My mind is blown
My mind is blown. All of it. As someone who was hospitalised for panic disorder/hyper ventilation in her 20's, diagnosed with ADHD in her 50's and now coaching people with ADHD. I can see the links between it all... doing this work and my polyvagal work with clients shows me there is a way to support them that isn't just talk therapy. The mind/body link is so powerful.
Online Certification in Psychophysiological Breath Training (CertPBT)
CertPBT is a pioneering qualification for mental health professionals - equipping you with the clinical skills to assess and retrain dysfunctional breathing patterns and deliver better outcomes across anxiety, panic, stress, trauma, depression, and sleep disorders.
Train directly with Patrick McKeown and psychologist Alessandro Romagnoli, and integrate evidence-based breath training as a complementary tool to your existing therapeutic practice.
€995
- LanguageEnglish
- Duration100 Hours
- ScheduleSelf-paced
- Online Sessions3 x 2-hour
- AccessLifetime
- CertificateCERTPBT
Benefits of CERTPBT Certification
A Science-Led Clinical Intervention
CertPBT is grounded in respiratory physiology and psychophysiology — a structured, evidence-based framework designed to complement your existing clinical practice, targeting the underlying physiology driving your clients' symptoms.
Deliver Lasting Results For Your Clients
Add a proven, evidence-based breath training framework that produces measurable improvements across anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, depression and sleep disorders.
The Hidden Factor Holding Your Clients Back
There is a strong, well-documented correlation between dysfunctional breathing and anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, depression and sleep disorders — likely present in a significant proportion of your existing caseload.
Instructed by Leading Experts
Train with Patrick McKeown, one of the world's leading breathing experts, and Alessandro Romagnoli, a specialist psychotherapist and neuroscientist with over two decades of applied clinical experience.
Make Your Existing Therapies More Effective
Research shows clients with high CO2 chemosensitivity respond significantly less well to CBT. Addressing breathing physiology first creates the conditions your therapy needs to succeed.
Join a Global Community of Practitioners
Connect with certified instructors worldwide, access ongoing education and support, and list your services on the Buteyko Clinic directory to grow your practice.
Who is CERTPBT for?
This certification is designed for qualified mental health and healthcare professionals who want to broaden their therapeutic practice through evidence-based breath training. It is particularly suited to:
Dr. Aki Tsuchiyagaito, PhD
Dr. Aki Tsuchiyagaito, a neuroscientist and clinical psychologist based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, received her education from the University of Tokyo and earned a Ph.D. in Child Development from Osaka University.
Being certified as a Buteyko Clinic Method Instructor has significantly enhanced her approach by integrating neuroscience with powerful breathing strategies.
Mark Douthwaite, BACP
"As a qualified Psychotherapeutic Counsellor and Buteyko breathing instructor I work with a wide range of issues including anxiety & depression, sleep disorders, grief & loss, trauma & PTSD, addiction, stress, anger, self-harm, low self-esteem, low self-worth, low confidence, existential issues, relationship issues, phobias, asthma, improving sporting performance, issues from early life and much more.
I introduce breath retention exercises to control the speed and volume of your breath. This helps you to learn to breathe more slowly, calmly, and effectively."
Kay van Beersum
"A large number of physical and mental health issues can be alleviated by correcting dysfunctional breathing patterns and by re-balancing your nutrition and lifestyle. From insomnia, anxiety and high blood pressure, to chronic fatigue, IBS and IBD.
Kay is a passionate, experienced and dedicated Nutritional Therapist (BSc Hons), Ayurvedic Clinician (Dipl), Buteyko Method breathing instructor (Dipl) and coach."
Lorna Nicholson
Lorna is a registered Nurse, Pilates teacher and Stress Illness Recovery Practitioner, working with people with chronic health issues such as chronic pain, PoTS, Long Covid and associated symptoms.
Weronika Wirtel
"Certified Buteyko Method Instructor – Breathing Trainer based in Krakow. I am a mother, an experienced manager, a cultural expert, and a psychologist in spe. My expertise lies in teaching conscious breathing techniques that enhance well-being, reduce stress, and boost mental resilience.
I am passionate about conducting workshops for children, adults, and teams, customizing them to meet individual needs. I inspire and motivate others to incorporate healthy habits and mindfulness into their daily lives."
