Policies & Standards

Purpose

To outline the ethical principles and professional boundaries that guide all Re:Connected Breathwork activities.

Commitment

I adhere to the ethical standards of the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance (GPBA) and trauma-informed best practice.

My work is grounded in integrity, respect, safety, autonomy, and inclusivity.

This Code expresses the ethical foundations of how I choose to practise as a facilitator of trauma-informed breathwork, somatic awareness, and expanded-state experiences. It is grounded in humility, accountability, and the belief that deep change does not happen through force, fixing, or authority, but through presence, spaciousness, and care.

It is informed by my years of work in trauma recovery, mountaineering, community leadership, and embodied facilitation—particularly with veterans and others navigating stress, trauma, or transition. It also draws from contemporary ethical frameworks such as Kylea Taylor’s Inner Ethics, trauma-informed practice, and peer supervision.

These principles are living, evolving, and relational. They are not merely about avoiding harm; they are about being in right relationship—with people, with power, and with the processes of transformation and healing themselves.

1. I create space — I do not “heal.”

My role is not to fix, rescue, or provide solutions. I create safe, intentional conditions where healing and self-awareness may emerge. The responsibility for transformation always belongs to the individual. My job is to protect the container and walk alongside, not to lead from above.

2. I lead with humility and humanity.

This work is not about authority, charisma, or specialness. I remain grounded, transparent about my limitations, and open to being wrong. I meet every person as an equal — someone to listen to, not to guide.

3. I commit to ongoing self-work and shadow awareness.

I recognise that power, desire, fear, and unresolved trauma can operate unconsciously. I engage in regular self-reflection, supervision, and peer dialogue to illuminate blind spots before they cause harm — and I take responsibility for repair when I am out of alignment.

4. I support people with trauma-awareness and care.

My facilitation is trauma-informed. I understand how trauma lives in the body and nervous system. I avoid pushing, rushing, or retraumatising anyone’s process. I work gently, slowly, and with respect for each person’s pace, agency, and capacity.

5. I uphold clear, compassionate boundaries.

Boundaries protect both facilitator and participant. I will not engage in romantic, sexual, or exploitative relationships with clients. I maintain a minimum two-year pause after any professional engagement before considering personal contact — and only with peer consultation. I communicate boundaries with clarity and compassion.

6. I acknowledge and work responsibly with power.

Facilitation carries implicit power — social, psychological, cultural. I do not use this power to control, manipulate, or subtly dominate. I remain attentive to projection, dependency, or idealisation, and continually re-centre the client’s own agency and wisdom.

7. I respect cultural traditions without appropriation.

I honour and learn from global traditions of breath, movement, and healing — but I will not claim or imitate cultural or spiritual practices that are not mine. I engage with such knowledge respectfully, acknowledging lineage and context.

8. I practise within a wider ecology of integration and community.

My work is not about singular peak experiences. It is about sustainable change and integration. I help participants connect insights from sessions into everyday life, and ensure appropriate aftercare or referral support is available before and after all sessions.

9. I stay within my scope — and I name it.

I do not diagnose, treat, or offer therapy unless professionally qualified. I work within my competence and refer out when necessary. I am transparent about my training and limitations.

10. I use peer reflection to stay accountable.

I participate in peer consultation whenever ethical uncertainty arises. I value challenge, honesty, and the perspectives of others. I do not work in isolation.

11. I practise non-judgement — but not non-action.

I meet people with compassion and curiosity rather than moral judgement — including myself. However, I do not confuse compassion with passivity. If I witness harm, I act. If I cause harm, I repair. If I’m unsure, I seek guidance.

12. I honour stillness, silence, and the unknown.

Expanded-state work touches mystery and depth. I hold that mystery with respect, without ego or performance. I ground myself in ethics, in relationship, and in the dignity of the person in front of me — always.

Purpose

To ensure that all participants are protected from harm, abuse, or exploitation during any Re:Connected activity.

Principles

• Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

• All participants have a right to feel safe, respected, and supported.

• Any concern will be taken seriously, documented, and acted upon appropriately.

Procedures

1. Pre-Session Screening: All participants complete a health and consent form identifying relevant risks.

2. During Sessions: I remain attentive to signs of distress, dissociation, or unsafe behaviour.

3. Response to Concerns:

   • If a participant is in immediate danger, I will take necessary steps to ensure safety, including contacting emergency services.

