Private Breathing Behavior Analysis
WHERE SCIENCE MEETS FELT SENSE
Are you experiencing breathing challenges, an odd variety of health problems or low capacity/window of tolerance for life's stresses? ​
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Having difficulty getting enough air (in general or in specific situations?)
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General or specific sudden anxiety, mood swings?
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Chest pain or tightness or vision changes?
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Cold hands and feet, or tingling, numbness in extremities?
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Experiencing tension and stiffness that won't budge?
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Fatigue or Fibromyalgia-like symptoms?
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Stuck in Fight-Flight or Freeze-Shutdown-Panic states?
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Been to all sorts of therapists and doctors and feel there is a missing puzzle piece?
If left unchecked, breathing habits developed to manage pain, stress or expectations (ie birth trauma, surgeries, childhood or adult trauma, chronic stress, performance anxiety) can wreak havoc on our respiration and our health. These unconscious breathing habits can cause or exacerbate over 300 different symptoms or conditions.
"Breathwork with Joy has been an important piece of my recovery puzzle. I feel hopeful and in charge of my life again." ~Corinna Chichiluk
​What can I expect during a New Client intake session?
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Medical history and breathing behavior questionnaire
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Clarification why seeking support
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Awareness of breathing behaviors and mechanics.
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Breathing Behavior Assessment (measurement of C02 and interview) to determine baseline measurements and what, if any breathing habits are present and causing less than optimal oxygen perfusion.
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Compassionate somatic inquiry
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Body-based tools to tend to your nervous system states, as appropriate. ​
~The breath acts as a bridge between the conscious and unconscious,
and between the mind, body and the spirit. ~
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What do clients experience after consistent learning sessions?
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Measurable changes in respiratory function both at rest and when in stress.
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Decrease or elimination of a wide range of symptoms (because good respiration is fundamental to health).
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Reduction of body tensions (particularly jaw, chest, traps, neck and with Fibromyalgia-type pain/tension)
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Improved mood, energy and sleep
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Increased window of tolerance for stress (especially noticeable in clients recovering from PTSD)
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More self-awareness and personal insight
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Acknowledgement and processing of suppressed emotions
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Validation, self-compassion & agency over their health.
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Development of new breathing behaviors that serve life and new self-beliefs
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Increased capacity for joy
"Breathing is much more than mechanics. Breathing habits arise from all sorts of circumstances in our lives. Breathing is learned and it also learns."
~ Dr. Peter Litchfield
​What to expect during Breathing Behavior Learning sessions?
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A detailed learning plan is created, based on assessment findings, unique client needs and goals.
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With guidance, clients disengage detrimental breathing habits and restore breathing to its reflexive nature.
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Cellular respiration improves when the client's C02 levels are maintained in ideal ranges, allowing for optimal oxygen perfusion.
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Sessions are client-focused and may include tailored breath exercises, awareness of breathing mechanics and related triggers, desensitizing, reinterpretation of symptoms, various challenges including imaginations, exercise, and real life scenario or field practice and dialogue.
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A 6-hr package is typically advised as a start point with sessions 7-14 days apart to gain momentum and assist the development and maintenance of new breathing behaviors.
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Equipment: Clients use the office 'Capnotrainer' TM biometric device and their own nasal canula. It is optional (and extra cost) to rent a device for home practices to accelerate their learning and progress.
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Are there precautions?
Breathing behavior training is gentle with a focus on self-awareness, making it suitable for most conditions.
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Complex psychological challenges & PTSD/cPTSD
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Joy is not a licensed or trauma therapist, however she has specialty training in and regularly works with individuals recovering from trauma.
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If not already engaged, clients managing complex psychological challenges are advised to also work with a licensed therapist/psychologist. Recall of memories including habit causation may occur.
Addiction Recovery
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Client's need to be sober at appointments and actively engaging in recovery (i.e. 1:1 therapy/counselling or a group rehab focused program). This work can be a tremendous source of self-understanding and tool for self-regulation and a compliment to therapy.
Pregnancy
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This is safe and beneficial prior to and during pregnancy. The earlier the better. Both mom's and babies benefit from improved respiration.
Not sure/Questions? Message Joy about your symptoms/condition/questions. She is connected to specialists in this field and will happily consult or refer out.
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