Breathwork Sydney — Guided Individual Breathwork With a Psychologist
Stress, anxiety, and past painful events don’t just live in your mind. They live in your body too. You may notice a tight chest, a racing heart, or a heavy feeling that words alone cannot shift. If this sounds like you, you are not alone. These are signs that your nervous system is stuck in a stress mode.
McKinnon Psychology offers breathwork as part of therapy for adults in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and via telehealth across Australia.
Somatic Breathwork in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs — A Proven Approach
What makes breathwork at McKinnon Psychology different from attending a group breathwork class?
Our breathwork practitioner, Shanae O’Leary (Registered Psychologist), guides all breath-based work on an individual basis within a clear therapy plan. Each session is shaped by your history, your goals, and how you are going. You will complete breathwork alongside proven therapies like CBT, ACT, schema therapy, and trauma-focused therapy.
The science behind breathwork is strong and growing. A major review of 15 studies found that slow breathing at around six breaths per minute can lower heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and improve mood (Zaccaro et al., 2018, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience). This works by turning on the vagus nerve — the main pathway between your brain and your “rest and digest” system. A 2023 study also found that “cyclic sighing” helped people feel calmer and in a better mood than meditation alone (Balban et al., 2023, Cell Reports Medicine). A large meta-analysis of 12 controlled trials showed that breathwork led to significant drops in stress, anxiety, and low mood (Fincham et al., 2023, Scientific Reports).
What to Expect from Breathwork Therapy
Trying something new can feel scary. Here is how the process works so you know what to expect.
1. Getting Ready — Your Prep Session
Before any breathwork begins, Shanae will meet with you for an assessment session. She will ask about your history and your goals. She will explain how the nervous system works. She will ask these questions to make sure breathwork is right for you.
2. Your Guided Breath Session (90 Minutes)
Each breath session runs for about 90 minutes. It starts with grounding to help you feel settled. Then Shanae guides you through steady breathing patterns. She checks in with you throughout. If feelings come up, she supports you to process them gently. Every step links back to your therapy goals.
3. Making Sense of It — Your Integration Session
After a breath session, you meet again to talk through what came up. This is called integration. It helps you link what you felt to your daily life. You build on coping skills and lock in the gains. This step is key to lasting change.
Breathwork Sydney — In-Person and Telehealth
Our Edgecliff clinic is at Suite 3A, 2 New McLean Street, Edgecliff NSW 2027. It is less than five minutes walk from Edgecliff Station. We see clients from across Greater Sydney. This includes the Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Inner West, South Sydney, and West Sydney. It is easy to reach by train, bus, or car. Get in touch to book an in-person session.
If you cannot come to the clinic, McKinnon Psychology offers telehealth breathwork sessions with extra safety steps. Whether you are in Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth, you can access somatic breathwork with a psychologist from home. Clients in Adelaide, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and rural or remote areas can also access sessions online. You will need a private, quiet space and should be seated or lying down safely. You will share your address at the start of each session in case help is needed.
Common Questions About Breathwork Sydney
What is breathwork with a psychologist?
Breathwork is the guided use of breathing patterns to help calm your nervous system. At McKinnon Psychology, it is not a standalone treatment. It is part of your therapy. It is guided by a registered psychologist and shaped around your needs and goals.
How is this different from a breathwork class?
At McKinnon Psychology, breathwork is guided by a registered psychologist. Your mental health history is taken into account. Safety principles are followed. Techniques are paired with proven therapies like CBT, ACT, and schema therapy. It is not a group class or a spiritual practice.
Is breathwork safe?
When guided by a trained psychologist with proper screening, breathwork is generally safe. We check for health factors that may need a different approach. Techniques are paced carefully. You stay in control at all times. You can stop or slow down whenever you choose.
Where can I find breathwork with a psychologist in Sydney?
McKinnon Psychology offers breathwork as part of therapy at our Edgecliff clinic in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. We are less than five minutes walk from Edgecliff Station. We also offer telehealth sessions across Australia. This includes clients in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and rural and remote areas.
Can breathwork help with anxiety or trauma?
Yes. A meta-analysis of 12 trials found that breathwork led to significant drops in anxiety across 785 adults (Fincham et al., 2023, Scientific Reports). For trauma and PTSD, a Stanford study found that a breathing-based practice reduced PTSD symptoms in military veterans, including lower startle response and less hyperarousal (Seppälä et al., 2014, Journal of Traumatic Stress). At McKinnon Psychology, all trauma-related breathwork follows a careful, safety-first approach.
Can I do breathwork via telehealth from interstate?
Yes. We offer telehealth breathwork sessions across Australia. This includes clients in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, and rural and remote areas. Telehealth sessions follow extra safety steps to make sure the session is well supported.
Ready to Take a Step Forward?
If you are curious about breathwork, we would love to hear from you. Our friendly admin team can answer your questions and help you book a session with Shanae O’Leary. You do not need to have all the answers before you reach out. Just a willingness to try something new.
Visit us in Edgecliff or Telehealth is available across Australia
Call on 02 9066 3070,
Email: admin@mckinnonpsychology.com.au
contact us to book your first appointment or learn more.
We are open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
References
Zaccaro, A., Piarulli, A., Laurino, M., Garbella, E., Menicucci, D., Neri, B., & Gemignani, A. (2018). How breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, 353. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353
Balban, M. Y., Neri, E., Kogon, M. M., Weed, L., Nourber, B., Jo, B., Holl, G., Zeitzer, J. M., Spiegel, D., & Huberman, A. D. (2023). Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal. Cell Reports Medicine, 4(1), 100895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100895
Fincham, G. W., Strauss, C., Montero-Marin, J., & Cavanagh, K. (2023). Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised-controlled trials. Scientific Reports, 13, 432. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-27247-y
Seppälä, E. M., Nitschke, J. B., Tudorascu, D. L., Hayes, A., Goldstein, M. R., Nguyen, D. T. H., Perlman, D., & Davidson, R. J. (2014). Breathing-based meditation decreases posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in U.S. military veterans: A randomized controlled longitudinal study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 27(4), 397–405. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.21936
Last Updated on March 2, 2026 by Dr Anna McKinnon