Online Certification in Psychophysiological Breath Training (CertPBT) with Patrick McKeown

Course Overview:

The Certification in Psychophysiological Breath Training (CertPBT) offers a structured and evidence-based framework for understanding the relationship between breathing, mind, and body in the context of mental health and emotional wellbeing. Through integrated theory and applied practice, participants will learn to assess, interpret, and modify breathing patterns to support psychological regulation and overall health.

Clinical Assessment Tools:

Identify dysfunctional breathing patterns using a structured, evidence-based framework. Develop a clear understanding of the biochemical, biomechanical, and psychophysiological dimensions that define healthy respiration.

Intervention Strategies:

Learn and apply practical breathing protocols to regulate the nervous system, calm anxiety, and improve sleep. Gain the confidence to select, adapt, and implement techniques safely across a range of mental health and wellbeing contexts.

Applied Learning:

Explore real-world case scenarios across anxiety, PTSD, insomnia, and stress-related disorders. Engage in comprehensive study of the medical and psychological connections between the body, mind, and breath to inform effective, compassionate, and evidence-based practice

What’s included in this course?

• All of the information that you need to get certified and to practice the Buteyko PBT Method in simple, actionable steps
• Access to our extensive online training portal structured with lectures, videos, and resources you can revisit anytime
• Structured live Zoom sessions with Patrick McKeown for practice, Q&A, and deeper learning (incl. repeat access)
• Guidance and support on how to complete the necessary case studies and tests to achieve certification
• Monthly live meetings with Patrick and other Buteyko instructors - new and experienced - to ask questions and share experiences
• A comprehensive training manual including exercise scripts, formats for adults and children, and protocols for sleep and mental health.
• A supportive online community where you can connect, ask questions, and learn from fellow instructors
• Professional practice resources including client intake forms, insurance guidance, marketing materials, and permission to use the Buteyko Clinic logo on your website and client communications
• Access to the Buteyko Clinic App for your clients offering guided exercises and breathwork coaching to manage stress, anxiety, and improve overall well-being

SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL BREATH TRAINING

Theory Module:

• Overview of psychophysiological breath training and its scientific foundations
• Understanding dysfunctional breathing and its impact on mental health
• How breathing influences emotional and cognitive regulation
• Limitations of traditional CBT and how breath training enhances outcomes
  

Practical Module:

• Orientation to course structure and assessments
• Guided reflection and discussion on personal breathing awareness
  

SECTION 2: EMOTIONS AND BREATHING

Theory Module:

• The relationship between emotions, environment, and respiration
• Evolutionary and psychophysiological foundations of emotional responses
• The Psycho–Neuro–Endocrine–Immunology (PNEI) model linking breath, body, and mind
  

Practical Module:

• Exercises for recognising emotional states through breath
• Guided discussion and integration
  

SECTION 3: FUNDAMENTALS OF FUNCTIONAL BREATHING

Theory Module:
Principles of functional breathing

• Origins and consequences of dysfunctional breathing
• The role of CO₂ and pH regulation in respiratory physiology
• Introduction to the Buteyko Method and the multidimensional breathing framework
  

Practical Module:

• Foundational breathing exercises
• Practice in breathing regulation and mastery techniques
  

SECTION 4: BREATHING, AWARENESS, AND EMOTIONAL REGULATION

Theory Module:

• How breathing patterns shape awareness, cognition, and emotion
• Interoception and the role of self-awareness in psychological regulation
  
• 
  Mechanisms of breath control and nervous system balance
  
• The science of emotional regulation through breath
  

Practical Module:

• Breath observation and awareness-building practices
  
• Progressive regulation techniques for emotional balance
  
• 
  Guided reflection and discussion
  

SECTION 5: BREATH TRAINING FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Theory Module:

• The psychophysiology of stress, anxiety, and panic
  
• 
  Carbon dioxide regulation and its role in anxiety and panic disorders
  
• 
  Functional breathing protocols for stress recovery
  
• 
  Depression, PTSD, and trauma-informed approaches to breathing
  

Practical Module:

