You’ve probably heard the word breathwork more times this year than ever before, but what does it actually look like in coaching practice? In this edition of Real Talk, we wanted to know: how are coaches using breathwork to support their clients, and themselves? From managing stress to creating presence, breathwork can shift the tone of a session in just a few minutes.
Here’s what coaches shared about their experiences, the benefits of breathwork for coaches and clients, and tips for those interested in adding breathwork to their coaching toolkit.
Why did you choose to add breathwork to your coaching practice?
With a background in yoga and embodiment, adding breathwork felt like a natural extension of how I hold space. It helps ground the nervous system, create a sense of internal safety, and gently guide clients from their busy minds back into their bodies. I often invite breathwork at the beginning of sessions to support presence, or during moments when things feel overwhelming – always with consent. It’s a beautiful way to return to the here and now, both physically and emotionally.
— Marta Lutomska
Breathwork is a great tool to use in a coaching session – even if just for a minute to help with stress, anxiety, fears, or worries – it also allows the client to relax, calm, and find some stillness in their day.
— Megan Forgie
I’ve experienced firsthand how powerful breathwork can be. When I practice it before a therapy or coaching session, I feel more grounded and connected to my body, mind, and emotions. As a life coach, I’ve seen the same effect in my clients—breathwork helps them enter a calmer, more centered state, which allows for deeper honesty and clarity in what they’re feeling and thinking.
— Alejandra Guillioli
How has breathwork benefitted you—personally and/or professionally?
Breathwork has been one of my most reliable tools for self-regulation – especially when navigating anxiety, overthinking, or emotional overwhelm. It helps me slow down, center myself, and feel more connected. Professionally, it’s a gentle and powerful way to model nervous system regulation and invite clients into deeper awareness without needing to “fix” or “solve” anything right away.
— Marta Lutomska
Breathwork grounds me, and I am so grateful to know and appreciate that now.
— Megan Forgie
Breathwork has helped me feel more grounded and deeply connected to my body. By becoming more attuned to my physical and emotional states, I’ve learned to be more open and honest with myself about what I’m truly feeling and thinking. I believe that we often hold the answers we’re seeking within us, but to access them, we need to quiet the noise and listen to our inner voice. For me, breathwork is the most powerful way to do that. It’s not only transformed my personal growth, but it’s also deepened the way I show up for my clients.
— Alejandra Guillioli
How has breathwork helped your clients?
Clients who came in feeling scattered or in their heads, and within minutes of grounding through breath, they were able to reconnect with what truly matters to them and get instant clarity and access to their inner wisdom that was stored in both their physical & emotional bodies. Breathwork often opens the door to insights that the thinking mind had been blocking.
— Marta Lutomska
Breathwork has helped one particular client of mine. We practice via Zoom twice a week for 30 minutes together. He uses these sessions to help with pain and mind clearing for the day. He has come such a long way with finding the present moment, all while having breath awareness.
— Megan Forgie
Most of the women I work with are juggling multiple roles—wife, mother, professional, friend—and often arrive at our coaching sessions feeling scattered or overwhelmed. Starting with a short breathwork practice helps them settle into a calmer, more grounded state. From there, it becomes easier to access their thoughts, emotions, and inner clarity. Many clients have even started incorporating breathwork into their daily routines, realizing how something so simple can create a meaningful shift in their mood, focus, and overall well-being.
— Alejandra Guillioli
With consistent practice my clients experience incredible benefits. To name a few…reduced stress, reduced anger/irritability, reduced anxiety, greater memory, enhanced creativity, better sleep, better focus, high energy, enthusiasm, positivity, better decision-making, and many more.
One of my favourite breathing techniques is square/box breathing. My clients love it too for the instant results it gives. Besides stress or anxiety reduction, square breathing has helped many of my clients who were suffering from insomnia. They were amazed to experience how falling asleep becomes so easy with square breathing! But, when my clients start devoting time for breathwork the rewards go beyond instant results; they are deeper and lasting.
— Shubha Baldota
Did you do a breathwork certification program? And would you recommend it, why or why not?
While I haven’t done a standalone certification, breathwork was woven into several of my yoga teacher trainings, holistic coach training, and somatic education. I absolutely recommend learning through trusted programs if you plan to guide others. Understanding the nervous system, trauma sensitivity, and different breath styles is key to offering this work safely.
— Marta Lutomska
I have learnt breathing techniques from certified and experienced practitioners working with an established and renowned institute: YOG VIDYA DHAAM.
— Shubha Baldota
I did a mindfulness and meditation certification program.
— Megan Forgie
Are you considering breathwork training? If so, explore top breathwork certifications, trauma-informed trainings, or consider one of these mindfulness coach certifications as an alternative.
Do you have any tips for how to integrate breathwork into coaching?
Start simple. Even just a few deep, conscious breaths can shift the energy of a session. And remember to focus on your own embodiment & ground yourself first – your nervous system is part of the space you hold. Lead with curiosity and consent – breathwork is powerful, and each client will respond differently. Less is often more.
— Marta Lutomska
You don’t need fancy or complicated techniques, just something easy that helps clients feel grounded. For example, at the beginning of your session, guide your client through three deep breaths together or try a basic technique like square breathing. You can also weave in short breathing exercises throughout the session to help maintain calm and focus. The key is creating a calm space where clients can settle in and become more present, making it easier to engage fully in the coaching process.
— Alejandra Guillioli
Conclusion
Breathwork can help people slow down, reconnect, and release what’s been holding them back. For coaches, it offers a simple yet profound way to help clients regulate their emotions, reduce stress, and open space for deeper self-awareness.
If you’re inspired to explore breathwork further, start by comparing top programs in our guide How to Become a Breathwork Instructor. Or check out our recommendations for the top somatic breathwork, top trauma-informed, or top Yoga Alliance breathwork certification programs.
Looking for something you can use right away? Try our 5-Minute Breathing Exercise Script to experience the power of breathwork firsthand.
Thanks to our contributing coaches!
This article wouldn’t exist without the insights and expertise of the following coaches:
- Marta Lutomska — Marta is a holistic life coach, space-holder, and yoga teacher who helps women move through life transitions with more clarity and calm. Instagram
- Megan Forgie — Megan is a certified and accredited Professional Life Coach and founder of The Shine Center. Website
- Alejandra Guillioli — Alejandra is a life coach who helps women move from burnout and confusion to living with confidence, joy, and authenticity. Website
- Shubha Baldota — Shubha is a life coach who empowers people to travel from ailing to healing, from withdrawn to willing, and from struggling to thriving! Instagram
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