Dr. Louise Oliver, GP
Dr. Oliver became a perimenopausal snorer which led her to recognise her 24-hour breathing was inefficient. She improved her breathing efficiency, her snoring stopped, her sleep, exercise tolerance & stress resilience improved. She now splits her time between working as a GP & Functional Breathing Practitioner teaching others to breathe efficiently on her individual and group breathing re-education programmes.
Inefficient breathing contributes to a wide variety of symptoms or conditions however it is never too late to re-educate your body to breathe efficiently.
A breath of fresh air
The correlation between breathing and CBT engagement was very interesting. As a Hypno-CBT therapist and psychotherapist, I will definitely be more observant to my clients' breathing pattern and tailor treatment to first improve their relationship with their breathing through psychoeducation and weave-in breathing exercises with CBT to support their improvement/progress. Thank you, I'm glad I enrolled with PBT it's eye opening or should I say- it's a breath of fresh air.
I really had no idea just how much our breathing pattern effects the function of the brain and hence on the body. I will approach each individual with a deeper understanding of the dynamics that they could potentially, be experiencing. On a personal level, This has given me even more insight into my own 27 year journey experiencing seizures which slowed and seem to have stopped since I began working with my breathing using the Buteyko exercises. Wow!! our body is amazing!
Very empowering
Coaching the power of the breath, CO2 as an essential gas and not a 'waste' gas, linking low levels of CO2 with impact on brain function, mental wellbeing and body processes. Reducing breathing volume and slow breathing as a means to increase CO2 ... free and simple solution and very empowering
Looking forward to learn more!
I've often dealt with cold hands and feet, anxiety and difficulty sleeping. I'm grateful to be learning that these are actually symptoms of hyperventilation and are fixable with breath exercises. Looking forward to learn more and practicing to then be able to better pass along the information to help others. Everyone I talk to about this work is very interested and it makes sense to them, even though most have never heard of it before.
Dysfunctional Breathing & Mental Health
I started to think about how we each have a personal relationship with our breath. It also became clear how important changing dysfunctional breathing patterns can play in treating, for example, panic disorder. Mental health problems don't always improve by working solely on the mental level, so it's important to look at what might be wrong on the physical side.
So much potential!
It is refreshing to see a treatment strategy come together that connects both psychological and physiological systems in the body, that helps improve the models used to help people heal, better manage or overcome their health challenges. Empowering for people! So much potential!
Working with people with anxiety
I work with people who struggle with anxiety and it did not occur to me that anxiety can also be caused by the way you breathe. This was an interesting insight from the materials so far - that if you are a hyperventilator with your breath, your nervous system and mind can interpret this breathing pattern and associate it with somatic emotions such as anxiety.
€995
Curriculum
CertPBT is delivered through a structured online learning portal combined with three live interactive Zoom sessions with Patrick McKeown. Register anytime to unlock instant access to all course materials, recorded sessions, and exclusive resources. To achieve certification, participants must complete all required modules, assessments, and submit real-world case studies.
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Overview:
Learners will first be introduced to the scientific and conceptual foundations of psychophysiological breath training. They are then introduced to the relationship between breathing, emotional states, and physiological regulation, grounded in both respiratory science and psychophysiology. Learners will explore how breathing patterns reflect and influence mental and emotional processes, integrating insights from neuroscience and psychoneuroendocrineimmunology. By the end of this section, learners will understand what constitutes functional versus dysfunctional breathing and how breath acts as a bridge between body and mind.
What's included- 22 videos
- 3 reading
- 4 guided discussions
- 16 assessments
Modules included:
- Introduction
- Module 1 – Emotions
- Module 2 – Multidimensional Fundamentals of Healthy Breathing
- Module 3 – Tell Me How You Breathe and I’ll Tell You Who You Are
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Overview:
This section focuses on the application of breathing techniques for regulating emotional and psychological states. It examines how dysfunctional breathing contributes to stress, anxiety, panic, depression, and trauma-related conditions, and provides evidence-based interventions to restore nervous system balance. Learners develop a practical understanding of how to use breath training to influence autonomic function, improve emotional resilience, and support mental health outcomes across a range of clinical presentations.
What's included- 21 videos
- 7 readings
- 6 guided discussions
- 19 assessments
Modules included:
- Module 4 – Breath Training and Emotion Regulation
- Module 5 – Breath Training and Stress
- Module 6 – Breath Training and Anxiety
- Module 7 – Breath Training and Panic Attacks
- Module 8 – Breath Training and Depression
- Module 9 – Breath Training and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Overview:
Learners will deepen their understanding of the interaction between breathing, brain function, and systemic regulation. It explores the role of breathing in sleep quality, recovery, and the cognitive processes, alongside the neuroscience of the default mode network and its relationship to mental health. Learners gain insight into how breathwork influences brain activity, attention, and internal awareness, supporting both therapeutic and performance applications.
