Breath's Journey: Unraveling Identity Through the Art of Breathwork
Jaclyn Carlson is a certified transformational breathwork instructor, mother, and parent coach dedicated to supporting mothers. With two young boys, she understands the challenges of motherhood and focuses on empowering women through breathwork, coaching, and mindfulness. Formerly in digital marketing and business coaching, Jaclyn now blends her experience with passion, offering breathwork events, coaching, and community programs for mothers worldwide. Originally from Boston, she now lives in Sydney's Northern Beaches, happiest by the ocean with her family.
Leslie: Can you share your journey from corporate marketing to becoming a breathwork instructor?
Jaclyn: I was in corporate marketing for over two decades before transitioning into coaching and breathwork instruction. The change came after I had my first son. Like many new mothers, I started questioning my career, values, and vision for the future. I realized that the corporate world no longer aligned with the life I wanted to live. I began coaching women in business and life, and over time, I transitioned fully into breathwork. The shift was unexpected, but it felt right. I was introduced to breathwork during the lockdown when I participated in a course. The experience was life-changing—sitting in my bedroom, breathing deeply, and tapping into emotions and sensations I hadn’t felt in years. It was indescribable, and I knew I had found something powerful that I wanted to share with other women. From there, I began incorporating breathwork into my coaching sessions, and the transformations I witnessed were incredible. It became clear that breathwork was the tool I needed to help women reconnect with themselves.
Leslie: Can you explain what transformational breathwork is and how it differs from other breathing techniques?
Jaclyn: Transformational breathwork is a specific type of breathwork that goes beyond basic breathing techniques like pranayama or functional breathing. While functional breathing focuses on how we breathe throughout the day and pranayama techniques, such as alternate nostril breathing, are great for yoga and relaxation, transformational breathwork is more intense. It’s designed to create profound emotional and physical shifts. In my sessions, clients practice a continuous, connected circular breath for 45 minutes to an hour. This might sound long, but it’s incredibly effective. The process floods the body with oxygen and temporarily shuts down the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for logical thinking. When we quiet that part of the mind, we can access our subconscious, where deep emotions, memories, and traumas are stored. This allows people to experience emotional releases, clarity, and even psychedelic-like experiences. It's a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing.
Leslie: How does breathwork benefit women going through transitions like perimenopause and menopause?
Jaclyn: Women going through perimenopause and menopause are often in a period of significant change, both physically and emotionally. This stage of life can feel daunting, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for self-discovery and empowerment. Breathwork helps women reconnect with their bodies and emotions, which is essential during this time. It’s common for women to feel lost or disconnected as they transition into a new phase of life. They’ve often spent years caring for others—whether children, partners, or aging parents—at the expense of their own needs. Breathwork allows women to pause and reconnect with themselves. It helps them release years of stored emotions, stress, and trauma, giving them space to redefine their identity. It’s not just about coping with the symptoms of menopause—it’s about embracing this new chapter with strength and clarity. I often tell my clients that perimenopause and menopause can be a superpower if we learn to tap into the energy that comes with this transition. Breathwork is a tool that enables women to do just that.
Leslie: You’ve mentioned that breathwork can help with identity crises. How does it achieve that?
Jaclyn: Identity crises are common among the women I work with, particularly during life transitions like motherhood, career changes, or menopause. Many women feel stuck, disconnected, or unsure of who they are outside of their roles as caregivers or professionals. Breathwork helps them reconnect with their bodies and emotions, often for the first time in years. When we focus solely on taking care of others, we can become numb to our own needs and desires. Through breathwork, women can tap into their subconscious mind and release emotions they’ve suppressed for years. The process allows them to gain clarity on what they truly want and need in life. It’s like peeling back the layers of an onion—each session reveals something new about themselves. Some women may experience emotional releases, while others gain insight into past traumas or unresolved issues. The result is a deeper understanding of who they are and what they want moving forward.
Leslie: What kinds of physical and emotional experiences can people have during a breathwork session?
Jaclyn: Every breathwork session is different, and the experiences people have can vary widely. Some women have intense emotional releases, like crying or feeling anger, while others experience physical sensations like tingling or a need to move their bodies. The process is very personal and can be quite profound. For some, breathwork brings up memories from the past, including childhood traumas or unresolved emotions. Others may experience what we call a "spiritual awakening" or connect with ancestral memories. It can feel trippy or psychedelic, especially as you tap into parts of the brain that aren’t normally accessible. But for many women, it’s simply about gaining clarity on issues they’ve been struggling with, whether that’s feeling unseen at work or dealing with personal relationships. What’s fascinating is that breathwork is like peeling back layers. Each time you practice, you dive deeper into your emotions and body, uncovering new insights and releasing more stored energy. It’s truly transformative.
Leslie: For those new to breathwork, are there any simple techniques they can try at home?
Jaclyn: Definitely! While a full 45-minute session is ideal for deep transformation, there are simple breathwork techniques that anyone can use in their daily life to reduce stress and anxiety. One of my favorites is the 2-to-1 breath, which is great for calming the nervous system. In this technique, you inhale for a count of four and exhale for a count of eight. The long exhale helps lower stress levels and can be used in moments of anxiety or overwhelm—whether you’re dealing with road rage, a stressful work situation, or your kids acting out. Another helpful technique is the box breath. This is where you inhale, hold, exhale, and hold again, each for a count of four. It’s great for reducing anxiety and can be done anywhere, like before a big meeting or when you’re feeling overwhelmed. These techniques are simple but incredibly effective in helping you feel grounded and centered.
Leslie: How does breathwork help women reconnect with their bodies?
Jaclyn: Many women are so busy taking care of others that they’ve disconnected from their own bodies. They’ve learned to suppress their emotions and needs in favor of caring for their families, careers, or partners. Breathwork brings women back into their bodies by making them more aware of how they feel physically and emotionally. It’s a process of reawakening. Through breathwork, women can release the emotional baggage they’ve been carrying for years—whether it’s stress, trauma, or simply the overwhelm of daily life. This practice allows them to process emotions in a healthy way and rediscover who they are beyond their roles as caregivers. It’s about coming back to yourself, feeling your emotions, and understanding what you need to thrive.
Leslie: Where can people learn more about your work and try breathwork for themselves?
Jaclyn: I offer both in-person workshops and online sessions, so anyone can join regardless of location. My website has a variety of offerings, including free community events where people can try different breathwork techniques. It’s a great way to dip your toes into the practice and see how it can benefit you. I also offer one-on-one coaching for those looking to go deeper into their personal journey with breathwork.
