Breathwork as a Therapeutic Modality: An Overview for Counselors
J. Scott Young, Craig S. Cashwell, Amanda L. Giordano
Counseling and Values October 1, 2010 DOI: 10.1002/j.2161-007x.2010.tb00025.x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | circular breathing conscious connected breathing fast and full breathing |
| Topics | Breathwork |
| Citations | 15 |
| Key points | Argues that conscious breathing techniques can be integrated into counseling to access psychological material and promote personal transformation. |
Abstract
Using the breath as a vehicle for accessing psychological material is a topic rarely discussed in the counseling literature, despite the use of conscious engagement with the breath by many spiritual traditions for the purpose of personal transformation. This article describes 3 types of conscious breathing (circular breathing, conscious connected breathing, and fast and full breathing) and the use of therapeutic breathwork within the counseling process. The authors describe the many facets of the breathwork experience, provide a case study, and address clinical considerations when engaging in breathwork with clients.