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If you’re new to the world of mindfulness and meditation, breathwork might sound like no more than a wellness buzzword. In actuality, however, it’s a powerful, science-backed tool in the mindfulness toolkit. By learning how to intentionally regulate your breath, you can trigger your body’s natural calming response—often within minutes. If you’ve ever felt stuck […]
If you’re new to the world of mindfulness and meditation, breathwork might sound like no more than a wellness buzzword. In actuality, however, it’s a powerful, science-backed tool in the mindfulness toolkit. By learning how to intentionally regulate your breath, you can trigger your body’s natural calming response—often within minutes. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a state of anxiety, anger, or even just overstimulated by a busy day, breathwork guided by a mental health professional can bring your body and mind back to center.
No Fancy Equipment Needed to Get Started!
Practicing breathwork for mindfulness doesn’t require any equipment or expensive classes. It simply means bringing awareness to your breathing and shifting it in a way that supports your emotional state. Here are a few common types of breathwork:
Box breathing involves inhaling, holding, and exhaling for equal counts
Alternate nostril breathing (done by taking turns closing each nostril with light finger pressure) can promote balance and calm
Diaphragmatic (or belly) breathing helps slow your heart rate and relax your body
“4-7-8” breathing reduces stress and quiets racing thoughts
Many people find that consistent breathwork practice becomes a gateway into deeper mindfulness practices, like meditation and yoga. It can also be useful during therapy to help manage overwhelming emotions or flashbacks.
The Intersection of Breathwork and Therapy
Therapists often integrate breathwork into sessions because of its grounding effects. Whether you’re new to therapy or just exploring tools for better emotional regulation, breathwork is an excellent place to start. Our counselors are compassionate professionals who can support your growth every step of the way with breathwork and other invaluable anti-anxiety techniques. Schedule a consultation today
It’s well known that the teen years are the most trying time for parents. It may seem like their rebellion is personal, and that they’re determined to make your home life miserable; but in reality, this is a natural process. Your teenager is maturing both physically and emotionally, and their brain is still developing. When […]
It’s well known that the teen years are the most trying time for parents. It may seem like their rebellion is personal, and that they’re determined to make your home life miserable; but in reality, this is a natural process. Your teenager is maturing both physically and emotionally, and their brain is still developing. When their frontal cortex develops in a few years, you will see a different person. Until that time however, talking to them can feel nearly impossible. Here are some tips for talking to your angry teen.
If you have an authoritarian parenting style, you’ll need to switch styles. An authoritarian method of parenting will cause you to butt heads with your teen, resulting in increased anger and lack of resolution. Switch your style to an authoritative style to get better reactions. An authoritative parent explains their reasoning, gives consequences while taking their child’s feelings and other circumstances into consideration, and overall puts a great deal of effort into the relationship they’re developing with their child.
When it’s time to have a conversation with your teen, first frame the conversation so they know that you’re not angry. If they think you’re angry, they’re more likely to get defensive or shut down. Because they’re unable to fully control their emotions or foresee the consequences of their behavior, they’re highly reactive and will immediately become irrationally angry. To avoid this, let them know that you are irritated, disappointed, or upset, but that you’re not angry with them.
Overall, it’s important to keep lines of communication open with your teen. You can turn anger into dialogue by simply making an effort to listen to and understand your teen, and ensure that you heard them and understand their feelings. Trying to give advice or enforce rules can break communication down when you need it to stay open.
Your teen is trying to figure out their identity as they go through many hormonal, growth and development changes that are out of their control. Understand that their anger is about asserting themselves or trying to separate themselves as an individual. This is a difficult time, and your teen needs empathy. Stay your child’s safe and secure base, so when they’ve calmed down or are growing out of this phase, they know where to come back.
If you’re a parent having a difficult time with a teenager, a licensed therapist can offer support and guidance for both of you. Call my office today so we can set up a time to talk.
