In a world that is constantly preoccupied with the hustle and bustle and always focused on "what's next," finding moments of peace can be challenging. Somatic breathwork offers a pathway to calm and healing, especially for those dealing with trauma and anxiety and their effects on the mind and body. As a therapist who works closely with individuals facing these challenges, I feel it's important to share the benefits that this approach can offer. I have also had the opportunity to witness and experience the transformative power of breathwork myself during a session with Laura, which I’ll share later in this post.
Understanding Somatic Breathwork
If you are like me and many others, you might be thinking, what even is somatic breathwork? Somatic breathwork is a therapeutic practice that uses controlled breathing techniques to influence physical and psychological states – this can look like releasing tension, stress, and emotional blockages held within the body. Essentially, somatic breathwork is a way to calm your busy mind and nervous system, release stored emotions and trauma, and reconnect with your authentic self. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, or simply feeling stuck, breathwork might be just what you need.
The Benefits of Somatic Breathwork
Somatic breathwork helps release stress and stored emotions from your body, making you feel more relaxed and balanced. It increases your mental and emotional resilience, boosts metabolism and immune function, and improves self-awareness. You may find relief from chronic pain and gain clarity and confidence to pursue your goals.
Breathwork reconnects you with feelings of joy, peace, and gratitude, helps break old negative patterns, and provides a greater sense of safety in taking steps toward the life you want. It enhances your connection to your purpose and path by increasing self-awareness and clarity, helping you align more closely with your goals and values. How amazing would it feel to experience such deep alignment and fulfillment in your life?
Is Somatic Breathwork Right for You?
Somatic Breathwork is ideal for those who feel weighed down by unresolved emotions and pain, find themselves disconnected from their inner self, surroundings, and loved ones, and seek a deeper sense of clarity and connection. This practice is for individuals ready to release physical tension and emotional blockages to achieve mental clarity and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with yourself, enhance your relationships, or embark on a journey toward becoming the best version of yourself, somatic breathwork offers a transformative path to healing and self-discovery. However, it is not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, including cardiovascular issues, severe asthma, epilepsy, or a history of aneurysms. Pregnant women and those with significant mental health concerns, such as psychosis or severe anxiety, should consult with a healthcare provider before participating.
What to Expect During a Somatic Breathwork Session
A somatic breathwork session is a transformative experience that combines breathwork, trauma education, and holistic healing techniques to address both the mind and body. Before your session, take a moment to settle in, wearing comfortable clothes that allow for free movement and deep breathing. The session begins with a conversation about your goals, where you can share as much or as little as you’d like. This creates a foundation of safety, curiosity, and non-judgment that carries throughout the session.
As the session unfolds, you’ll lie down with your eyes closed and be guided through specific breathing exercises designed to release stress and clear subconscious blocks. This is more than just breathwork—it’s about tuning into yourself on a deeper level, exploring and releasing tension in a supportive environment. The process integrates trauma education, helping you understand how trauma affects the nervous system and influences your relationship with the world around you.
The core of the session involves a 1-hour sound vibrational experience, enhanced by Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) cues that activate your body’s natural healing abilities. Throughout, your somatic breathwork practitioner supports you, helping to rewire old subconscious patterns by creating a safe space for your body to release defensive actions.
After the breathwork portion, you’ll have time to slowly return to the present moment. You may feel relaxed, energized, or emotional—all are normal and part of the healing process. The session concludes with grounding activities and a chance for reflection, whether through journaling or sharing your experience with the group. This integration phase ensures you leave feeling empowered, connected and aligned.
My Personal Experience with Somatic Breathwork
Recently, myself and a small group of others had the incredible opportunity to participate in a somatic breathwork session with Laura. Walking into the session, I felt somewhat unsure of what to expect – I anticipated that it would be challenging to quiet my mind and fully immerse myself in the experience. At the beginning of the session before the experience began, everything was explained very clearly and comfortably to us. This really helped to ease my nerves and create a sense of safety, allowing me to open up to the experience with a more relaxed and receptive mindset.
