The Catharsis Myth
In the world of breathwork and other therapeutic practices, catharsis — the big emotional release — is often marketed as the ultimate goal. Shaking, screaming, crying, or laughing can feel powerful and liberating in the moment. But is that release always healing?
Not necessarily. True healing isn’t just about emotional fireworks; it’s about creating safety in the body so old patterns can complete and integrate.
Discharge vs. Completion
Somatic therapy shows us that there’s a difference between discharge and completion:
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Discharge: The body lets off steam. There may be tears, shaking, or outbursts, but without integration, the nervous system can feel depleted or even retraumatized afterward.
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Completion: The body gently finds its way back to balance. The nervous system finishes what was once interrupted, leaving space for calm, coherence, and resilience.
Real healing comes through completion, not chasing intensity.
Why Awareness Matters More Than Intensity
It’s not the size of the release that heals — it’s the presence we bring to what arises. Without grounded awareness and compassionate witnessing, catharsis can become addictive, leaving us chasing the next emotional high rather than deepening our inner stability.
A Trauma-Informed Breathwork Approach
In my sessions, I don’t push for big cathartic breakthroughs. Instead, I create a safe, supportive space where the nervous system can open at its own pace. Sometimes that looks like tears or trembling. Sometimes it’s a soft sigh, a tender moment of quiet release.
Both are valuable — but the key is that your body feels held, witnessed, and integrated. That’s where true transformation happens.
Why This Matters
If you’ve tried high-intensity or “cathartic” breathwork before and felt drained, unsettled, or confused afterwards — it’s not surprising. It’s that healing requires more than a release.
It requires presence, safety, and integration. That’s the difference between temporary catharsis and lasting change.
I offer safe, trauma-informed Conscious Connected Breathwork sessions in Frome, Bath, and online. Together, we create the conditions for your body and mind to soften, complete, and truly heal.
If you’re ready for transformation that lasts, I’d love to hear from you.
Your body already knows the way home. Together, we listen.
