Getting comfortable
We start with a conversation about how you’re feeling and any health considerations. I’ll show you the headphones and breathing pattern before you settle on a padded mat with a pillow and blanket.
Breathwork for depression and low mood
Low mood can make even familiar things feel like an effort. I’m Hayley, and I offer guided 9D breathwork in Port Kembla, welcoming people from Wollongong and the Illawarra who want to explore breathing with support, at a manageable pace.
Finding a starting point when your energy is low
Low mood can make a small task take much more effort than usual. You might struggle to concentrate, lose interest in things you normally enjoy or feel tired even after resting. Depression can affect daily life in these ways, although a period of feeling low doesn’t necessarily mean you have depression.
If you’re considering breathwork, the practical question may be whether you have the energy for it. I start by explaining what the session involves and asking how you’re feeling. That conversation helps us decide whether a session is suitable and what pace to begin with.
During the practice, I guide you towards slower nasal breathing while you rest on a mat. The breathing rhythm and audio give you a clear focus to come back to, without needing to work through every thought that arises. We can begin there and notice how you respond.
How breathwork relates to mood
Breathwork involves deliberately changing your breathing pattern. In my slower sessions, the aim is to support rest and relaxation while you follow music and spoken guidance. If feeling low comes with restlessness or tension, this gives us a practical way to explore settling physically.
A 2023 review of breathing research brought together 18 trials measuring depressive symptoms. It found a modest average improvement in people’s own symptom ratings compared with control groups. The studies used different breathing methods, so this finding doesn’t tell us how well the complete 9D format works for depression.
I use that distinction to keep expectations grounded. A session offers time to practise breathing with support and notice your response. I don’t promise a particular emotional release or that you’ll leave feeling happy; I’m interested in how the experience feels for you.
Read about breathwork and low mood
What your first 9D breathwork session involves
I explain the session before we begin, so you know what to expect and how to ask for a pause. You can tell me if low energy, concentration or feeling uncomfortable with breathing exercises is a concern.
A rhythm you can follow
I begin with slower nasal breathing, supported by the 9D audio. If your attention wanders, you can return to the next breathing cue. You can also pause and breathe normally; keeping up with every cue isn’t the goal.
Time before you head home
After the breathing practice, there’s time to rest and check in with me. You can talk about what you noticed or take some quiet time. We can discuss any questions before you return to the rest of your day.
What clients have shared
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“For me it’s like exercising the mind and soul, practicing regularly to manage my depression and anxiety.”
— Belinda Taylor -
“I left feeling lighter, clearer, and genuinely renewed.”
— Ella Whyman -
“I felt safe, seen, and genuinely welcomed. They held space beautifully, and the atmosphere was one of non-judgment, encouragement, and deep care.”
— Kiri O'Connor -
“It was my first ever introduction to breath work and I feel as though I got a lot out of it. The delicious cup of tea and a yarning reflection was certainly a beautiful way to wrap up the session.”
— Julie Moulatsiotis
Questions about breathwork for depression and low mood
Can breathwork help with depression and low mood?
Research on breathing practices suggests a modest average reduction in self-reported depressive symptoms. That finding covers different methods and does not establish 9D breathwork as a treatment for depression. I offer guided breathing as a complementary practice, with a slower starting pace and support throughout. If low mood is persistent or affecting daily life, speak with your GP; breathwork can be discussed alongside the care they recommend.
What if I have very little energy or find it hard to concentrate?
Tell me before we arrange the session so we can discuss what feels manageable. You’ll spend the breathing practice lying on a mat, with music and spoken guidance through headphones. I’ll explain the pattern before we begin, and you can return to your usual breathing or pause if you need to. You don’t have to remember a sequence or follow every cue perfectly.
Do I have to talk about why I feel low?
I’ll ask about your health, how you’re feeling and anything that may affect the session. You can share what I need to know without giving a detailed account of your life. During the breathing practice, the focus is on following the guidance and noticing your experience. Afterwards, you can choose whether to talk with me about it.
Can I try breathwork while taking antidepressants?
Please tell me about your medication and health history before booking so I can discuss suitability with you. Your prescriber is the right person to advise on any medical questions, and I won’t suggest changing or stopping medication for breathwork. If there is uncertainty about whether a session is appropriate, I’ll ask you to check with your treating practitioner first.
What happens if I feel upset or uncomfortable during a session?
You can stop the breathing pattern, return to your usual breathing and let me know. I’ll stay available to support you and discuss whether to continue. You don’t need to push through difficult feelings to make a session worthwhile. If your mood worsens afterwards, contact your treating practitioner rather than assume it is a necessary part of the process.
Where can I try breathwork for low mood near Wollongong?
My studio is at 43 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla NSW 2505. I welcome people from Wollongong and across the Illawarra, including those trying breathwork for the first time. Private sessions are arranged directly with me, and I’ll confirm availability, duration and price before you book. We can discuss how a first session feels before making plans for further visits.
Arrange a first session with me
If you’d like to explore breathwork, tell me a little about how you’re feeling and what you would like to know before coming in. I’ll talk through the approach with you and help you decide whether a private session feels manageable.
My studio is at 43 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla NSW 2505, welcoming people from Wollongong and across the Illawarra. We’ll arrange your session directly, with availability, duration and price confirmed before you book.
Book a 1:1 session