Who can benefit from breathwork?

• Allows your body to use oxygen more efficiently

• Boosts cardiovascular and respiratory health

• Improves hormone and neurotransmitter functioning

• Facilitates healthy gut functioning

• Increases motor control

While deep breathing is often a part of meditation practice, the key distinction lies in control. While breathwork focuses on practicing specific breathing patterns to promote health and wellness, meditation discourages controlling the breath in favor of mindfully observing it. Instead of manipulating breathing patterns, during meditation you are encouraged to just breathe, becoming nonjudgmentally aware of your breath, in addition to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. You might choose to focus on your breath during meditation, or a mantra or visualization, to guide your practice. Breathwork allows you to intentionally affect the autonomic nervous system by shifting the balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body.

The human brain constitutes a mere 2% of our total body weight yet consumes about 20% of the oxygen we take in when we breathe. It needs a consistent and plentiful oxygen supply to operate smoothly for our physical and mental health. The brain interprets a low oxygen supply—the result of shallow, rapid breathing—as a threat or danger, and it activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).

When we breathe improperly—breathing too shallowly and rapidly, which is referred to as chest breathing—our oxygen and carbon dioxide levels become unbalanced, and our sympathetic nervous system remains activated. Voluntary, controlled slow and deep breathing, which is one method of breathing enhanced by breathwork, resets the autonomic nervous system, boosts the brain’s oxygen supply, lowers carbon dioxide levels in the blood, slows brain wave activity, and facilitates coordinated, calm activity throughout the systems of the body.

While breathwork can be beneficial for many, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid it altogether.

Those who should not do breathwork without consulting a healthcare professional include:

• People with severe cardiovascular Issues: Individuals with heart conditions such as arrhythmia, hypertension, or recent heart attacks should avoid breathwork, as intense breathing practices can place additional strain on the heart.

• Pregnant women: Some breathwork techniques involve vigorous breathing that may not be safe during pregnancy.

• Individuals with severe respiratory conditions: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma, or other serious respiratory issues may find certain breathwork practices challenging or harmful.

• People with a history of seizures: Breathwork can sometimes trigger hyperventilation, which might increase the risk of a seizure in susceptible individuals.

• Individuals with severe psychiatric conditions: Those with conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe anxiety may find breathwork exacerbates their symptoms.

• People with uncontrolled blood pressure: Both high and low blood pressure can be affected by breathwork practices, potentially leading to adverse effects.

• Recent surgeries or injuries: Individuals recovering from surgery or with significant physical injuries should avoid breathwork until fully healed.

• People with glaucoma or retinal detachment: The increased pressure from certain breathwork techniques may aggravate these conditions.

Before starting any breathwork practice, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying health concerns.

Dr. Shayda offers breathwork as a healing modality for established clients. When you begin working with Dr. Shayda as your therapist, together you will integrate breathwork into your treatment plan after the first 2-3 psychotherapy sessions. She will inform you of everything you will need to know, what to expect, and how to best prepare for your breathwork experience. Currently Dr. Shayda facilitates breathwork via telehealth only.

Breathwork sessions are 2 hours.

Individual Psychotherapy client, Investment: $400

Corporate Workshops:

• 2 hour experiences begin at $1200+ (investment is calculated based on size of group and # of assistants needed to support)

• Events can be customized to fit your teams needs.

• Half-day or customized retreat experiences: Inquire for custom pricing.

• Cost of travel will be included in final investment.

Private Sessions:

    •    2 hour curated breathwork session held at the HealATL studio space for 6 participants: $1200 flat rate

Important note for workshops & groups: To secure your event date on Dr. Shayda’s calendar you will be required to sign a contract for booking her services & provide a 50% non-refundable deposit. Participants will be required to sign a waiver prior to the event.

Yes, Dr. Shayda can customize workshops to meet the needs of your group.

Breathwork groups are impactful and restorative. The goal is to create meaningful connection while still offering individualized attention. Dr. Shayda can comfortably guide sessions for up to 20 participants on her own; for larger groups, she typically will bring an assistant(s) to help support the space and ensure everyone is cared for.

Each session includes:

• A brief introduction and psychoeducation on how breathwork supports nervous system regulation and emotional processing.

• Insight into how circular breathing (aka conscious connected breath) helps release stuck or stored emotions

• Education on how to practice circular breathing and what to expect during “the breathe”. “The Breathe” refers to the breathwork portion of the workshop.

• Grounding and intention-setting meditation before we begin the breathe.

• A 60-minute guided breathwork journey, using healing music and gentle prompts to support emotional release and mind-body connection. Supportive therapeutic touch including tapping and energy work may be used.

• A closing moment for reflection, integration, sharing, and Q&A.

• Handouts to support at home practice and reflection. As well as resources for mental health support.

This offering is a 2-hour experience.  The structure is designed to provide a safe, supported container for participants to drop in, release, and walk away feeling more connected to themselves and their bodies.

*Don’t have two hours, Dr. Shayda can customize the breathwork experience to fit your group needs.