As the session started, I noticed a variety of physical symptoms: I felt hot, slightly dizzy, and lightheaded. Laura had mentioned beforehand that these sensations might occur, reassuring us that they were normal and part of the experience. Despite this reassurance, I initially felt hesitant to fully immerse myself. I reminded myself that to truly benefit from the session, I needed to embrace whatever my body was experiencing and trust the process. As the session continued and I allowed myself to just be, the gentle guidance and rhythm of the breathwork started to draw me away from my focus on the physical symptoms, and into a deeper state of focus and awareness.
As the session progressed, the guided breathing exercises helped me connect with my body and release tension that I was not even aware I was holding. The hands-on touch provided by Laura became a grounding presence, helping me stay present and open to the experience. This gentle touch on my head and arms was comforting, allowing me to shift my focus even further inward to the deeper experience of the breathwork. Laura’s voice and guidance acted as a constant anchor, helping me navigate through the emotions and sensations that arose during the session.
The music also played a significant role in creating a powerful environment – it resonated with my emotional states and the energy of the room in its entirety, guiding me through feelings of calmness and moments of introspection.
During some moments of the deep breathing, I felt a release of emotions that had been stored within me. It was a cathartic experience, especially when it came to holding breaths for longer amounts of time before releasing them, calling and allowing me to process feelings that hadn't fully been acknowledged before. The session also provided an opportunity to explore the connection between my physical and emotional states, revealing how closely connected to one another they truly are.
After the session, I felt a new sense of calm and clarity, underscoring the powerful impact of this overall practice. As a group, we were given the opportunity to share and debrief (at our own discretion and pace), which was incredibly powerful. Hearing the group's experiences and participating in the session alongside them added an extra layer of connection and support, enriching the experience even further. It was enlightening to see how everyone had their own unique journey, yet we all shared a common space of healing and growth.
Overall, somatic breathwork was transformative and eye-opening. It offered me a pathway to release stored emotions and connect with my authentic self on a much deeper level. For anyone uncertain about what to expect from a somatic breathwork session, know that it is a journey into self-awareness and healing. The experience can vary greatly from person to person, but the common thread is the opportunity to connect with your body and emotions in a meaningful way. Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety, trauma, or simply looking to explore a new form of self-care, somatic breathwork offers a safe space to discover and heal.
Combining Somatic Breathwork with Other Therapies
Somatic breathwork is a powerful healing practice that becomes even more effective when combined with other therapeutic approaches. For instance, pairing somatic breathwork with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) creates a holistic path to healing by addressing both the cognitive and emotional aspects of trauma while simultaneously targeting the physical responses. This dual approach ensures that trauma is processed and released on multiple levels.
When integrated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), somatic breathwork can enhance the reshaping of negative thought patterns by releasing the physical tension that often accompanies these thoughts. In combination with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), somatic breathwork supports emotional regulation and distress tolerance by grounding the body during intense emotional moments. Similarly, when incorporated into mindfulness-based therapies like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), somatic breathwork deepens the practice, allowing clients to access a more profound state of presence and self-awareness.
Overall, somatic breathwork offers a deeper, more comprehensive healing experience than traditional talk therapy alone. By addressing trauma on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels, this holistic approach supports your journey toward self-discovery and personal growth, helping you reconnect with yourself in a profound and meaningful way.
Practical Tips for Starting Somatic Breathwork
If you're new to somatic breathwork, it's totally normal to feel a bit anxious at first, but rest assured, the process will be guided, and you’ll be well-supported throughout. Pay attention to how your body feels during the session – it’s okay to adjust your breathing pattern or take breaks if needed. Be patient with yourself – if you experience discomfort or strong emotions, remember that this is a normal part of the process. Give yourself permission to feel and process whatever arises. Whatever is coming up is meant to move through you.
Final Messages
Exploring somatic breathwork can be a powerful step toward healing from trauma and anxiety, addressing both physical and psychological aspects. Remember, healing is a journey, and seeking help is a sign of strength. With the right support and strategies, you can find peace and resilience through the power of your breath. Whether you're just starting or seeking deeper therapeutic work, this practice can help you to reconnect with your body and find a sense of calm.
Everyone deserves to feel free and to breathe a little easier. If you're interested in learning more or booking a session, reach out through our website. Breathe deeply, and embrace the journey toward healing and finding inner peace.
Written by: Janessa Meissner
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