Find Breathwork Practitioners near you

Breathwork Near Me

Last updated: 10/17/26

Find breathwork practitioners offering in-person and virtual sessions on Sofia Health. Explore different breathing techniques, compare practitioner training, services, pricing, and availability, and choose a session that fits your goals.

You can also explore breathwork services, classes, and programs on Sofia Health.

Breathwork on Sofia Health

• 20 breathwork practitioners available

• 99]% offer virtual sessions

• Available session formats include private appointments, group classes, workshops, and multi-session programs

What Is Breathwork?

Breathwork refers to practices that intentionally change the pace, depth, rhythm, or pattern of breathing.

Some methods use slow, controlled breathing for relaxation and mindfulness. Others involve faster, deeper, or continuous breathing that can feel considerably more intense.

Understanding these differences can help you choose a practitioner whose methods, training, and session format match what you are looking for.

For a broader introduction, read Sofia Health's guide to what breathwork is and how it works.

Types of Breathwork

Breathwork ranges from gentle breathing exercises to intensive facilitated practices. The following approaches are arranged roughly from gentler to more intensive, although the experience depends on the technique and how it is taught.

1. Slow or Paced Breathing

Slow or paced breathing uses a deliberate rhythm, often by counting the inhale and exhale or following a practitioner's guidance.

These techniques may be incorporated into meditation, relaxation, yoga, or breath coaching.

For examples, see Sofia Health's guide to breathing exercises.

2. Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic breathing, sometimes called belly breathing, emphasizes using the diaphragm rather than relying primarily on shallow upper-chest breathing.

A practitioner may guide you to notice how your abdomen and lower ribs move with each breath. It is often taught as a foundation for other breathing techniques.

3. Box Breathing

Box breathing follows a repeated sequence:

Inhale → Hold → Exhale → Hold

Each phase generally uses the same or a similar count.

The breath holds should feel controlled, not forced. If holding your breath is uncomfortable, shorten the count or return to normal breathing.

4. Coherent or Resonance Breathing

Coherent breathing, also called resonance breathing, uses a slow, steady rhythm.

Many approaches aim for approximately five to six breaths per minute, although the most comfortable pace varies by individual.

The emphasis is on a sustainable breathing pattern rather than breathing as deeply or quickly as possible.

5. Pranayama

Pranayama refers to traditional yogic practices involving deliberate regulation of breathing.

Techniques may include slow breathing, alternate-nostril breathing, extended exhales, forceful breathing, and breath retention.

Because pranayama includes many distinct methods, ask which technique a practitioner teaches.

A systematic review of pranayama research discusses these different approaches and their studied effects.

6. Somatic or Trauma-Informed Breathwork

Somatic breathwork combines intentional breathing with awareness of bodily sensations. Sessions may also include grounding, movement, or other body-based practices.

Trauma-informed approaches may place additional emphasis on consent, choice, pacing, and helping participants recognize when they need to pause.

The term trauma-informed does not necessarily mean the practitioner is a licensed mental health professional.

If you are seeking body-based therapy rather than breathwork alone, you can also explore Somatic Experiencing Therapy providers on Sofia Health.

7. Conscious Connected Breathwork

Conscious connected breathwork uses a continuous breathing pattern with little or no pause between inhaling and exhaling.

It may also be called connected or circular breathing.

Because the technique can involve sustained deeper breathing, ask the practitioner how long the active portion lasts, whether breathing is primarily through the nose or mouth, and how they screen participants for contraindications.

8. Wim Hof-Style Breathing

Wim Hof-style breathing generally involves repeated deeper breaths followed by periods of breath retention.

The official Wim Hof Method combines breathing techniques with cold exposure and mindset training and has its own instructor-certification program.

If a practitioner specifically advertises the official Wim Hof Method, ask whether they are certified in that method.

Never practice breath retention while driving, swimming, in water, or anywhere losing consciousness could create a safety risk.

9. Holotropic Breathwork®

Holotropic Breathwork is a specific method developed by Stanislav and Christina Grof.

Sessions typically involve extended periods of faster or deeper breathing, music, and facilitated integration. They can be considerably more intensive than gentle relaxation-oriented breathing.

Holotropic Breathwork has its own facilitator certification through Grof-affiliated training programs.

If a practitioner advertises this method, ask about their certification, participant screening, and session structure.

10. Shamanic Breathwork

Shamanic breathwork combines intentional breathing with spiritual or ceremonial practices.

Depending on the practitioner, a session may incorporate rhythmic breathing, drumming or music, visualization, movement, and spiritual reflection.

There is no single standardized form of shamanic breathwork. Ask what tradition or approach the practitioner follows, how the session is facilitated, and what to expect.

If you are interested in spiritual or ceremonial practices, you can also explore shamans on Sofia Health.

What Happens During a Breathwork Session?

A practitioner may begin by discussing your goals, previous experience, and any health considerations relevant to the breathing method.

They may then guide you through timed breathing patterns, nasal or mouth breathing, breath holds, body awareness, or meditation, depending on their approach.

Guided breathwork appointments often run approximately 30–90 minutes, while workshops or intensive sessions may be longer. Actual durations vary by practitioner.

Before booking, check:

• The total appointment length

• How much time involves active breathing

• Whether an intake discussion is included

• Whether the session includes rest or integration afterward

• Whether the practice involves intensive breathing or breath retention

A 60-minute appointment does not necessarily mean 60 minutes of active breathing.

