Section 1: Introduction to Psychophysiological Breath Training
Theory: 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.
Practice: Orientation to course structure and assessments. Guided reflection and discussion on personal breathing awareness.
Section 2: Emotions and Breathing
Theory: 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.
Practice: Exercises for recognising emotional states through breath. Guided discussion and integration.
Section 3: Fundamentals of Functional Breathing
Theory: 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.
Practice: Foundational breathing exercises. Practice in breathing regulation and mastery techniques.
Section 4: Breathing, Awareness, and Emotional Regulation
Theory: 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.
Practice: Breath observation and awareness-building practices. Progressive regulation techniques for emotional balance. Guided reflection and discussion.
Section 5: Breath Training for Mental Health
Theory: The psychophysiology of stress, anxiety, and panic, trauma and depression. 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.
Practice: Targeted breathing sequences for stress, anxiety, panic, and low mood. Guided reflection and discussion.
Section 6: Breathing and Sleep
Theory: The relationship between breathing, sleep, and mental health. Understanding insomnia, snoring, and sleep apnea. Rumination, gender differences, and sleep across the lifespan.
Practice: Breathing techniques for relaxation and sleep onset. Guided discussion and integration.
Section 7: Practical Psychophysiological Breath Training
Theory: Applying psychophysiological breath training in clinical and therapeutic settings. Functional breathing assessment tools and interpretation. Addressing discomfort and challenges in breath awareness.
Practice: Demonstration of key breathing assessments and exercises. Guided audios for sleep, focus, and emotional regulation.
Section 8: Teaching and Integration
Theory: Week-by-week structure for teaching PBT programmes. Integrating breath training into psychotherapy, counselling, and clinical practice. Professional ethics, safety, and client care.
Practice: Teaching progression and delivery practice. Integration sessions, case studies, and Q&A discussion.
