When "Good" Breathing Makes Things Worse
This week in our Facilitator Workroom, we worked with a client whose intake questionnaire revealed a clear pattern around emotional stress.
As we explored her breathing together, she began to notice how her body responded when she felt overwhelmed.
I asked her to bring on the feeling of stress... then simply observe.
Next, I invited her to do the thing she usually does to manage those feelings: deep breaths and sighs.
What she discovered was powerful:
The “deep breaths” she relied on to calm herself wasn’t helping.
The way she was doing them was forceful, controlled, and full of tension…
And it was actually driving her deeper into overwhelm.
Her nervous system was already on red alert, and every stressed-out sigh was reinforcing it.
We tried something different: a softer, more relaxed sigh...
She released the exhale instead of gripping it. Letting go of control.
Allowing her body to breathe how it wanted to.
The shift was immediate.
Her physiology settled.
Her thoughts cleared.
She said she felt "more at peace."
|
|
|
In Gratitude,
Angie (and Shane) Saunders
Featured Insight of the Week...
Discovery Before Direction
This week inside the Behavioral Breathwork Facilitator Workroom, we focused on using the New Client Intake form as a tool for true discovery.
It’s not just about collecting information…
It’s about helping clients see themselves differently.
As Shane shared in the session:
“The questionnaire allows you to go through that process of discovery with your client. It’s called discovery because you are leading them, the client, to discover not only what their issues might be, but then for them to have the realization that, oh, hey, hang on, maybe I am reacting to things that are happening in my body, and then I’m assigning a story around it.”
This is why the New Client Intake form is so powerful.
It creates space for clients to connect the dots…
To see how their breathing behaviors and body sensations shape their thoughts, feelings, and responses.
When this realization happens, interventions land differently.
Clients feel more ownership and curiosity, and their nervous system is primed for change.
That’s what makes Behavioral Breathwork unique: discovery always comes before direction.
If this approach resonates with you, our next cohort starts this October.
Facilitator Recap of the Week...
A Map to the Breath
Have you ever sat with someone and just known that there was more going on beneath the surface?
You could sense the tension, the stress, the suppressed emotions…
But you weren’t sure where to begin?
That’s exactly why this week inside the Behavioral Breathwork Facilitator Training, we’re focusing on one of the most powerful tools: our New Client Intake form.
This isn’t just paperwork…
It’s a map.
A detailed questionnaire that uncovers a client's breathing behaviors, habits, patterns, stress responses, and even the areas where they're holding on too tightly.
The magic of this map?
It often reveals pathways for change before the session even begins.
Facilitators step in prepared, confident, and equipped with a deeper understanding of how to guide lasting shifts… right from the first conversation.
This week's Facilitator Workroom was all about hands-on practice.
We guided participants through the intake form in a live one-to-one setting, showing them how to identify triggers and design tailored interventions that support real-life regulation.
Here's what attendees had to say:
This piece is SO beneficial to hear! I wasn’t sure how to bring in the breathing option and how that would work. Awesome!
"
"This part is gold for me! Thank you!
"
"This was great. I really enjoyed it. I need more of these very instructive learning sessions."
"And it’s not being made clear in the trainings I’ve had before... so thank you."
Next week, we'll jump into all things related to Group Breathwork Facilitation.
If you’d love to learn how to guide clients with this level of clarity, our next cohort starts in October.
When you're ready...
Here are 3 ways we can support your growth with Behavioral Breathwork.
Begin your personal journey
🔗 Try Reflexive Breathing (FREE)
Experience the foundational practice we teach in all our programs.
It’s short, science-based, and surprisingly effective.
Go deeper with the science
🔗 Start the Breathing Science Course
The Breathing Science Course is our self-paced training for coaches, clinicians, and curious breathers ready to start working with clients through the lense of Behavioral Science.
Currently Save 50%!
Join the professional path
🔗 Waitlist: Behavioral Breathwork Facilitator Training
If you’re ready to bring this work into your community and want to guide breathwork in a way that’s grounded, adaptable, and science-based...
The doors to our next training opens soon!
Responses