Hypnotic Therapautic Breathwork

Using breath as a tool

Typically everyone has heard of hypnosis, some people have heard of breathwork, but not many have heard of combining the two - Hypnotic Therapeutic Breathwork (HTBW). Both hypnosis and breathwork are potent tools for change and when combined, they can take you to the next level of personal growth.

I have already written a blog on hypnosis titled, "Hypnosis: Questions and Answers" so I will focus on the breathwork aspect of this method. So, what is breathwork? Breathwork is a method where breath is utilized to effect change: you intentionally control your breathing pattern to affect your mental, physical, or emotional state. You are either seeking to relax or energize your nervous system through breath.

You might have heard about using the rhythmic “box breathing” method to calm yourself in stressful situations, where you inhale to a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4, then repeat the process. There are also energizing breathing patterns which is what HTBW utilizes. It will energize the system and this is done through cyclical, rhythmic, deeper and faster than normal breathing through the mouth without pausing or holding the breath. This bathes the cells/body with oxygen. This is HyperOxygenation...NOT Hyperventilation

Here is an example of a typical HTBW session and what you might expect:

• Breathwork is a transformative tool for those seeking to get unstuck physically and emotionally, to gain clarity and potentially experience a breakthrough

• The breath will ”shake things loose” and illuminate and release deep-seated subconscious barriers which may manifest as crying, shaking, feeling tension, laughing or feeling sudden clarity. 

• Breathwork can guide you towards self-awareness and emotional clearing, potentially uncovering childhood or natal memories. This process may also delve into past life exploration, energy release, and beyond. Flexibility and readiness for any outcome are essential in this journey. After the session, clients typically feel lighter, more tranquil and have more clarity. Like, "Wow, what just happened? I feel so light." 

• After the session is over, expect to take it easy and give yourself time to rest.

• Session Procedure:

  • Discuss with the client, the purpose of the session and what they hope to gain from the experience. This information will be used in Stage 5 below.

  • The First 10 Minutes – Physical & Mental Resistance: You will likely experience mental chatter and physical resistance. It can feel awkward, dizzying, or hard to sustain the cyclic breathing rhythm. This resistance is the conscious mind letting go. 

  • Stage 2: 15–20 Minutes – Energy Activation: The internal vibration begins to build — this can feel startling or even scary for first-timers. Hands and face may tingle or cramp (known as tetany); energy is beginning to move. Know that every breath is helping you release. 

  • Stage 3: 20–30 Minutes – Emotional Waves and Awareness Emotions: Memories or insights may surface - trust where they are going. Memories may appear like short “clips” or flashes — often accompanied by release.

  • Stage 4: 30–45 Minutes – Deep Trance State: Breathing may pause briefly — this is natural. Trust what comes up. You’re gaining clarity.

  • Stage 5: 60 Minutes - Integration & Progressive Relaxation: You will be offered progressive relaxation and positive reinforcement tied to your session goals.

  • Stage 6: Reorientation & Grounding: Counting back 1–5. Welcome back!  You will have time to normalize.

  • Stage 7: Post-Session Integration: Time for integration and reflection - share as little or as much as you like.

HTBW is a great method for those:

• Clients who are highly analytical and find hypnosis difficult

• Clients who report “numbness” or emotional disconnection and are looking for a way to reconnect with their emotions

• Clients who feel stuck but cannot connect to the issue: they often experience “something under the surface”, but it's just out of reach 

• Clients who are experiencing unresolved grief, loss, or trauma and are ready to release stored emotional energy

• Clients who are already on a personal growth path and looking to take it to the next level

HTBW is NOT a good choice for those:

Medical/Physical Contraindications:

• Clients who are pregnant, due to the intensity and risk

• Clients with severe asthma and uncontrolled respiratory conditions like COPD, etc. 

• Clients with recent major surgeries, heart or cardiovascular disease that may make deep breathing unsafe

• Clients with retinal detachment, glaucoma or other serious eye conditions where pressure and strain may worsen the condition

• Clients with seizure disorders unless cleared by a physician

• Clients who are on chemotherapy

Psychological/Emotional Contraindications:

• Clients with severe psychiatric diagnoses (such as schizophrenia, psychosis, or bipolar disorder)

• Clients who are actively suicidal or in acute crisis

• Clients with severe dissociation or depersonalization who lack strong grounding resources

If you're ready to take the next step towards a happier, healthier life, consider scheduling a FREE call by clicking HERE.