Conscious breathing techniques, such as circular breathing, conscious connected breathing, and fast and full breathing, can serve as a vehicle for accessing psychological material, a topic rarely discussed in counseling literature despite its use in many spiritual traditions for personal transformation. This article describes these three types of breathing, their application in therapeutic breathwork, the facets of the breathwork experience, and clinical considerations for counselors, illustrated with a case study.
Imagery rehearsal therapy (IRT) is a research-supported behavioral intervention that reduces the frequency and severity of nightmares. It also reduces negative mental health symptoms, particularly those associated with posttraumatic stress disorder. IRT is straightforward for mental health counselors to facilitate, and the steps for implementing it are described, along with strategies to ensure cultural competence and effectiveness in delivery. Knowledge of how to implement IRT gives counselors the ability to directly support clients in addressing the disturbing experience of nightmares.