What's included- 25 videos
- 1 reading
- 1 guided discussion
- 7 assessments
Modules included:
- Module 10 – Breathing and Sleep
- Module 11 – Default Mode Network (DMN)
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Overview:
This section provides learners with an introduction to practical application. Learners develop the core skills required to assess breathing patterns, deliver breathing exercises, and support clients effectively. Emphasis is placed on observation, communication, and correct technique, ensuring that interventions are safe, appropriate, and tailored to individual needs.
What's included- 8 videos
- 1 guided discussion
- 1 assessment
Modules included:
- Introduction to Practical PBT Training
- Assessing Your Client’s Breathing Patterns
- Breathing Exercise Demonstrations
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Overview:
Learners end the course by focusing on the structured delivery of psychophysiological breath training in real-world settings. They are guided through program design, session planning, and client progression over time. It highlights how PBT can be integrated into clinical, therapeutic, and performance environments, supported by case-based learning. The case study component enables learners to apply knowledge in practice, aligning with assessment standards and reinforcing clinical reasoning.
What's included- 11 videos
- 1 reading
- 2 guided discussions
- 5 assessments
Modules included:
- Teaching Clients Week by Week
- Integrating PBT – Clinical and Applied Practice
- Case Studies
Online Class Schedule
As part of your CertPBT training you are invited to join three live interactive Zoom sessions with Patrick McKeown. These sessions offer a valuable opportunity to deepen your learning, ask questions, and connect with fellow participants. Live classes take place three times per year and you may attend as often as you wish. All sessions are recorded and available on the training portal at any time.
Next live classed. All times: 3-5pm (Dublin/London/Lisbon).
14, 16 & 17 July 2026
3, 5 & 6 November 2026
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Theory Module:
- Introduction to respiratory physiology and the science behind the Buteyko method
- Understanding the critical functions of nasal breathing and why they matter
- How to assess breathing patterns across an adult client population
- The relationship between breathing volume, pattern, and overall health
Practical Module
- Measure the Control Pause to assess a client's level of breathlessness
- Nose Decongesting Exercise to restore nasal airflow quickly and effectively
- Breathing Recovery Exercise to reduce over-breathing and calm the body
- Breathe Light Exercise to gently and safely reduce breathing volume
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Theory Module:
- The relationship between dysfunctional breathing patterns and insomnia, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea
- How sleep quality and mental health are directly connected through breathing
- Evidence-based breathing exercise protocol for clients with sleep disorders
- Practical strategies to help clients return to sleep easily after night waking
Practical Module
- Measure the Control Pause to assess and monitor client sleep-related breathing
- Breathing Recovery sitting to calm the nervous system before sleep
- Nose Decongesting Exercise tailored specifically for sleep apnea clients
- Breathe Light in three variations to reduce breathing volume during rest
- Breathe Slow to reduce sympathetic drive and improve alveolar ventilation
- Breathe Low to improve diaphragmatic recruitment and support deeper sleep
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Theory Module:
- The relationship between dysfunctional breathing patterns, panic disorder and anxiety
- How to design and apply breathing protocols for clients with anxiety and panic disorder
- Tailored approaches for clients who have a fearful or difficult relationship with their breathing
- Understanding the role of CO2 tolerance in regulating the stress response
Practical Module
- Measure the Control Pause to establish a baseline and track client progress
- Breathing Recovery sitting to quickly calm an activated stress response
- Breathing Recovery walking to build tolerance and reduce anxiety during movement
- Breathe Light tailored specifically to anxiety and panic disorder presentations
- Breathe Slow tailored to reduce sympathetic activation in anxious clients
- Breathe Low to improve diaphragmatic engagement and promote nervous system regulation
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Learning Outcomes
- Assess and identify dysfunctional breathing patterns across a range of mental health presentations including anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, depression, and sleep disorders
- Apply evidence-based Buteyko and psychophysiological breath training protocols safely and effectively in clinical and therapeutic settings
- Understand the biochemical, biomechanical, and psychophysiological dimensions of healthy and dysfunctional breathing
- Integrate breath training seamlessly into existing psychotherapy, counselling, and mental health practice
- Graduate with the globally recognised CertPBT qualification — a credential trusted by mental health professionals worldwide
Professional Accreditations
CERTPBT is now officially CPD approved by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and accreditations in both the United Kingdom and United States are currently being processed.
