When first embarking on a journey of healing and transformation with Breathwork, many people wonder: Is private or group breathwork better? There is no clear answer to this question. The breath is the medicine, so you will receive profound benefits and an opportunity for healing, deep release, and self-growth with both options. However, there are some differences between the two, and depending on your reasons for doing breathwork, your personality, and your life history, one may be more supportive for you than the other. Below we will explore the the unique benefits that come along with private vs. group breathwork.
Comparing the Unique Benefits of Each
Is Private or Group Breathwork Better?: The Benefits of Private
While harnessing the collective energy of a group can prove invaluable for some, individualized attention during a solo session can offer even greater benefits to others. In the presence of a proficient facilitator, a one-on-one setting can furnish the essential safety required for the effective processing of deep traumas, and the resolution of deeply ingrained negative belief systems and self-sabotaging patterns. For some participants, this personalized guidance allows them to explore the depths of their inner world with a heightened sense of security and trust, fostering an environment where vulnerability can flourish.
For those individuals grappling with addiction or navigating the painful aftermath of abuse, the advantages of a solo session extend beyond the confines of group dynamics. In such cases, personalized support becomes a lifeline, offering coregulation, affirmation, and the profound reassurance of a safe space. Here, participants can openly discuss their experiences both before and after the session, cultivating a therapeutic dialogue that can be immensely transformative. A trauma-informed facilitator who understands the window of tolerance can also ensure that the participant doesn’t go too deeply into process and bring up more than they are ready to cope with. This will allow them to gently process the trauma at a safe and customized pace, and ensure that they do not over-extend their nervous system or trigger retraumatization.
Individual sessions are also an excellent choice for individuals who may have reservations or anxiety about their first Breathwork experience. And they suit introverts as well as those who prefer the intimacy of a private setting over a group environment. In summary, the merits of a one-on-one private breathwork session lie in its ability to provide not just personalization but also safety, trust, and a therapeutic space where profound healing can unfold at a pace that suits the individual’s unique journey toward trauma recovery, emotional well-being, and self-growth.
Is Private or Group Breathwork Better?: The Benefits of Group
While a private breathwork can allow you to focus on specific issues that you are working with, and provide extra safety, support, and co-regulation for those navigating deep trauma, there are many people who find group energy allows them to go deeper into process. One key factor contributing to this is the accountability it offers. Being part of a group encourages a commitment to maintaining a consistent and connected breathing pattern, leading to the realization of its full therapeutic benefits. Plus when you hear everyone around you breathing deep, it helps to support you in breathing deep as well.
Another potential benefit of group breathwork stem from the increased sense of energetic support. Hearing others going deep into process and feeling the group energy may allow you to descend further into the realms of healing and personal growth. This group synergy can become an invaluable resource, acting as a catalyst for profound introspection and transformation.
In the context of in-person group sessions, the facilitator may also incorporate supportive physical touch. This tactile element not only fosters a sense of co-regulation but also serves as a powerful tool for releasing deeply suppressed emotions that may seem too overwhelming to confront alone.
Lastly, the communal aspect of group breathwork cannot be underestimated. Sharing one’s experiences and insights with fellow participants after a session can be as healing and transformative as the breathwork itself. This post-session shares fosters a sense of belonging and community connection, creating a support system that extends well beyond the breathwork practice. In this way, group breathwork becomes not only a journey of self-discovery but also a means of forging lasting connections with others who are similarly committed to their own growth and healing.
Breathwork Alone vs With A Facilitator
Some people wonder: Can I do breathwork alone? While the answer is technically yes, without a facilitator, breathwork may be incredibly challenging, and for some, even unsafe. Because we lack the internal responsibility of knowing that the facilitator is present while we are alone, it can be challenging to maintain the breathing pattern. For most of us, our ego will go into full on resistance mode and try and talk us out of continuing. The ego may say things like “This is too difficult,” “You don’t have time for this,” “You NEED to go do x,” “This isn’t going to work,” “This is unpleasant, make it stop!”, or other similar phrases to try and convince us to stop. This isn’t because our ego is bad, but because it is trying to keep us safe. It recognizes we’re on the precipices of something big in breathwork, and it thinks that any change – good or bad – is dangerous.
Without the facilitator or other breathers present, a large chunk of people will give in to the ego’s initial opposition and give up before the transformation takes place. And sadly, the few individuals who manage to maintain the connected breathing pattern might still find themselves inclined to revert to a gentler and slower breath. Because deep breathing is required in order for an altered state of consciousness to occur, breathing slower or gentler can impede the capacity to embark on a profound inner exploration.
Another benefit of breathwork when led by a facilitator with a comprehensive training, is that it creates a safe container conducive to exploring deeper depths of your psyche. Most facilitators will thoroughly explain the process, what can arise, and how to handle heavy experiences and emotions before the session begins. This preparatory guidance, combined with the comforting presence of a skilled facilitator, further strengthens the resolve of individuals to embark on a profound exploration of their inner selves.
Closing Thoughts on the Question: Is Private or Group Breathwork Better?
As demonstrated above, both private and group breathwork sessions offer distinct advantages, and the key to choosing the right fit lies in tuning into your own intuition. Inquire into which one resonates with you or excites you more, or which you feel more comfortable with. Also, worth noting, while a single breathwork session can lead to significant breakthroughs, for lasting and profound change, it’s advisable to consider multiple sessions. This approach allows you to gradually uncover and address the various layers of trauma and conditioning. So why not embrace the opportunity to experience both firsthand? You might even decide to combine the unique benefits of both private and group sessions, crafting a customized program that best serves your personal growth and healing journey.
If you would like to experience private or group breathwork either online or in person (in Whitby May-Sept and Sayulita Oct-May), please reach out.
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