The Breathwork Boom: Opportunities, Risks, and the Need for Credibility
Lets talk about Breathwork Training, and Why You Shouldnt do it.
Over the past five years, breathwork has experienced a significant surge in popularity. This ancient practice, which involves controlled breathing techniques to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being, has found a modern resurgence in wellness circles. The promise of profound benefits—ranging from reduced stress and anxiety to enhanced mental clarity and emotional healing—has drawn many to both practice and facilitate breathwork. However, this rapid growth has also brought to light several concerns, particularly regarding the quality and safety of breathwork facilitation.
The Appeal of Breathwork
Breathwork's rise can be attributed to its accessibility and the compelling testimonials of those who have experienced its transformative effects. It's a practice that doesn't require expensive equipment or extensive preparation, making it attractive to a wide audience. Furthermore, as awareness of mental health issues grows, people are increasingly seeking holistic and non-pharmaceutical methods for managing their well-being, further fueling interest in breathwork.
The Wrong People for the Wrong Reasons
Unfortunately, the booming popularity of breathwork has also attracted individuals with motivations that may not align with the integrity of the practice. The allure of making quick money by offering breathwork sessions or training programs has led some to enter the industry without adequate training or a genuine commitment to the well-being of their clients. This trend is concerning for several reasons:
Lack of Proper Training: Many new breathwork facilitators have undergone minimal training, often opting for the cheapest and quickest certification programs available. These programs may not provide comprehensive education on the physiological and psychological aspects of breathwork, leading to poorly informed facilitators.
Commercial Motivations: With the promise of making substantial money quickly, some individuals are more interested in the financial benefits than in the practice itself. This can result in a lack of dedication to ongoing learning and ethical practice, ultimately compromising the quality of service provided.
Safety Concerns: Breathwork, while beneficial, can also pose risks if not properly guided. Hyperventilation techniques, for instance, can lead to dizziness, fainting, or even panic attacks in some individuals. Inexperienced facilitators may not be equipped to handle these situations or recognise contraindications, potentially putting participants at risk.
Unhealed Healers: A wounded healer is someone who has traversed their own path of pain and suffering, emerging with a deep-seated empathy and understanding for others in similar positions. This journey often fuels a compelling drive to assist and guide others through their own healing processes. However many are not healing before they jump into trying to heal others, here is why —>Learn More
What should you look for in Breathwork Trainings?
To ensure the long-term credibility of the breathwork industry, it is crucial to address these challenges. Here are several things you should look out for when researching different breathwork facilitation trainings.
Rigorous Training and Certification: Ensure the training program includes in-depth study of anatomy, physiology, psychology, and ethics. Certification should involve practical experience under supervision to ensure facilitators are well-prepared to handle various scenarios.
In-person Training: With covid, a lot of trainings have gone online which has made it accessible to everyone which is great! However, you cannot get practical experience online. Ensure you are gaining in-person, hands on experience to gain the training required to be a trauma-informed trainer. Online training doesn’t prepare you for someone having an epileptic fit, or a panic attack during a breathwork session, or having a huge emotional release that results in someone hurting themselves. That may seem scary, but it happens!! The best trainings will be delivered a minimum 50% in-person and give you a lifetime access to online resources to keep reviewing throughout your first few years of offering breathwork experiences.
Ongoing Education: Facilitators should commit to continuous learning and professional development. This could include attending workshops, engaging in peer supervision, and staying updated with the latest research in breathwork and related fields.
Personal Practice: Before undergoing any training, it should be a requirement from the school that you have undergone a minimum of 50 hours of personal practice, and breathwork led experiences.
Ethical Practice: This should include guidelines on client confidentiality, informed consent, and boundaries.
Client Safety and Screening: Facilitators must be trained to conduct thorough client assessments to identify any contraindications for breathwork. They should also be equipped with skills to manage adverse reactions safely and effectively.
Building a Supportive Community: Creating a network of reputable breathwork practitioners who can support and mentor newcomers to the field can foster a culture of excellence and accountability.
Final Thoughts.
Breathwork has the potential to profoundly impact individuals' well-being, but only if practiced safely and ethically. As the industry continues to grow, it is imperative to prioritise rigorous training, ethical standards, and client safety to maintain the credibility of breathwork. By addressing these challenges, we can ensure that breathwork remains a respected and effective practice for those seeking holistic healing.
For those interested in becoming breathwork facilitators, it is vital to seek out reputable training programs and commit to ongoing personal and professional development. Only then can we truly honor the transformative power of breathwork and provide the highest level of care to those we serve.
Alycia Davies - Somatic Breathwork Facilitator and EMDR Therapist
Wanting to become a breathwork facilitator?
Alycia is offering a 16 week coaching program to prepare anyone passionate about transitioning into a profession that helps others through breathwork. This program will guide you through personal healing, professional development, and ethical practice, ensuring you are equipped to provide the best care for others while maintaining your own well-being.
This program is designed to help you heal your own wounds, and navigate you career path whilst maintaining your own practice, we will help you throughout the duration of your training with any questions.
Work experience may be offered to selected clients.
