Adherence to a standard of ethical practice is a defining element of any profession. A code of ethics provides clarity and safety for the public and the practitioners regarding the purpose for their relationship and the boundaries within which they operate. Subscribing to a standard code of practice communicates to the public at large that Breathwork is a valid, accessible, and professional tool for healing and growth.

The following code of ethics for Breathwork professionals was ratified in 2003 by the collaborative effort of some 22 Breathwork schools and training programs around the world and amended by the GPBA Board of Directors in 2007.

In 2023, the GPBA Ethics Committee initiated a project to refine, enhance, and update ethics for Breathworkers. These updated ethics will meet or exceed the current ethics as they exist. We expect the updated ethics to be available in the first quarter of 2025.

All schools, trainers, and practitioners who are Subscribers or Members listed on this GPBA site have signed the pledge to uphold these ethics. They have also agreed to follow a procedure of responsible action when a breach of ethics has appeared to occur. The GPBA recommended process is here.

The Ethics Committee of the GPBA Board of Directors is available to advise and assist in a perceived breach of ethics by a Breathwork professional. Click here to learn about requesting support with concern about a breach of ethics.

1. Client Suitability

a) Establish a client’s ability to utilize and integrate the results of a Breathwork session.
b) Not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or appearance.

2. Contract with Clients

a) Establish clear contracts with clients regarding the number and duration of sessions and financial terms.
b) Establish prior agreement with the client for the utilization of other techniques than Breathwork during a session, e.g., touch.
c) Practice my Breathwork skills primarily for the benefit of the client.
d) Maintain confidentiality of client information and security of records of client session content.

3. Practitioner Competence

a) Practice within my area of professional competence, training, and expertise, making this clear to my prospective clients, and not make claims for my service that cannot be substantiated.
b) Continue to develop personally, practicing the technique that I offer to others while nourishing passion and reverence for my calling, and keeping a healthy balance in my work and self-care.
c) Seek supervision and consultation when appropriate.

4. Practitioner/Client Relationship

a) Establish and maintain healthy, appropriate, and professional boundaries, respecting the rights and dignity of those I serve.
b) Refrain from using my influence to exploit or inappropriately exercise power over my clients.
c) Refrain from using my Breathwork practice to promote my personal religious beliefs.
d) Refrain from all forms of sexual behavior or harassment with clients even when the client initiates or invites such behavior.
e) Provide clients with information about complementary resources as appropriate.
f) Refer clients to appropriate resources when they present issues beyond my scope of training.

5. Practitioner Interrelationships

a) Maintain and nurture healthy relationships with other Breathworkers.
b) Give constructive feedback to other Alliance practitioners who I believe have failed to follow one or more of the ethical principles. If this does not sufficiently resolve the issue, seek consultation with the most appropriate professional and/or civil authorities within my region for the protection of clients involved.