Frequently asked questions

During a session you breathe in and out without pausing. This can lead to physical sensations like tingling, temperature shifts or muscle tension. Emotions may surface or you may receive deep insights. Every experience is unique — your body shows you exactly what is needed in the moment.

Yes, provided you don't have contraindications such as serious cardiovascular conditions, epilepsy or psychosis. When in doubt we work 1-on-1 to keep things safe. We always build the session up gently and I guide you step by step.

Conscious Connected Breath is a powerful method that works deeply on your physical and mental system. We advise against intensive breath sessions in case of pregnancy, serious cardiovascular conditions, aneurysm, uncontrolled high blood pressure, glaucoma, severe lung conditions, epilepsy, serious psychiatric conditions or recent surgery. For (complex) PTSD or trauma, chronic hyperventilation/panic attacks or diabetes we work exclusively 1-on-1 so we can dose the intensity. Participation is always at your own risk. In doubt? Get in touch or consult your doctor.

It's nice to avoid heavy meals up to two hours before the session. Wear comfortable clothing that gives your belly room to expand.

Conscious Connected Breath causes fluctuations in oxygen and CO₂ levels in your blood. While this is fine for a healthy body, it can cause unnecessary stress for the baby and mother during pregnancy. Safety first.

This is a common fear, but in practice it rarely happens because I'm continuously guiding you. If you become overwhelmed, I'll help you with specific techniques to calm your breath and return to the here and now. For people with a history of panic attacks we work exclusively 1-on-1 for maximum safety.

Most people feel very relaxed afterwards, 'lighter', or actually very energised. It's important to take it easy after the session and drink plenty of water to flush released toxins.

Yes, and there's a growing body of research to support it. When you're anxious, your breathing tends to become high and fast (chest breathing), which keeps your nervous system in alarm mode. By consciously breathing slower and deeper, especially with a longer exhale, you activate your vagus nerve and with it the parasympathetic nervous system: the part that tells your body 'you are safe'. This isn't a trick, it's physiology. What I see in my sessions: people who have lived with anxiety for years discover they carry a tool inside their own body. Not as a replacement for therapy or medication, but as a powerful addition.

With intensive techniques like Conscious Connected Breath, intense feelings and sensations can come up, that's sometimes part of the process. For people with a history of panic attacks that can be confusing. That's why I always start 1-on-1 if you have (had) panic attacks. You set the pace, I hold the safety, and we build up gently. In a 1-on-1 setting there's room to pause, switch back to calm breathing and regulate whenever needed. I only recommend group sessions once you feel familiar with the technique.

In the middle of a panic attack you want to calm your nervous system, not activate it. The 4-7-8 technique often works well: inhale through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale through your mouth for 8. Or even simpler, lengthen your exhale. Breathe in for 4 counts, breathe out for 6 to 8. The longer exhale is the signal to your body that the danger has passed. Conscious Connected Breath, the kind I use in sessions, is an activating technique. You don't use it during an attack, but in a safe setting to work with underlying patterns.

Yes, when properly guided. Conscious Connected Breath is powerful and can bring up emotions you normally suppress. That's exactly where the healing lives, but it needs a safe container. For people with a sensitive nervous system or a history of panic I always start with an intake conversation and 1-on-1 sessions. Contraindications where I won't work with you without consulting your practitioner: serious cardiovascular conditions, epilepsy, psychosis, recent surgery and pregnancy. In doubt? Call or email me, and we'll look at it together.

Many people notice a shift in calm and clarity after a single session. That effect often lasts a few days to a week. For lasting change in patterns like chronic tension or recurring unease, a series of 4 to 6 sessions over 2 to 3 months usually works best. Between sessions I give you exercises you can do daily on your own (5 to 10 minutes), so your nervous system starts learning what 'safe' feels like.

Because we work in a small group of a maximum of 6 people, refunds are unfortunately not possible in the event of a cancellation. Unable to attend? You have two options: 1. Pass on your ticket: You're always welcome to give or resell your spot to a friend. Send me the name and email address of the person no later than 10:00 on the morning of the circle via hallo@thebreathworkshop.nl or WhatsApp (+31 6 36175023), so I can still send them the intake form. 2. Let me know (waitlist): Let me know as soon as you can't attend. Behind the scenes I often have a waitlist. If I can still give your spot to someone else in time, you'll receive a voucher for a future breath circle.

Meditation teaches you to observe what happens in your mind. Therapy helps you understand where patterns come from. Breath coaching works through your body, through the nervous system, not through thoughts. A lot of tension sits in places words can't reach. By using the breath you drop underneath the thinking layer, and your body can literally release what it has been holding for years. The combination is often the most powerful: therapy for the insight, breathwork for the felt experience.