This gentle, practical webinar is designed for clinicians who want to incorporate breath work into their practice while recognizing that common instructions like “just take a deep breath” can be counterproductive or even triggering for some clients. The session explores how the nervous system’s freeze and fight-flight responses can be activated by forced, rapid, or directive breathing practices, particularly in trauma-exposed individuals.

Participants will learn and experience alternative, subtle breath-based approaches that support regulation without intensity, overwhelm, or loss of agency. Emphasis is placed on noticing small shifts, supporting choice, and working within a client’s existing capacity for safety. The webinar also explores how to offer breath practices using trauma-wise, autonomy-respecting language that enhances attunement and trust.

By the end of the session, clinicians will feel more confident using breath as a supportive, regulation-focused tool that prioritizes safety, consent, and nervous system responsiveness.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand how forced or rapid breathing can activate freeze or fight-flight responses, and why breath work must be applied with sensitivity in trauma-informed practice.
• Learn and experience gentle, regulation-supportive breath practices that use subtle shifts rather than intensity to support nervous system safety.
• Develop confidence in offering breath-based interventions using trauma-wise language that respects client autonomy and supports regulation without triggering.

Agenda:

Lecture & Brief Discussion (60 min) – Explore trauma-wise approaches to breath work—understanding how the nervous system responds to forced breathing, experiencing gentle alternatives that support regulation, and learning how to offer breath practices safely using respectful, autonomy-supporting language.