   • Where I believe someone is at risk of harm (to self or others), I may breach confidentiality in line with my duty of care.

4. Record Keeping: Any safeguarding concern will be documented securely and stored in accordance with GDPR.

5. Training: I maintain up-to-date safeguarding and trauma-informed practice training.

6. Referrals: Where ongoing risk is identified, I will refer to appropriate professional or crisis services.

Purpose

To create and sustain an environment that welcomes all individuals and ensures fair, respectful treatment.

Commitment

I celebrate diversity and believe that difference enriches our shared experience. Re:Connected Breathwork is committed to:

• Equality of access regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, faith, or background.

• Accessibility: Where possible, I adapt sessions or provide alternative arrangements to meet access needs.

• Zero tolerance for discrimination, bullying, or harassment.

• Self-awareness: I continually reflect on my own privilege and unconscious bias, seeking supervision and feedback.

Responsibilities

Participants are expected to uphold the same respectful standards toward one another. Any discriminatory or aggressive behaviour may result in removal from a session or retreat without refund.

Purpose

To explain how personal information is collected, used, and protected.

Data Controller

Joe Winch, Re:Connected Breathwork (sole trader).
Contact: joe@reconnected.uk

What Data I Collect

• Name, email address, and contact information

• Medical and psychological disclosures (for safety screening)

• Emergency contact details

• Session records or notes (if relevant)

• Feedback or communications

How I Use It

• To assess safety and readiness for participation

• To manage bookings and communication

• To provide appropriate care and follow-up

• To meet legal and safeguarding obligations

How It Is Stored

• All digital records are encrypted and password-protected.

• Hard copies are locked securely.

• Access is restricted to the facilitator only.

Your Rights

• To access, correct, or delete your personal data

• To withdraw consent at any time

• To request that your information not be used for future contact

Retention

Records are retained only for as long as necessary to meet legal or safeguarding obligations, generally no longer than 5 years.

Purpose

To ensure all activities are carried out in safe environments and with due care for physical and emotional wellbeing.

Commitments

1. Conduct risk assessments for all sessions and venues.

2. Maintain valid First Aid (FREC3) and public liability insurance.

3. Screen participants for medical suitability before each session.

4. Provide clear safety briefings and encourage participants to take breaks as needed.

5. Ensure ventilation, hygiene, and physical comfort in all spaces.

6. Maintain emergency procedures and access to first aid equipment.

7. Continually review practice through supervision and feedback.

Participant Responsibilities

Participants agree to follow safety guidance, disclose relevant health conditions, and take responsibility for their own physical boundaries.

Purpose

To provide a clear and fair process for raising concerns, complaints, or feedback.

Informal Resolution

• Most issues can be resolved through open conversation.

• You are encouraged to raise any concern directly with me as soon as possible.

Formal Complaint

If the issue is not resolved informally:

1. Submit a written complaint to joe@reconnected.uk.

2. I will acknowledge receipt within 7 days.

3. The matter will be reviewed and responded to within 14 days where possible.

4. Where appropriate, an independent professional (from a supervision network) may be asked to review the concern.

Learning and Accountability

All complaints are logged and used to improve practice and transparency.

Purpose

To clarify the scope and limitations of Re:Connected Breathwork services.

Re:Connected Breathwork offers non-clinical, trauma-informed breathwork and somatic practices for personal development, self-regulation, and spiritual growth.

These services are not a substitute for medical or psychiatric care.
Participants are responsible for ensuring their own readiness to participate and for seeking medical or psychological advice where appropriate.

Facilitators are not licensed therapists or doctors. Participation is voluntary and at your own risk.

If you have or suspect you have a health condition (including cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, or severe mental illness), please consult your healthcare provider before attending.

By booking or participating in any Re:Connected Breathwork session, you confirm that:

• You have read and understood all relevant policies.

• You are over 18 and participating voluntarily.

• You have disclosed all relevant medical or psychological information.

• You understand that breathwork can evoke physical, emotional, or spiritual experiences.

• You may stop at any time.

• You take full responsibility for your wellbeing, before, during, and after the session.

• You agree to treat others with respect and uphold confidentiality.

Cancellations must be made with at least 48 hours’ notice for individual sessions; retreat deposits are non-refundable.