you, speak with your healthcare professional.