The Breath in Psychotherapy

Claudia Businaro is returning to the Trust with her popular in-person workshop for those that missed out in 2024. There are limited spaces available so please do book early to avoid disappointment.

Open to all interested in learning more about the breath.

Why this workshop?

This one-day workshop will explore the interconnection between emotional life and breathing patterns, thus the connection between the mind and the body. This interconnection is well known in Yogic practices and Yogic breathing, but the western world is only relatively recently turning its gaze toward the breath as a relevant tool in the treatment of psychological disorders.

As a powerful tool, the conscious and skilful use of the breath, as understood and practiced by ancient traditions, can provide patients with an alternative approach to destructive and chronic behavioural patterns. Neuroscience research has shown how most mental health disorders are associated with dysfunctions of the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the unconscious, automatic regulation of some of the most important mechanisms of human responses to danger and social interactions.

Neuroscientists are discovering how voluntarily regulated breathing practices significantly improve mental health symptoms by modifying the fight, flight and freeze automatic response of the brain. Certain breathing techniques can therefore directly improve patients’ well-being and can also facilitate psychotherapeutic interventions by reducing patients’ anxiety and promoting trust. Breathing techniques can thus be utilised in psychotherapeutic interventions to reach the autonomic nervous system and mitigate harmful psychological symptoms.

Breathing techniques, such as Grof’s Holotropic breath-work, have been used in psychotherapeutic interventions for a few decades already; most mental health professionals are aware that the breath constantly reflects mental states and somatic experiences. Unfortunately, there is still little organisation and communication between different modalities of psychotherapeutic intervention, and not enough dialogue between neurosciences and spiritual approaches. This workshop aims to approach the breath as a tool in the welfare of both practitioners and patients.

Who is it for?

This workshop is open to qualified therapists, counsellors and health practitioners, as well as those interested in learning more about the breath in psychotherapy.

If you have any accessibility needs or special requirements that you need assistance with, please email Kajal at events@ptrust.org.uk.

Learning outcomes

The workshop will give an overview of:

• The physiology of breathing – how breathing is connected to the autonomous nervous system and how it can regulate its functioning.

• Breathing techniques that can positively affect their clients and alleviate symptoms such as chronic depression and anxiety.

What to expect?

The workshop will be held in person at the Psychosynthesis Trust building Participants will:

• Learn more about the theory and experiential exercises.
• Gain knowledge on the overview of how different cultures have understood the connection between the breath and emotions, and between the breath and spirituality.
• Explore several breathing techniques and used in practicums.
• Be presented with the latest research on neuroscience, (particular emphasis of polyvagal theory and its therapeutic applications)
• Have time for any questions and interaction with the trainer.

Our approach

Psychosynthesis as applied to psychotherapy is a unique approach that combines both psychology and spirituality. It is a holistic process that helps the individual deal with patterns of behaviours which inhibit or prevent living life in meaningful and fulfilling ways. It brings us into contact with the life journey to meaning and purpose.

Psychosynthesis’ origins have been profoundly influenced by eastern thoughts and practices; Assagioli was interested in theories and techniques which would free humans from the automatisms and sorrows of life, and at the same time would promote individual potential and spiritual growth. He was aware of ‘pranayama’, the yogic science of breathing, and used it, together with other tools from various disciplines, to alleviate his clients’ sufferings and increase their connection with creativity and meaning. The increase of mental well-being, which includes breathwork and the conscious use of the body, is at the very core of psychosynthesis, and it is the foundation of any therapeutic intervention and of self-realisation.

Ticket Price

At the Trust we appreciate that each person has their own unique situation, so we invite you to select the price point that feels like it represents a fair contribution for attending this event.

There are three options to choose from when purchasing tickets: £75; £100; £150

If you have any concerns around affordability, please contact Kajal at events@ptrust.org.uk

Trainer

Claudia Businaro

Claudia Businaro is a UKCP accredited psychotherapist. She works in private practice, teaches transpersonal psychotherapy at Warwick University and is a study tutor at the Trust, where she also supervises and teaches.

Claudia studied group therapy and trained as a supervisor. She taught CBT and group facilitation and worked as a family therapist and clinical supervisor for an addiction centre in England. She studied Cognitive Analytic Therapy at Guy’s Hospital, where she worked as an honorary therapist.

Claudia has been interested in spirituality for over 20 years. She studied Philosophy in Rome and completed an MA in Indian religions in London. She studied Sanskrit and Yoga philosophy in India, and is currently working on a doctorate on the therapeutic use of breath-work.