A Practitioner's Guide to Breathwork in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Abstract

Breathwork techniques and therapies offer a set of practical interventions for clinical mental health counselors (CMHCs) and are viable methods for integrating physiological sensitivities in treatment by way of the relaxation response. We discuss an organizing framework of breathwork practices and identify three broad categories of breathwork within the field: deep relaxation breathing, mindfulness breathwork, and yogic breathing. Each style is distinct in how it is applied and in the specific respiratory patterns that users are instructed to use. We also aim to elaborate the physiological effects, clinical research outcomes, and applicability of breathwork for treating mental illness. Overall, research findings indicate that breathwork may be efficacious for treating anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Despite preliminary evidence for breathwork's efficacy for treating common psychological distress, more research is needed to evaluate its utility for treating a wider range of mental illness. CMHCs are encouraged to incorporate breathwork techniques in their clinical treatment programs but must appraise the value of each technique individually.

Alternative interventions in clinical mental health settings: A survey of mental health professionals' perceptions

“…This study however did not specifically focus on sensorimotor R/S practices. Some studies have provided guiding information on integrating some R/S practices, such as breathwork [ 25 ], in mental health counselling. Others noted ethical considerations of integrating yoga in psychotherapeutic interventions [ 46 ].…”

“…Mental health benefits of these practices for people with severe mental illness have also been identified, including yoga in schizophrenia [ 21 ] and major depressive disorder [ 22 ], and pranayama [ 23 ] and chanting [ 24 ] for post-traumatic stress disorder. Authors of other studies have recommended use of breathwork [ 25 , 26 ] and yoga [ 27 , 28 ] as either standalone or adjunctive mental health interventions.…”

Complex Trauma and the Wounded Spirit: Incorporating Spirituality Into Social Work Practice

“…Breathwork, the intentional and self-regulated control of the breath, connecting the conscious and unconscious states of the mind, body, and spirit. Breathwork is precedent in body circulation and boosting the body's natural immune system (Aideyan et al, 2020). Sacred breathwork can be found in many Eastern and Indigenous cultures as a key component to altered states of consciousness.…”

“…Sacred breathwork is utilized to maintain an individual's health and wellbeing, as well as to process suffering and pain. Intentional and regulated breathwork can aid in an over activated CNS, as a result of the traumatic event/s and the trauma responses that follows (Aideyan et al, 2020).…”

“…It can provide emotional regulation and distress tolerance in any place and any time. This accessibility is so important for CPTSD victims and/or survivors and their invasive and involuntary trauma responses (Aideyan et al, 2020). When one intentionally connects to their breath, they engage in the process of integration on phycological and neurological levels, further strengthening the mind-body-spirit connection.…”