Breathwork: A Path to Full Body Healing

Meet Our Breathwork Therapists

Have you ever felt trapped in your own mind, overwhelmed by stress, or simply out of sync with your body?

What if I told you that the key to unlocking a profound sense of calm and clarity is as simple as your next breath? 

Breathwork is more than just a trendy wellness practice—it's a journey into the depths of your own being. Imagine harnessing the power of your breath to release tension, ignite creativity, and tap into a wellspring of inner peace. Whether you're seeking to reduce anxiety, enhance focus, or connect more deeply with yourself, breathwork offers a pathway to transformation that's both accessible and invigorating.

“The breath is the fuel that powers the work to bypass the intellect, enabling people to break through the psychology of their mind.” ~David Elliott, The Reluctant Healer

What is Breathwork?

Breathwork refers to a variety of practices that involve consciously controlling the breath to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By focusing on our breath, we can tap into our body’s natural healing mechanisms, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. The essence of breathwork lies in its ability to help us connect with ourselves on a deeper level, facilitating a state of mindfulness and self-awareness.

I've been trained in a specific form of breathwork healing by David Elliott. In this form of breath we utilize an active breathing process that combines an ancient two-step breath technique with resonating sound and/or music to create an experience that allows one to tune into their own inner healing needs and abilities. 

Through initial engagement and continued practice with the breathwork you have the opportunity to learn how to exhale not just air, but also the weight of your worries, experience a profound awareness as you sync your breath with your physical sensations, allow the rhythms of your breath to help you navigate and express emotions that may be ready to surface, and clear the mental fog and invite clarity into your thoughts, making way for creativity and productivity.

Benefits of Breathwork

Breathwork has been shown to positively impact a variety of physical and mental health issues. Here are some specific areas where regular breathwork practice can be beneficial:

1. Anxiety and Stress Reduction: Breathwork techniques promote relaxation and help lower cortisol levels, which can alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress.

2. Depression: Engaging in breathwork can enhance mood and reduce symptoms of depression by increasing oxygen flow and stimulating the release of endorphins.

3. PTSD: Breathwork can support individuals dealing with trauma by facilitating emotional release and helping to process difficult experiences in a safe way.

4. Improved Sleep: Regular breathwork can enhance sleep quality by calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

5. Chronic Pain Management: Breathwork can help manage pain by promoting relaxation and providing tools for coping with discomfort.

6. Enhanced Focus and Clarity: Practicing breathwork can improve concentration and mental clarity, making it easier to focus on tasks.

7. Physical Health Benefits: Breathwork can improve lung function, boost the immune system, and increase overall energy levels due to improved oxygenation of the body.

8. Emotional Regulation: It helps individuals become more aware of their emotions, enabling them to respond to situations more mindfully rather than reactively.

Integrating Breathwork into Talk Therapy

Integrating breathwork into traditional talk therapy can enhance therapeutic effects and provide clients with practical tools for managing their emotions. Here are some effective ways we often use breathwork in session:

1. Opening Sessions with Breathwork: Start therapy sessions with a few minutes of focused breathing exercises to help clients center themselves and prepare emotionally for the conversation ahead.

2. Deepening Emotional Exploration: Encourage clients to use breathwork when discussing challenging topics. This prepares them to stay present while navigating difficult emotions, making it easier to process feelings of anxiety or trauma.

3. Stress Management Tools: Teach clients breathwork techniques they can practice outside of sessions. This empowers them to manage stress and anxiety in real-time, fostering independence and resilience.

4. Ending Sessions Mindfully: Conclude therapy by guiding clients through a calming breathwork ritual, promoting relaxation and grounding before they leave.

 Join the Movement!

Overall, breathwork is a versatile practice that can complement traditional therapies and promote holistic well-being. Experience firsthand how each breath can be a step toward a more vibrant and balanced you. Ready to embark on this life-changing journey? If you're interested in a specific area or have further questions, feel free to ask! 

Don’t wait! Your breath is your most powerful ally. Let’s unlock its potential together!


Jaleesa Pirtle, LCPC

Balanced Awakening Lakeview
4043 N Ravenswood Ave, Ste 301
Chicago, IL 60613
 
Balanced Awakening Andersonville
5215 N Ravenswood Ave, Ste 201 & 208
Chicago, IL 60640
 
Balanced Awakening Loop
25 E Washington St, Ste 1505
Chicago, IL 60602
 

Breathwork Therapy FAQs

  • In the first two sessions, your therapist will ask you questions about your life currently, your history, and what you might hope to get out of therapy. From there, you and your therapist will discuss goals for therapy. Therapy sessions that have breathwork as primary component will involve a portion of the session actively engaging in breathwork. Your breathwork therapist will first teach you how to do the breathwork, and will guide you through the process, step by step.

  • Our therapy rate for the first two sessions is $245. After that, individual 55 minute sessions are $220. Most of our providers accept BCBS PPO and Aetna insurance.

  • Yes! We offer virtual therapy sessions as well as in-person. Sometimes it’s easier for clients to engage in therapy virtually, especially when they are juggling work, school, or family life at the same time.

  • 1. Anxiety and Stress Reduction: Breathwork techniques promote relaxation and help lower cortisol levels, which can alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress.

    2. Depression: Engaging in breathwork can enhance mood and reduce symptoms of depression by increasing oxygen flow and stimulating the release of endorphins.

    3. PTSD: Breathwork can support individuals dealing with trauma by facilitating emotional release and helping to process difficult experiences in a safe way.

    4. Improved Sleep: Regular breathwork can enhance sleep quality by calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

    5. Chronic Pain Management: Breathwork can help manage pain by promoting relaxation and providing tools for coping with discomfort.

    6. Enhanced Focus and Clarity: Practicing breathwork can improve concentration and mental clarity, making it easier to focus on tasks.

    7. Physical Health Benefits: Breathwork can improve lung function, boost the immune system, and increase overall energy levels due to improved oxygenation of the body.

    8. Emotional Regulation: It helps individuals become more aware of their emotions, enabling them to respond to situations more mindfully rather than reactively.

  • You can visit Jaleesa Pirtle's page and book directly or join her waitlist!