FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

About Amanda

Are you a Registered Therapist? If you’re not a Registered Psychotherapist, how can you teach these offerings?

Every offering I hold space for has been created out of my own lived experience both personally and professionally. There are various other certifications that I have invested thousands of dollars and hours completing to also be able to be here. You have sovereignty to take what resonates, and leave what doesn't. If a suggestion feels unsafe, or, you're not interested, you have no obligation to try or commit to it.

What are your professional qualifications + certifications? 

Bachelor of Arts (Wilfrid Laurier) 
Certified Mind-Body Coach (The Mode School) 
Certified Breathwork Facilitator (Owaken) 
Certified Yoga Teacher (Yoga Ghar) 
Certified Reiki Instructor (Caroline Watters) 
Spiritual Psychotherapy (Student)

Why are you here?

My life story is way too full to summarize in a few short sentences. However, keeping it simple in relation to how I show up here: diagnosed mental health challenges (Anxiety & Adjustment Disorder, depression, PTSD), trauma, chronic illness (Achalasia), chronic pain (broken back), long-term abusive relationship & being a Highly Sensitive Person/Empath.

How long have you been an entrepreneur?

I have had an entrepreneurial spirit for as long as I can remember however in relation to Lavender Tusk it started as an idea for a Psychotherapy Private Practice in 2020 and has been adapted, evolved and resilient ever since then. 

Owaken Breathwork

What is Owaken Breathwork?

Owaken Breathwork is a direct experience of transformation and healing through conscious connected breathing through the mouth. Sessions are supported by EFT Tapping, vocal toning, gentle touch, sound (playlist + instruments) and energy support. Click on these links to learn more about Owaken Breathwork and its founders Helle Weston and Lukis Mac

How is Breathwork different from Psychotherapy?

Owaken Breathwork is a bottom-up approach using a safe technique that induces a non-ordinary state of consciousness. Psychotherapy is a top-down approach which is more cognitive and focused on changing your thoughts.

How is Breathwork different from Psychedelic Therapy?

A Guided Breathwork Journey can be similar to a Psychedelic Journey in terms of accessing non-ordinary states of consciousness to gain insights, transformation, detox and healing. The main difference is that Breathwork uses the power of your breath where with Psychedelics you are working with some type of substance. Breathwork Journeys are 3-Hours and you are in control of how deeply you breathe/go where Psychedelic Journeys are 6+ Hours and you fully surrender to the medicine. Breathwork can be a great alternative or support for those curious about Psychedelics and may experience anxiety/need that sense of control. 

I've never done breathwork before?

No experience is required, we all have to start somewhere!

Who is Owaken Breathwork for?

Owaken Breathwork is helpful for people wanting to explore somatic release guided by breath, shift emotions that are no longer serving them, make peace with the past, create personal breakthroughs, access intuition, and accelerate momentum. Currently Guided Breathwork Journeys are for people 18+ years old. 

Is breathwork safe for everyone?

Breathwork is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of epilepsy, seizures, cardiovascular problems including angina or heart attacks, high blood pressure, aneurysms, glaucoma, retinal detachment, osteoporosis, or recent physical injuries, surgery or illness - particularly involving the brain, mouth, teeth, nose, throat, thyroid, immune system, lymphatic system, lungs, chest, ribs, spine, neck and/or reproductive organs. Breathwork is also not recommended for people with a personal history of mental illness, personality disorders, hospitalization for any psychiatric condition or emotional crisis, suicidality, psychosis, drug or alcohol addiction. This particular style of Breathwork is not safe for you if you are pregnant. Please consult with your healthcare provider (including any mental health services you receive) before a session if you have any of these contraindications, or if you're unsure if Breathwork is right for you.

What is a Guided Breathwork Journey?

The Guided Breathwork Journey itself involves breathing actively (through the mouth) for ~45 minutes and then restoratively for ~30 minutes. The breathing technique is also supported by EFT tapping, vocal toning, gentle touch, energy support and sound. Each journey is unique and curated to your own intention. 

Will I experience somatic and/or emotional release?

Everyone’s experience in breathwork is unique and every time you experience breathwork it can look and feel different. As a Certified Trauma-Informed Breathwork Facilitator it is important to normalize the emotions and body responses to abnormal life circumstances (not feeling safe, trauma, stress etc.). Within a session, it is encouraged to come with an open-mind. You will experience what your BodyMind system is ready to release that day whether that is loud or quiet, strong or soft. 

 How will I feel after a Guided Breathwork Journey?