• 
  Targeted breathing sequences for stress, anxiety, panic, and low mood
  
• 
  Guided reflection and discussion
  

SECTION 6: BREATHING AND SLEEP

Theory Module:

• 
  The relationship between breathing, sleep, and mental health
  
• 
  Understanding insomnia, snoring, and sleep apnea
  
• 
  Rumination, gender differences, and sleep across the lifespan
  

Practical Module:

• 
  Breathing techniques for relaxation and sleep onset
  
• 
  Guided discussion and integration
  

SECTION 7: PRACTICAL PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL BREATH TRAINING

Theory Module:

• 
  Applying psychophysiological breath training in clinical and therapeutic settings
  
• 
  Functional breathing assessment tools and interpretation
  
• 
  Addressing discomfort and challenges in breath awareness
  

Practical Module:

• 
  Demonstration of key breathing assessments and exercises
  
• 
  Guided audios for sleep, focus, and emotional regulation
  

SECTION 8: TEACHING AND INTEGRATION

Theory Module:

• 
  Week-by-week structure for teaching PBT programs
  
• 
  Integrating breath training into psychotherapy, counselling, and clinical practice
  
• 
  Professional ethics, safety, and client care
  

Practical Module:

• Teaching progression and delivery practice
  Integration sessions, case studies, and Q&A discussion

As part of your training we invite you to dial in to Patrick’s live Zoom classes.

Live classes take place at specific times during the year (3 times annually), and you may attend as often as you wish. It is recommended that you attend (or view the recordings) of one complete set of live classes as part of your training.

Classes are recorded and uploaded to the online education portal where they remain available to view at all times.

2025 LIVE CLASS SCHEDULE:

November
Class 1: Tuesday 4 November (3pm to 5pm)
Class 2: Wednesday 5 November (3pm to 5pm)
Class 3: Thursday 6 November (3pm to 5pm)
Class 4: Friday 7 November (3pm to 5pm)
Class 5: Tuesday 11 November (3pm to 5pm)
Class 6: Wednesday 12 November (3pm to 5pm)
Class 7: Thursday 13 November (3pm to 5pm)

The live Zoom classes are delivered by Patrick and are a wonderful way of learning directly with him in an interactive setting. The classes are the most important 'required' element of your study for this certification.

Other ‘required’ learning elements such as video chapters, presentations and the exam, are located on the online education portal you receive access to when registering for the training.

It is required to dial in for OR view a recording of a complete set of live classes.

You may also attend any future live classes as often as you wish for further learning. Just use the Zoom link to dial in.

All class details for the year ahead as well as Zoom link are detailed on your online education portal.

Your Trainer

Patrick McKeown is a leading international authority on the Buteyko Method.

Educated at Trinity College Dublin, he completed his clinical training in Russia and was accredited in 2002 by the method’s founder, the late Dr. Konstantin Buteyko.

For the past twenty two years, he has taught the Buteyko Method to help children and adults with respiratory, sleep and mental health disorders. The author of eleven books published in 16 languages, Patrick has trained thousands of healthcare professionals in the Buteyko Method, in over 50 countries worldwide.

Patrick’s bestselling books include:

Mouth Breather (2024) offers a concise and humorous introduction of breathing training to beginners. Specifically written for the person who is curious about breathing, what it offers and how to bring simple breathing exercises into one’s way of life for asthma, sleep, physical exercise and concentration.

The Breathing Cure (2021) is a deep dive into the science and practical application of breathing exercises. It explores functional breathing for a wide range of health conditions, and breathing exercises suitable for adults, children and teens.

The Oxygen Advantage (2015) explores improving sports performance by addressing dysfunctional breathing patterns and simulating high altitude. Referred to as the ultimate guide for applying breathing to better physical and mental performance.

Patrick’s co-authored article, Breathing Re-Education and Phenotypes of Sleep Apnea: A Review is published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Patrick is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology and the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences and is regularly invited to speak at dental and respiratory conferences worldwide.

He is passionate about the science and application of functional breathing. His life is dedicated to sharing knowledge and skills to help others take control of their health.