About me: Burnout to breathwork

From burnout to breathwork: a story of resilience

Like so many professionals, I spent long hours at my desk trying to meet the unrelenting demands of my clients—until the speed of modern life caught up with me. My body felt constantly tense, my mind overloaded, and panic attacks were frequent. One day, I found myself lying on the cold stone tiles in the office bathroom, just trying to feel something. That was my wake-up call. Something had to change, so I stopped working as a lawyer and took a break.

Over time, my anxiety and depression improved. I took up Iyengar yoga and became a teacher. On a yoga retreat, I read James Nestor’s book Breath. It was a life-changing moment and led me to discover the power of functional breathing and breathwork as a tool to transform my life and build resilience. Learning to breathe properly strengthened my connection with my body, revitalised my health, calmed my mind, and gave me renewed energy to return to work. I’m passionate about teaching others the science of breathing and techniques and strategies to transform their lives.

Breathwork has changed my life, and it can change yours too! Whether stress, exhaustion, or life transitions like perimenopause are weighing on you—or you’d just like to improve your breathing to improve your quality of life. Let’s work together—online or in person (in Wellington)—so you can breathe with more ease, clarity, and confidence.

Through my own recovery, I came to understand the true impact of breathwork—not just for stress, but for resilience, health, and clarity. With my background working in law, I know first-hand the pressures professionals face. My studies in psychology and history have deepened my understanding of human resilience and transformation. Now, as an Oxygen Advantage Certified Functional Breathing Instructor and having completed the Oxygen Advantage Breathing for Females Course, I help others thrive.

If you’re not sure if you need help with your breathing, click here to learn about five signs that might indicate that you have dysfunctional breathing.

Do you have a reason not to take control of your breath and well-being? Don’t look back and wonder, “What if?”.

I offer online coaching anywhere in the world. In-person sessions are available in Wellington or by arrangement.

To contact me, fill out the form below, email me at simon@claritycoaching.co.nz, or book here—I’d love to help.