After disturbed beginnings, Rebirthing seems to have entered a new phase of development. Following 30 years of what some have described as a troubled childhood and adolescence, characterised by ‘sibling rivalry’ (to use Leonard Orr’s vocabulary) and disputes, rather than healing and harmony, there are now clear splits between different schools or approaches.
An outer sign of the split between approaches is the change of name by many schools to mark their difference from the original Rebirthing developed by Leonard Orr, Sondra Ray and other (mainly Californian) therapists in the 1970’s. A generic term that has emerged to encompass all the different schools is Breathwork. To my knowledge, it was first coined by the first Global Inspiration Conference (when the conference focus was on establishing Breathwork as a professional technique alongside other established forms of psychotherapy).
Although many of the splinter groups have changed their theoretical framework substantially, most of them have remained on the periphery of mainstream psychotherapy. One reason being a certain level of disapproval of mainstream psychology.
My personal view is that this form of distancing from mainstream psychology is very unfortunate. Not only does it mean having to (quite unnecessarily) re-invent well established professional standards. It also means that the quality of the various schools varies dramatically.
It is therefore very positive to finally see a step in a new direction and a serious attempt to introduce Breathwork into mainstream psychotherapy and the academic establishment with a new paper called Breathwork: An Additional Treatment Option for Depression and Anxiety?, which has been published in the Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy. The lead author, Lloyd Lalande is a long-time practitioner of breathwork and coordinates the Counselling programs at a Brisbane University.
To give you an idea of the contents of the paper, the abstract states that in order to “ascertain the likely efficacy of breathwork this review clarifies the approach and its theoretical assumptions and examines relevant empirical research relating to breathing inhibition, suppression of inner experience, and possible neurological and physiological effects. Additionally, research into mindfulness-based psychotherapy and yoga breathing-based interventions with comparable features to breathwork are examined.” Lloyd and his colleagues review research that makes a strong case for the use of breathwork as a treatment for depression and anxiety and suggest further research.
The paper is not only very well written, it also represents a door into mainstream recognition for Breathwork as an exciting new addition to established psychotherapies which deserves to be taken seriously. Up until now, Breathwork (in particular Rebirthing) has usually been dismissed as New Age nonsense (and often quite rightly too).
A serious, well presented paper such as this is certainly a most welcome contribution for all who are interested in actually adding Breathwork to mainstream psychotherapy rather than keeping it in isolated groups on the fringe forever. And, as for all children, even if their start has been unruly, there usually comes a point when maturity takes over. Hopefully this paper indicates a beginning of a welcome new age for Breathwork.
A pre-publication copy of the paper can be downloaded from Lloyd’s website at www.lloydlalande.com. For more information on this paper you can email Lloyd at: lloyd.lalande@acu.edu.au