Just like each release, everyone’s post-journey experience is unique. It is common for you to generally feel either energized or sensitive and vulnerable. As part of the integration process to support your nervous system (and whole wellbeing), it is recommended to have no commitments scheduled after the session to go home and rest. If possible, have 24-48 hours of rest and post-session integration. You will receive lots of support for integration after a session. 

How often should I do Breathwork?

Let’s remove the “should” as an obligation and make that a “can”. This is individual for each person. Check out the signature 5-minute breathwork practice that could be experienced daily. For Guided Breathwork Journeys this could be biweekly, monthly and/or as needed. In my personal experience I did Journey’s every other week for about 6 months and then monthly to process trauma and now complete them for maintenance/as needed. 

Do you offer 30-Minute or 60-Minute sessions?

Not currently! To access the non-ordinary states of consciousness in a Guided Breathwork Journey, you need time. I also believe in creating a safe set, setting and post-session integration. This all needs time. For shorter sessions, check out Owaken Daily (5 Minutes) or the Virtual Breathwork Studio (15-30 Minute Sessions). 

Is breathwork just breathing? I do that every day!

While breathwork is breathing, it’s not just that! This is breathWORK so there is effort involved. We are also working with an activated technique (in and out through the mouth) which is not recommended for daily breathing. This is breathwork for transformation and while we are not focusing on your daily breathing technique, having your day to day breathing improve is a common benefit.

Do you teach people how to breathe?

These are not functional breathing sessions. This is breathwork for transformation (think emotions, trauma, insights etc.) and while we are not focusing on your daily breathing technique, having your day to day breathing improve is a common benefit.

What are common Guided Breathwork Journey experiences?

Visualizations, emotional sensitivity/release, experiencing new perspectives, recalling the past, connecting with guides/inner guidance, going deep into the body, shaking/vibrating, intense levels of energy and more.

What if I feel emotionally flooded or triggered during our session?

Your safety is my priority and you are always in control. You have complete sovereignty during our collaborative journey (and always), and I am there to guide and support you. Breathwork helps you build awareness in listening to your body, so you have permission to slow down, speed up or stop any time your body says no. You and your decisions will always be honoured.

What are the benefits of breathwork?

I'm scared that Breathwork will open "Pandora's Box", any suggestions? 

People often see videos of Owaken Breathwork and either get really excited or think oh my god! A gentle reminder that breathwork is a safe modality and you are in control the whole time. I like to remind people that when you see videos of extreme somatic release, imagine what that feels like to let it all go! Instead of thinking the worst, reframe that thought and imagine your best case scenario of how you would want to feel after a session?

I’ve never done Owaken Breathwork before and I’m feeling nervous, should I still book?

It is common to feel nervous, and I’ve got you! There is an application process to ensure we are a good fit working together and you will receive an Onboarding Package making sure you feel supported through our whole experience before we even start. If you are curious about breathwork and have an open mind and genuine desire for transformation, you will be guided into the perfect experience for you by trusting the intelligence of your breath.

I don’t feel ready for a Breathwork Journey or Retreat, any suggestions?

Check out Owaken Daily, the Virtual Breathwork Studio and the Breathwork 101 Workshop (coming soon)

RECEIVE Program

What is the RECEIVE Program?

Check out receiveprogram.ca for details and FAQ specific to the program 

Retreats

Who are the Breathwork Retreats for?

Breathwork Retreats are helpful for people wanting to explore somatic release guided by breath, shift emotions that are no longer serving them, make peace with the past, create personal breakthroughs, access intuition, and accelerate momentum. Currently Guided Breathwork Journeys are for people 18+ years old. 

Can anyone attend a Retreat?

All races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, political affiliations and people are welcome here. There is zero tolerance for racism, sexism, bigotry, hate, and white supremacy in my community spaces. Please note that some studios may not be wheelchair accessible (view each location and reach out with any questions!).

Will I experience somatic and/or emotional release?

Everyone’s experience in breathwork is unique and every time you experience breathwork it can look and feel different. As a Certified Trauma-Informed Breathwork Facilitator it is important to normalize the emotions and body responses to abnormal life circumstances (not feeling safe, trauma, stress etc.). Within a session, it is encouraged to come with an open-mind. You will experience what your BodyMind system is ready to release that day whether that is loud or quiet, strong or soft. 

How will I feel after a Retreat?

