Everyone Breathes: a mixed methods evaluation of a combined Feldenkrais and vocal improvisation group within an adult mental health Recovery College setting
Megan Cartier, Jhian Cadimas, David Sulkin, Owen Reilly, Joanna Harries, Jenny Hill, Lucas Robson, Sophie Harris, Catherine Elizabeth Carr
Frontiers in Psychiatry February 19, 2026 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1735103 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Observational mixed methods design Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 8 |
| Population | Adults living with mental health challenges attending a Recovery College workshop |
| Interventions | Feldenkrais method group vocal improvisation breathwork |
| Duration | Questionnaires at workshop beginning, end, and two weeks later; focus group on the third day |
| Topics | Breathwork |
| Keywords | Feldenkrais method Mental health Mixed methods Recovery college Vocal improvisation |
| Key findings | The authors report that the Everyone Breathes workshop was well-received and safe, with participants describing benefits for breathing, body connection, self-expression, and group support. Wellbeing improved on average by 3.14 points to a moderate score of 25.9 (SD 2.9). The authors suggest the pilot evaluation indicates potential to improve wellbeing in a relatively short timeframe, though they call for future research to formally assess effectiveness. |
Abstract
BackgroundA range of singing interventions exist for mental health contexts, but few have incorporated group-based body, breathwork and vocal improvisation. The Feldenkrais method has potential to support singing interventions by raising attention to body and breath. This study aimed to describe practice and evaluate experiences and outcomes of a Feldenkrais and group vocal improvisation workshop provided by professional musicians and a Feldenkrais practitioner in a Recovery College setting.MethodsWe used an observational mixed methods design. The workshop was held by a Recovery College for adults living with mental health challenges. All group attendees were invited to participate in the evaluation. Those who consented completed questionnaires at the workshop beginning, end, and two weeks later. We assessed mental wellbeing alongside goals, emotions, group appraisal, un/helpful and important events. Researchers attended as participant observers and conducted a focus group on the third day. We used interpretive content analysis to understand group content and evaluations. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively.ResultsEight service users (4 male, 5 white British, mean age=43) consented to participate. Group practice was summarised following TIDieR principles and emphasised equality and collaboration. Service users were attracted to the unusual course content, with a strong wish to connect with others and learn. Feldenkrais movement facilitated authentic vocal exploration, expression and creativity. This was experienced initially with some anxiety, but later supported bonding, enjoyment and fun. Experiences were positive, with benefits relating to capacity to breathe, connection to the body, ability to express themselves and find an authentic voice, as well as gain group support. Wellbeing improved on average by 3.14 (range 1–8) to a moderate wellbeing score of 25.9 with a standard deviation (SD) of 2.9. The workshop intensity and course focus were highlighted as areas for future development.DiscussionThe Everyone Breathes workshop offers an intensive, creative, and supportive experience within the Recovery College context. The pilot evaluation suggests the group was well-received, safe and has potential to improve wellbeing in a relatively short timeframe. Future research should explore how to develop content and broaden opportunities for wider implementation to enable formal assessments of effectiveness.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on breathwork, most cited first.