What's included in CERTPBT certification
Comprehensive Online Training Portal
Access a structured and ever-growing library of lectures, videos, and resources — available anytime, so you can learn at your own pace and revisit content whenever you need it.
Live Training Sessions with Patrick McKeown
Join 3 × 2-hour live Zoom sessions led by Patrick McKeown, offering hands-on practice, in-depth learning, and dedicated Q&A time. Repeat access included so nothing is missed.
Certification Guidance & Support
Receive clear, step-by-step guidance on completing the required case studies and assessments — so you always know what is expected and feel confident on your path to certification.
Monthly Live Refresher Meetings
Connect monthly in live sessions with Patrick and a mix of new and experienced Buteyko instructors — a space to ask questions, share experiences, and grow together as a community.
Comprehensive Training Manual
Receive an in-depth training manual complete with exercise scripts, clinical protocols, and evidence-based guidelines covering sleep, mental health, and psychophysiological breath training.
Dedicated Mentorship & Personal Support
Benefit from one-on-one mentorship with a dedicated team member who is available to answer your questions and guide you through each stage of your training journey.
Supportive Online Community
Join a thriving community of instructors and mental health professionals where you can connect, ask questions, share insights, and learn from practitioners at every stage of their career.
Professional Practice Resources
Hit the ground running with everything you need to launch your practice — including client intake forms, insurance guidance, marketing materials, and permission to use the Buteyko Clinic logo across your website and client communications.
€995
YOUR TRAINERS
Patrick McKeown
Patrick McKeown is a leading international authority on the Buteyko Method. Educated at Trinity College Dublin, he completed clinical training in Russia with Dr. Konstantin Buteyko and was accredited in 2002.
Over the past 23 years, Patrick has trained more than 3,000 healthcare professionals across 50+ countries and helped countless children and adults address respiratory, sleep, dental, and mental health disorders. He is the author of eleven books published in 16 languages, including three landmark titles The Oxygen Advantage (2015), The Breathing Cure (2021) and The Breathing Cure for Better Sleep (2025).
Patrick's research has been published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, and he is a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Biology and the Academy of Applied Myofunctional Sciences. He is a regular speaker at dental and respiratory conferences worldwide.
His life's work is simple: empowering others to take control of their health through the science of functional breathing.
Alessandro Romagnoli, MSc (Neuroscience)
Alessandro Romagnoli is a psychotherapist and psychologist specialised in cognitive and neuropsychological psychotherapy. He holds four postgraduate diplomas in Clinical Neuropsychology, Psychosomatic Medicine, Sport Psychology, and Elite Sport Performance, and is a registered member of the Ordine degli Psicologi (Italy).
Alongside Patrick McKeown and Dr. Aki Tsuchiyagaito, Alessandro co-developed the CertPBT programme, bringing clinical depth and applied breathwork expertise to its design. He is a certified Master Instructor in both the Oxygen Advantage® and Buteyko Clinic Method®, and holds additional certifications in the Wim Hof Method®, XPT Performance Breathing®, and Mindfulness Sport Performance Enhancement®.
In applied practice Alessandro has worked with Italian Olympic sport federations, Special Forces, and elite athletes across multiple disciplines, as well as serving as mental coach for Ferrari athletes and MMA fighters. He works internationally in Italian, French, and English with both athletes and individuals presenting with psychopathological conditions.
FAQs
What is the CertPBT and who is it for?
What is the CertPBT and who is it for?
The Certification in Psychophysiological Breath Training (CertPBT) is a specialist
programme designed primarily for qualified mental health professionals —
including psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, mental health nurses, and social workers — who want to integrate evidence-based breath training into their existing clinical practice. It is also open to wellness professionals with a serious, focused interest in working within the mental health space.
Will the CertPBT qualify me as a mental health professional?
Will the CertPBT qualify me as a mental health professional?
No. The CertPBT does not confer any mental health qualification. It is designed to equip you with the skills to use breath training as a complementary tool within the scope of your existing practice — not to replace mental health training. For qualified mental health professionals, it broadens your therapeutic toolkit. For wellness practitioners, it provides a clinically grounded framework for breath-based work within appropriate professional boundaries.