How Should I Prepare for a Breathwork Session?

Preparation depends on the method, but some practical steps include:

• Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to breathe and move easily.

• Avoid a heavy meal immediately beforehand, particularly if the practitioner recommends doing so.

• Have water available and follow any preparation instructions provided.

• Choose a quiet, comfortable space for virtual sessions.

• Ask about health-related precautions before participating in intensive breathwork.

• Allow time afterward if the practitioner recommends a period of rest or reflection.

For online appointments, ask whether you should sit or lie down and whether the practitioner needs to see your posture or breathing during the session.

Breathwork vs. Meditation

Breathwork and meditation frequently overlap, but their focus is different.

In breathwork, the breathing pattern itself is generally the primary practice. You intentionally change the depth, speed, or rhythm of breathing.

In meditation, breathing may simply be something you observe while developing mindfulness, awareness, or concentration.

Some practitioners combine both.

If meditation is your primary interest, you can also find Meditation Teachers on Sofia Health.

Breathwork Practitioners, Breathing Coaches, and Breath Therapists

You may encounter professionals using titles such as breathwork practitioner, breathwork facilitator, breath coach, breathing coach, breath therapist, or somatic breathwork practitioner.

These titles do not necessarily reflect the same qualifications.

Breathwork is not a single licensed healthcare profession. Practitioners may have training in breathwork, yoga, meditation, coaching, somatic practices, or healthcare.

If someone offers breathwork as part of medical or mental health treatment, check their professional license separately from their breathwork certification.

How Do I Choose a Breathwork Practitioner?

The most useful starting question is:

What type of breathwork do you teach?

Before booking, consider asking:

• Is your method gentle or intensive?

• Do sessions involve connected breathing or breath holds?

• Is your approach suitable for beginners?

• What training and certifications have you completed?

• If you teach a named method, are you certified in that method?

• Do you screen participants for contraindications?

• How do you respond if someone becomes dizzy or distressed?

• Do you offer private sessions, group classes, or both?

• Is your method suitable for virtual participation?

Two practitioners offering breathwork may provide very different experiences. Understanding their methods and qualifications is more useful than choosing by location alone.

Is Breathwork Safe?

Safety considerations depend on the technique.

Gentle paced breathing differs significantly from prolonged rapid breathing, repeated deep breathing, or extended breath retention.

More intensive practices may cause temporary symptoms such as dizziness, tingling, lightheadedness, muscle tightening, or feeling faint.

Before participating in intensive breathwork, speak with the practitioner and consult an appropriate healthcare professional if you are pregnant or have conditions such as:

• Heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions

• High blood pressure

• Epilepsy or a seizure history

• Glaucoma or certain retinal conditions

• Recent surgery

• Significant respiratory conditions

• Certain psychiatric conditions

If a technique causes uncomfortable symptoms, stop the practice and return to normal breathing. Seek medical attention for severe or persistent symptoms.

Breathwork should not replace medical or mental health treatment. A practitioner offering intensive breathing methods should be able to explain their contraindications and screening procedures.

Can I Book Breathwork Online?

Yes. Some breathwork practitioners offer virtual sessions.

Slower guided breathing, breath coaching, and meditation-based approaches may be particularly suitable for online instruction.

For intensive methods, ask whether remote participation is appropriate and what safety procedures the practitioner follows.

Virtual sessions may require a quiet space, a stable internet connection, and enough room to sit or lie down comfortably.

How Do I Find and Book a Breathwork Practitioner Near Me?

On Sofia Health, you can browse breathwork practitioners and compare their services before deciding whom to book.

1. Explore providers. Review practitioner profiles and look for the specific breathwork techniques they offer.

2. Compare services. Check session length, private or group format, virtual or in-person availability, pricing, and appointment options.

3. Ask questions before booking. Provider listings include a Send a Message option, allowing you to contact a practitioner through Sofia Health when messaging is available. Ask about their approach, training, or session requirements.

4. Book your session. Select a service and an available appointment or class, then complete your booking through Sofia Health.

If you want to compare prices, review the individual services listed by each practitioner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Holotropic Breathwork the Same as Regular Breathwork?

No. Holotropic Breathwork is a specific, facilitated method developed by Stanislav and Christina Grof. It generally involves longer, more intensive breathing sessions and has its own facilitator-certification system.

What Is Conscious Connected Breathwork?

Conscious connected breathwork uses a continuous breathing rhythm with little or no pause between the inhale and exhale. Session intensity and duration depend on the practitioner's approach.

What Is Somatic Breathwork?

Somatic breathwork incorporates intentional breathing with awareness of physical sensations and sometimes grounding or movement. It is not automatically a form of licensed psychotherapy.

Do I Need Experience to Book a Breathwork Session?

No. Many practitioners offer beginner-friendly breathwork sessions that introduce breathing techniques gradually.

If you are new to breathwork, consider starting with slower methods such as diaphragmatic breathing, paced breathing, coherent breathing, or box breathing. More intensive approaches, including conscious connected and Holotropic Breathwork, may require additional preparation or participant screening.

Before booking, check whether the service is designed for beginners and ask the practitioner what to expect.

Sources and Further Reading

• National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): 5 Things To Know About Relaxation Techniques for Stress

• Pranayama Research Review — PubMed Central

Last updated: October 17, 2026

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.