All your breathwork questions answered here.
Breathwork is a guided practice that uses conscious breathing to support your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
By changing the pace, depth, and pattern of your breath, you can influence your nervous system, help to release tension, and connect more deeply with yourself.
Many people use breathwork to manage stress, ease anxiety, increase clarity, and support personal or spiritual growth.
Sessions at Breath Refinery are multi-sensory experiences, accompanied by music and guided in a way that meets you where you’re at.
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What is breathwork?
What happens during a 1:1 breathwork session?
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Each session is guided and structured, so you feel supported from start to finish.
A typical session includes:
Arrival and check-in - We begin with a brief conversation about how you're feeling, your intentions, and any questions you may have.
Guided instruction - I explain the breathing technique we'll use, how it works, and what you might experience.
Breathwork practice - You'll lie down or sit comfortably while I guide your breath with verbal cues, music, and gentle prompts.
Integration and grounding - We finish with quiet rest and time to reflect, helping you feel grounded before you leave.
You remain in control throughout the session and can slow down, adjust, ask questions or pause at any time.
What if I’ve never done breathwork before?
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You don't need any prior experience to begin.
I'll guide you through the process step by step, including how to breathe, what to expect, and how to support yourself during the session. You are always welcome to ask questions, take breaks, or choose a gentler pace.
For many people, a first session is simply about becoming familiar with the practice and noticing how their body and mind respond.
For most people, breathwork is a safe and supportive practice when done with proper understanding. That said, it is a powerful practice and can sometimes bring up strong physical or emotional sensations.
To support your safety:
I explain the technique and possible sensations before we begin.
You are always free to adjust your breathing, take a break, or stop at any time.
We work within your comfort level and tailor the practice to your needs.
A full Breathwork Journey may not be suitable for people with the following conditions:
Cardiovascular conditions
Respiratory conditions
Neurological conditions
Pregnancy
Recent surgery or injury
Mental Health diagnoses
Use of medication that may affect breathing, consciousness, or emotional regulation
Please let me know in advance if you have any concerns and we can discuss these before your session.
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Is breathwork safe?
Are there any health conditions that would prevent me from doing breathwork?
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Energise and Restore Breathwork sessions are suitable for everyone and can be tailored to your specific needs however, if any of the below conditions apply to you, a full Breathwork Journey may not be appropriate.
Cardiovascular conditions
Respiratory conditions
Neurological conditions
Pregnancy
Recent surgery or injury
Mental Health diagnoses
Use of medication that may affect breathing, consciousness, or emotional regulation
If you have any concerns, please get in touch before booking your session so that we can discuss the best approach.
Make sure you’ve read the informed consent and waiver information supplied before your appointment. If you have any medical or mental health conditions, or if you are unsure whether a deeper breathwork journey is suitable for you, get in touch before booking so we can discuss the best approach.
Try to avoid a large meal directly before your session and make sure you are well hydrated.
There will be time at the beginning of your appointment to ask questions, and we’ll work together to create a session that feels safe and supportive for you.
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How should I prepare for a Breathwork Journey?
What should I bring and wear to my session?
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If you've booked a session where you'll be lying down, an eye mask is optional but can be especially helpful during a deeper breathwork journey.
A journal can also be useful if you’d like to reflect on any thoughts, emotions, or insights that arise.
Dress for comfort. Layers are advised, as body temperature can shift during breathwork practices.
My studio is well equipped with squabs, blankets and cushions to ensure your comfort.
What if I can't make my session?
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If you need to cancel or reschedule, please aim to give at least 24 hours' notice.
Changes made with more than 24 hours' notice incur no charge.
Cancellations, reschedules, or no-shows within 24 hours of your appointment may incur a fee or be charged up to the full session cost.
Where is your Auckland studio located?
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My studio is located in an industrial area of St Johns.
Unit 4, Number 23 Hannigan Drive, St Johns, Auckland.
There is plenty of parking right outside. Please wait in your car and I will greet you there at the scheduled time. My comfortable & welcoming studio is at the back of an industrial workshop, hence the name Breath Refinery! It’s a hidden gem.