Low Tide Calm · For Therapists
Information for therapists, counsellors, and referring clinicians
A structured one-to-one mindfulness and breathwork programme that can complement psychotherapy. This page covers scope, methodology, qualifications, client fit, and confidentiality.
Scope
This is non-clinical complementary work. It is not therapy, counselling, or a substitute for psychiatric or psychological care. The work is skills-based, structured, and time-limited: clients learn nervous system regulation tools through breathwork and mindfulness, then apply them between sessions.
For clients with mild to moderate anxiety, low mood, or stress-related dysregulation, the work tends to sit well alongside ongoing therapy. The therapist holds the underlying material; the work I do gives the client a practical between-session toolkit for managing their nervous system. The two roles are distinct and the boundary is held cleanly.
Where there is acute crisis, active suicidality, severe trauma presentation, or significant functional impairment, this work is not appropriate as a primary intervention and the client should be supported clinically. Screening conversations are designed to identify when this is the case, and clients in those circumstances are signposted accordingly.
Methodology
The breathwork modality is primarily Buteyko, a structured protocol developed by Dr Konstantin Buteyko that works through restoring nasal breathing, normalising CO2 tolerance, and reducing chronic hyperventilation patterns. It has the strongest research footprint of the breathwork traditions, with peer-reviewed evidence in asthma management (Bruton et al., Lancet Respiratory Medicine, 2018), anxiety reduction, and sleep quality. It is not catharsis-based, not intensive, and does not surface dissociative or peak states.
The mindfulness work draws from the Mindfulness Now framework (an integration of MBSR and MBCT principles), with adaptations for clients who find standard mindfulness instruction unhelpful or contraindicated. The approach is trauma-informed: practices use external anchors and choice-based engagement rather than open monitoring or extended body scan techniques, both of which can destabilise clients with significant trauma histories or high sensory sensitivity.
Practices are trauma-aware and choice-based throughout. Clients control the depth of engagement with any given practice and are given explicit permission to opt out of any element at any point.
Methodology pages: Buteyko breathwork and mindfulness.
Qualifications and training
Breathwork
Certified breathwork facilitator. Functional Breathwork (Foundation), Shannon Estuary Way Retreat & Academy. Certified by IPHM (International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine) and Yoga Alliance Professionals (YAP).
Mindfulness
Mindfulness teacher. Mindfulness Now (UK College of Mindfulness Meditation, UKCMM), accredited by the National Register of Psychotherapists and Counsellors (NRPC), approved by the British Psychological Society (BPS) as a CPD course, with ongoing CPD and supervision through the Mindfulness Teachers Association (MTA).
Complementary therapy
Currently completing ITEC diplomas in reflexology and Indian head massage (London School of Massage), fully qualified from late summer 2026, working under student insurance and supervision until then.
Continuing development
Ongoing CPD across nervous system regulation, polyvagal theory, and somatic practice via Coursera and other providers.
Background and bio: about Cian.
Client fit
Likely a good fit
When this work tends to land
- Mild to moderate anxiety, chronic stress, or burnout
- Sleep difficulties, particularly initiating sleep or wakeful arousal
- Persistent autonomic activation that is not resolving with talking therapy alone
- Clients already in therapy who would benefit from a between-session regulation toolkit
- Neurodivergent adults (ADHD, autism) who find standard wellness approaches unhelpful
- Clients who prefer skills-based, body-led work alongside their cognitive or psychodynamic process
Not appropriate
When this work is not the right fit
- Active suicidality or recent self-harm
- Acute psychiatric crisis or recent psychiatric admission
- Severe trauma presentations requiring specialist clinical care
- Active psychosis, dissociative disorders, or significant depersonalisation
- Significant functional impairment requiring primary clinical intervention
- Certain cardiovascular conditions where breathwork is contraindicated
Where there is uncertainty about fit, a 15-minute screening conversation is offered before any commitment. Clients who are not appropriate for this work are signposted to clinical resources rather than enrolled.
Ethics, safeguarding, and confidentiality
Every client is screened before enrolment. Screening covers presenting concerns, current clinical care, medication, contraindications, and whether the client is in a position to engage safely with the work. Where breathwork is contraindicated, a mindfulness-only pathway is offered. Where neither is appropriate, the client is signposted elsewhere.
Practice operates under the ethical framework of the Mindfulness Teachers Association, with ongoing supervision as a condition of accreditation. Personal practice is maintained as a core requirement, not an aspiration.
Confidentiality
Sessions are confidential. With explicit client consent, I can provide a brief written update to the referring clinician on session focus, attendance, and any clinically relevant material the client has agreed to share. Without that consent, I do not contact referring clinicians or share any client information.
If a safeguarding concern arises during a session (active suicidality, risk to self or others, disclosure of abuse), the limits of confidentiality apply and the client is supported to access appropriate clinical or statutory support. Clients are informed of this at the screening stage.
Data is held in line with GDPR. Session notes are minimal, stored securely, and retained only for the duration of professional necessity.
Practical details
Sessions are 45 minutes, one-to-one, currently delivered online via Google Meet. Programmes are structured and time-limited, typically three or six sessions, with clear progression and a defined end point. The full pathway and pricing is set out on the sessions and pricing page.
Between sessions, clients receive PDF guides, exercises, and bespoke audio recordings to support independent practice. The work is structured to build a portable skill set, not to create ongoing dependence on the practitioner.
In-person reflexology and Indian head massage in Wicklow Town will be available from late summer 2026 for clients who find somatic regulation through physical therapies more accessible than online practice.
If you would like to point a client to a free, no-signup resource as a starting point, the Low Tide Calm app is available across web, Android, and Microsoft Store. It includes guided breathing exercises, regulation tools, and crisis support content. No data is collected, no account is required, and it works offline. It was built specifically with neurodivergent users in mind but is appropriate for any adult client.
If it would be useful
There is no formal referral process and no expectation of one. If you have a specific client in mind, or simply want to know more before recommending the work to anyone, you can reach me directly.
Email cian@lowtidecalm.ie, or use the contact form. I reply to clinician enquiries within one working day.
