Workshop: Breathwork in Therapy

Facilitator: Claudia Businaro

Date: Saturday 17th May 2025

Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Training Type: In Person (face to face)

Venue: Willows Counselling & Training, 11 Prospect Place, Swindon SN1 3LQ

Hosted by: Willows Counselling & Training, Swindon

CPD: 5 Hours

About the Workshop:

Recent advances in neuroscience have highlighted the power of conscious and skilful breath-work as a transformative tool for mental health.

Breathing, uniquely among human functions, provides a direct link to the ‘deep mind’—the unconscious processes governed by the autonomic nervous system, which plays a crucial role in conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and cravings. While this system typically operates below consciousness and is often addressed through medication or psychological interventions, research now shows that specific breathing techniques can directly influence and ‘re-tune’ these deep processes.

The implications of this discovery are both promising and exciting. Teaching individuals structured breathing patterns and exercises can significantly alleviate and, in some cases, resolve mental health symptoms. Breath-work is particularly valuable for those dealing with active addiction or recovery, offering powerful tools for managing cravings, preventing lapses and relapses, and supporting long-term recovery.

This workshop blends theory and practice, exploring the intersection of neuroscience, polyvagal theory, and spiritual perspectives on breath. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the science behind breath-work, as well as practical techniques to integrate into clinical practice, empowering mental health practitioners to harness the therapeutic potential of the breath.

About the speaker:

Claudia Businaro is a UKCP-accredited psychotherapist and a supervisor with a multifaceted professional background, working in private practice in London and Wiltshire. She teaches and supervises on counselling and psychotherapy diplomas at the Psychosynthesis Trust in London and has also taught Transpersonal Psychotherapy in an MSc program at Warwick University. Claudia has extensive clinical and teaching experience, including CBT and group facilitation in a Bath University-accredited addiction counselling program, as well as family therapy and clinical supervision at a residential addiction centre. Trained as a Psychosynthesis psychotherapist, she also studied Cognitive Analytic Therapy at Guy’s Hospital, where she worked as an Honorary Therapist; she trained in Gestalt group therapy in London and facilitated Relational Dynamic group work in a counselling training course.

With over 20 years of interest in spirituality, Claudia holds an MA in Indian Religions and studied Western philosophy at Rome University. She has trained in Pranayama with Kausthub Desikachar, studied Sanskrit and Yoga philosophy in India, and is currently pursuing a doctorate on the therapeutic application of breath-work. Claudia has facilitated breath-work workshops in London and Italy and presented on the topic at international conferences in India and Italy. Her integrative approach blends Psychosynthesis, Gestalt, CAT, CBT, and breath-work, demonstrating her commitment to fostering spiritual growth and therapeutic transformation.

Practicalities:

Breaks - There will be one short refreshments break and a lunch break. Free tea & coffee will be available on site, and there are a number of shops and cafes locally that delegates may wish to use during lunch.

Parking - Limited free parking is available on site on a first come first served basis. There are a number of pay as you go car parks locally. The closest is on Prospect Place, 1 minute walk away.

Train/Bus - Willows Training is accessible by local bus routes. The main Swindon bus and rail stations are approx 20 minutes walk away.

Who is this workshop suitable for?

This workshop has been designed as a source of Continued Professional Development (CPD) for Counsellors, Psychotherapists, other mental health professionals, and students undertaking counsellor/psychotherapy training. It may also be helpful for anyone working in a caring, helping or pastoral profession, including Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Youth Workers and Social Workers.

Attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothing for particpation in breathwork exercises.

If attendees are pregnant, or have a heart condition, we ask you to make Claudia aware of this on the day and she will adjust some of the practical exercises accordingly.

About Willows Counselling and Training Service

Willows is a charitable organisation offering Counselling and Counsellor Training in Swindon, Wiltshire. The service has been running for 30 years and is well established in both knowledge and reputation in the local area and beyond.

Willows offers the full suite of qualifying courses for Counsellors; Levels 2, 3 and Level 4 Diploma. For qualified therapists, they run a postgraduate Level 6 Diploma in Trauma Counselling, as well as an annual CPD programme of one-day Saturday workshops days and an annual training conference.

Tickets

- General Admission
  £76.55 incl. £6.55 booking fee
- Willows Counsellor / Supervisor / Trainer
  £60.29 incl. £5.29 booking fee
- Willows Student
  £49.46 incl. £4.46 booking fee

Tickets

General Admission

Willows Counsellor / Supervisor / Trainer

Willows Student