I'm a wellness practitioner rather than a mental health professional — is this course right for me?
I'm a wellness practitioner rather than a mental health professional — is this course right for me?
It may well be. The course is clinically rigorous and evidence-based, so you should expect to engage deeply with psychophysiology, nervous system regulation, and clinical assessment — not just practical breathing techniques. If you work with clients around stress, anxiety, or emotional regulation and want a stronger clinical foundation, the CertPBT could be a strong fit. If you are newer to this area, the CertBBM may be a better starting point.
How is the CertPBT different from the CertBBM?
How is the CertPBT different from the CertBBM?
The CertBBM is a broad-based Buteyko certification covering respiratory health, sleep, dental, and general wellbeing — suited to a wide range of health professionals, coaches, and wellness practitioners. The CertPBT goes deeper into the psychology and neuroscience of breathing, with a specific focus on anxiety, panic, stress, trauma, depression, and sleep disorders. It is co-developed with psychologist Alessandro Romagnoli and is designed to complement existing psychotherapy and counselling approaches.
Can I do both the CertPBT and CertBBM?
Can I do both the CertPBT and CertBBM?
Yes, and many practitioners find them complementary. The CertBBM provides a broad clinical foundation across health and breathing, while the CertPBT specialises in mental health applications. Together they offer a comprehensive skill set.
I've already completed the CertBBM — is there a discount on the CertPBT?
I've already completed the CertBBM — is there a discount on the CertPBT?
Yes. If you have already completed either the CertBBM or CertPBT, you qualify for a 50% discount when enrolling in the other online course. Please contact us at hello@buteykoclinic.com to receive your discount code before purchasing.
How does the CertPBT differ from approaches like holotropic breathwork or trauma release techniques?
How does the CertPBT differ from approaches like holotropic breathwork or trauma release techniques?
The CertPBT is grounded in functional breathing physiology and psychophysiological regulation. Its focus is on restoring calm, efficient nasal breathing as a foundation for nervous system balance — working in the opposite direction to approaches that use altered or extended breathing states to facilitate emotional release. Neither approach is better than the other; they operate in different therapeutic territories. If you already work with somatic or trauma-informed methods, the CertPBT can be a valuable complement, providing a physiologically grounded, measurable framework alongside your existing practice.
Do I need prior knowledge of breathwork or the Buteyko Method?
Do I need prior knowledge of breathwork or the Buteyko Method?
No. The programme begins with the foundations of psychophysiological breath training and builds progressively. Your existing clinical or professional background is the key prerequisite.
How is the course structured and how long does it take?
How is the course structured and how long does it take?
The course is self-paced through an online portal, covering 8 structured sections
from breathing science and emotion through to clinical assessment, intervention, and teaching integration. Three live 2-hour Zoom sessions with Patrick McKeown are included. Most participants complete the programme over several weeks to a few months.
Is there a live in-person option?
Is there a live in-person option?
The CertPBT is currently available online only. The programme is delivered through
a self-paced online portal with three live Zoom sessions included — a format
that allows participants worldwide to complete the course at their own pace,
with lifetime access to all recordings and materials.
What if I can't attend the live Zoom sessions?
What if I can't attend the live Zoom sessions?
All sessions are recorded and available on the portal at any time. You also have repeat access to future live cohorts.
When does the next cohort of live sessions begin?
When does the next cohort of live sessions begin?
The next cohort of live sessions are scheduled for July 14, 16 and 17 3pm to 5pm (London/Dublin/Lisbon)
Are payment plans available?
Are payment plans available?
Yes, payment plans are available in selected markets. Klarna Pay by Instalment is available at checkout for European customers, and PayPal Pay in 3 is available in the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Australia. Full details are shown on the course page at checkout.
Who are the instructors?
Who are the instructors?
The programme is led by Patrick McKeown (MA, FRSB), an internationally recognised authority on the Buteyko Method with over 22 years of clinical experience, and co-delivered by Alessandro Romagnoli, a psychotherapist and psychologist with postgraduate specialisations in clinical neuropsychology, psychosomatic medicine, and sport psychology.
What do I receive on completion?
What do I receive on completion?
On successful completion of the required case studies and assessments, you receive the CertPBT qualification, a comprehensive training manual with exercise scripts and clinical protocols, professional practice resources including client intake forms and insurance guidance, marketing materials, and permission to use the Buteyko Clinic logo in your professional communications.
€995
