Working with the Mind and Body: Why I’ve Integrated Breathwork into My Practice

I’m really pleased to share that I’ve recently qualified as a CPCAB Level 3 Breathwork practitioner.

This feels like a natural and important step in how I work as a therapist. Over time, I’ve become increasingly aware that talking alone, while powerful, isn’t always enough. Many of the people I work with don’t just think about their experiences; they feel them deeply in their bodies.

Anxiety, attachment patterns, emotional overwhelm, and relational trauma do not live purely in the mind. They can present as chest tightness, restlessness, numbness, or a feeling of being constantly on edge. Sometimes, even when we understand something logically, our body hasn’t quite caught up.

This is where a more holistic approach can be so supportive.

Alongside talking therapy, I now integrate gentle somatic and breathwork practices into sessions where appropriate. This might include simple breathing techniques, grounding exercises, or helping you tune into what’s happening in your body in a safe and manageable way.

Our nervous system plays a central role in how we experience the world. When it feels overwhelmed or dysregulated, it can be hard to feel calm, connected, or safe, even if part of us knows we are. Therapy can sometimes bring up difficult or unfamiliar feelings, especially as we begin to explore deeper patterns. This is a natural and important part of the process, but it can also feel unsettling at times.

Having tools to support your nervous system alongside this work can make a real difference.

Breathwork and grounding techniques can help you:

• Stay present when emotions feel intense

• Gently regulate your nervous system

• Build a sense of safety within your body

• Move through difficult feelings at a pace that feels manageable

This isn’t about adding something complicated or overwhelming to therapy; it’s about offering simple, accessible ways to support you in feeling more comfortable and resourced as we work together.

At the heart of this approach is creating a space where you feel safe - both in your thoughts and in your body.

You don’t have to be “good” at breathing exercises, and there’s no expectation to do anything that doesn’t feel right for you. Everything is guided gently, collaboratively, and always at your pace.

If you’re curious about working in this way, you’re very welcome to get in touch to find out more.