If you’re reading this right now, you’ve likely experienced the profound healing power of breathwork firsthand. You likely have a passion for helping others and recognize that Conscious Connected Breathwork (CCB) is a powerful way to support rapid, lasting transformation. Feeling inspired to get a breathwork facilitator certification is wonderful, but with the abundance of breathwork training schools available, it can be overwhelming to make a choice. If this resonates, then this article is for you!
While anyone can facilitate connected breathwork, only a select few are trained to do so safely and powerfully. The facilitators who create the most significant breakthroughs and life-changing journeys are those who undergo a comprehensive and holistic training. The best breathwork training schools not only cover all aspects of breathwork facilitation but also instill confidence and ease in you, and they teach you how to lead safely, from a place of inner knowing.
Two Simple Steps For Choosing the Best Breathwork Training for You
Step 1: Eliminate the Schools with Red Flags
There are several top-notch breathwork schools available, and I would never presume to tell you which is the best breathwork training for you. Many variables come into play when choosing a school, and what works best for one person may not be ideal for another. However, I’d like to support you in making this important decision by highlighting some red flags. These can help you distinguish the not-so-great breathwork training schools from the truly excellent ones.
When Selecting a Breathwork Training Program, Look for the Following Red Flags:
The Training is Less than 400 Hours
It can be tempting to attend a short breathwork training to quickly start sharing this work with the world. However, shot-gun trainings are a major red flag. Conscious connected breathwork involves working with people’s subconscious programming and traumas—areas that require a careful and respectful approach. To facilitate breathwork with integrity and safety, seek a program with a curriculum of at least 400 hours. This duration allows you to embark on a deep inner journey with breathwork, absorbing and integrating all your learnings.
You Feel Pressured on an Informational Call
Many breathwork facilitator training schools offer a free call for those interested in their programs. This can be an excellent way to gauge the training’s vibe and see if you resonate with their teaching style. However, if you feel pressured to commit during the call, consider it a major red flag. The best breathwrok training schools will be confident in their offerings and conscious enough to trust that those meant to join will do so of their own accord. The school representative should trust in synchronicity and empower you to make your own decision without pressure.
The Training is Not Certified By the GPBA
The Global Professional Breathwork Alliance (GPBA) is an international governing body for connected breathwork. While anyone can complete a short training and call themselves a facilitator, certification through the GPBA helps identify high-quality programs and facilitators. The GPBA holds very high standards, and when a school is accredited by them, it’s a strong sign of a comprehensive curriculum.
You may also have heard of the International Breathwork Foundation (IBF). The IBF is a global nonprofit that connects and supports breathwork practitioners, offers resources and training, and promotes personal and collective transformation through conscious breathing. However, there is some confusion, as many people believe the IBF accredits training schools. In reality, anyone can become a member by paying an annual fee, but membership does not guarantee that a practitioner or school’s training is thorough or professional.
The Training Focuses Only on One-on-Ones or Groups
As a breathwork facilitator, it’s beneficial to be knowledgeable in offering both one-on-one and group sessions. Some schools may only train in one area or charge additional tuition for the other. Look for a breathwork training school that provides comprehensive training in both. The school you choose should also teach you how to facilitate both online and in-person sessions, to maximize your outreach and equip you with a versatile breathwork facilitator toolkit.
The Curriculum is Not Trauma-Informed
Facilitating breathwork inevitably involves holding space for trauma. Without proper training, there is a risk of retraumatizing participants, leaving them worse off than before. The best breathwork training schools are trauma-informed, and will teach you how to safely hold space for the processing and release of trauma.
The Breathwork School Uses Scripts
Holding space for breathwork is an intuition-based job. Reading from a script can lead to shallow, out-of-touch journeys that don’t meet the needs of your participants. Choose a school that emphasizes the felt sense and teaches you how to get out of your head, and facilitate from a place of inner knowing.
There is Little Emphasis on the Inner Journey
Learning techniques for facilitating breathwork is valuable, but you can only hold space for the depth of healing and transformation you have personally experienced. The best breathwork training schools all share something in common – they emphasize the inner journey. This is important, as it will allow you to hold space from a place of compassion and authenticity. Authenticity is key; people will not feel safe being vulnerable with you until you have peeled back your own layers of masking and conditioning, and stepped fully into your authentic, empowered self.
Step 2: Look for Green Flags
Once you’ve eliminated the schools with red flags, you may be left with a short list to choose from. While all the remaining options might offer a high-quality training, there are specific qualities to look for which can help you identify the best breathwork training.
Key Indicators of the Best Breathwork Training Schools Include:
First, seek out a school that avoids any “guru” vibes and also avoids a cookie-cutter approach to facilitation. Instead, look for programs that empower and uplift you, allowing you to make your offerings unique. A strong emphasis on community and ongoing support is crucial; the best breathwork training schools will have platforms where students and graduates can stay connected, and receive support even after graduation.
Additionally, consider a school that offers both online and in-person training segments. A fully in-person training can be impractical for many, especially since high-quality programs typically require 400+ hours of commitment. However, certain aspects, like personal touch, are better taught in person. A school that offers both formats will allow you to become a leader in the breathwork field.
Congratulations on Your Commitment to Breathwork!
If you’ve made it this far, your dedication to bringing this profound healing modality to the world is commendable. You understand the importance of choosing a training school with integrity. I share your passion for breathwork—since my transformative first session 8+ years ago, I’ve made it my life’s mission to make breathwork as accessible and popular as yoga.
In pursuit of this mission, I’ve created this website as a comprehensive educational resource on all things breathwork-related. I also teach others to become confident, intuitive, and world-leading breathwork facilitators. My experience as a former wellness writer allowed me to work with seven leading international breathwork training schools, giving me insight into their strengths and weaknesses.
This firsthand experience inspired me to create a 450-hour, GPBA-certified breathwork facilitator training with unmatched depth, support, and quality. It equips students to facilitate conscious connected breathwork safely, with profound understanding and reverence for this transformative modality.
If you’re looking for a school that avoids the red flags and offers all the additional perks mentioned above, then I invite you to learn more about our Breathwork Facilitator Training Certification here. Our school offers one of the most comprehensive, trauma-informed curriculum’s available, and it’s coupled with genuine integrity and heart. We provide a deep level of support throughout your training journey, enabling you to fully step into your power and graduate as a skilled and inspiring breathwork facilitator.
A final consideration (and perhaps the most important), is to listen to what your inner guidance is telling you. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed and unable to decide, take some quiet time to connect with your breath and body. As you explore each training option, notice the subtle sensations in your body—they can offer clear, intuitive signals that will help guide you to the right choice.
Discover our curriculum and get answers to the most common question about our Breathwork Training:
Check Out Our Breathwork Facilitator Training Comparison Guide
To help support you in making this important decision, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 breathwork facilitator training schools. The guide outlines each program’s strengths, weaknesses, tuition, format, and more.
👉 Access it here: Best Breathwork Facilitator Training – Comparison
For a shorter list with more details of each accredited breathwork training school, click here.
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