Just like each release, everyone’s post-retreat experience is unique. It is common for you to generally feel either energized or sensitive and vulnerable. As part of the integration process to support your nervous system (and whole wellbeing), it is recommended to have no commitments scheduled after the retreat to go home and rest. If possible, have 24-48 hours of rest and post-session integration. You will receive lots of support for integration after a session. 

How often are retreats?

There are monthly retreats at local studios throughout Ontario. 

Are there accessible options for a Retreat?

Please reach out about accessibility options available for each retreat. 

Where are the retreats?

Breathwork Retreats take place at local (typically yoga) studios around Ontario including (and not limited to) De La Sol in Hamilton, ON, Skyhawk Yoga in Binbrook, ON, Moonlight Yoga in Guelph, ON and Grand Wellness in Brantford, ON

Is breathwork safe for everyone?

Breathwork is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of epilepsy, seizures, cardiovascular problems including angina or heart attacks, high blood pressure, aneurysms, glaucoma, retinal detachment, osteoporosis, or recent physical injuries, surgery or illness - particularly involving the brain, mouth, teeth, nose, throat, thyroid, immune system, lymphatic system, lungs, chest, ribs, spine, neck and/or reproductive organs. Breathwork is also not recommended for people with a personal history of mental illness, personality disorders, hospitalization for any psychiatric condition or emotional crisis, suicidality, psychosis, drug or alcohol addiction. This particular style of Breathwork is not safe for you if you are pregnant. Please consult with your healthcare provider (including any mental health services you receive) before a session if you have any of these contraindications, or if you're unsure if Breathwork is right for you.

What does a retreat involve?

Retreats are rooted in community and hosted by a Breathwork Facilitator (Amanda Welton) as well as an Energy Practitioner and Sound Practitioner. Limited to 15 people to keep things intimate. There is an opening ceremony with optional Cacao and then somatic coaching, movement and journaling on the theme of that retreat. The guided breathwork journey is next and then post-retreat integration. 

What if I feel emotionally flooded or triggered during a retreat?

Your safety is my priority and you are always in control. You have complete sovereignty during our collaborative journey (and always), and I am there to guide and support you. Breathwork helps you build awareness in listening to your body, so you have permission to slow down, speed up or stop any time your body says no. You and your decisions will always be honoured.

location

Do you have a Breathwork studio?

Lavender Tusk currently has an intimate home based studio on the West Mountain in Hamilton, ON for 1-on-1 and Couple Breathwork Sessions. Breathwork is available in your home or location of choice as well. All Breathwork Retreats take place at local studios (yoga studios) around Ontario. 

What is the parking situation?

Please see each venue to see parking for each service.

Do you offer only in-person services?

Breathwork is available virtually via Zoom if in-person options are not accessible or your first choice. 

Do I have to live in Ontario to work with you?

Nope! Virtual sessions can be scheduled from all over the world (note: time zones). In-person sessions are open to anyone as well and would be your responsibility to travel/commute to the session or retreat. 

Can you recommend an Owaken Facilitator outside of Ontario?

To view the Owaken Facilitator Global Directory, please click here.

Cancellation Policy

What is your Cancellation Policy?

Working together I will respect and value our time and boundaries and I expect the same from those who are investing in collaborating with me. I do not offer refunds for Breathwork Retreats, 1-on-1, Couple or Private Group Sessions.

What is your Cancellation Policy?

Working together I will respect and value our time and boundaries and I expect the same from those who are investing in collaborating with me. I do not offer refunds for Breathwork Retreats, 1-on-1, Couple or Private Group Sessions.

1-on-1, Couple + Group Breathwork Sessions 
I understand life happens and you may need to reschedule your Breathwork or Integration Sessions. If that's the case, I need at least 24 hours notice to reschedule your session. I welcome rescheduled appointments with communication. 

Breathwork Retreats
Life is full + life happens! If you're unable to make it to your booked retreat and want a credit for your ticket, you'll need to give me at least 24 hours notice to secure your spot in a future retreat. I am unable to credit your ticket to a future workshop if you do not give 24 hours notice.

Payment

How much are your offerings and retreats?

Price varies depending on offering. Retreats are $250 CAD/person + HST unless otherwise noted. 

How do you accept payments?

This varies depending on the offering. Typically through Stripe (debit, credit etc.) or e-transfer.

When are payments due?

Payment is required to book your offering. Payment plans are available upon request.

Do you offer any energy exchange services? 

Yes! Reach out to chat further if you are interested in an energy exchange. 

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. Please reach out directly to connect further. 

What is your Refund Policy?

All deposits & payments are non-refundable. Please be mindful when booking, check the FAQ & reach out with any questions