Overview
Alignment with Be You Domains
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Mentally Healthy Communities
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Family Partnerships
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Learning Resilience
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Early Support
Alignment with Australian Curriculum
- English
- Health and PE
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- The Arts
Target audience
- Primary school
- Secondary school
Target groups
- Small group
- Whole class
- Whole school
Aims
Breath Circle aims to empower young people with lifelong tools for emotional regulation, self-compassion, and resilience. This is achieved by: • Teaching somatic practices in a safe, trauma-informed environment that helps calm the nervous-system and regulate emotions. • Fostering self-awareness and autonomy, encouraging young people to turn inward for support, breathe deeply, and move freely through life’s challenges. • Building confidence and self-esteem by reinforcing the belief that young people have the inner resources to navigate adversity.Program theory
Breath Circle a practical, positive early-intervention strategy. School-based mindfulness programs such as Breath Circle have demonstrated resilience stabilisation and reductions in depressive symptoms among adolescents. When mindfulness practices are combined with movement—through mindful movement programs or yoga—outcomes are further strengthened, supporting motor, cognitive, and emotional regulation. Breath Circle has established partnerships with leading academic institutions across Australia, including Western Sydney University (WSU) and Monash University, ensuring alignment with current research on youth mental health and mindfulness.Topics
The program explores three core practices: Mindful Breath, Mindful Movement, and Mindful Sound. Mindful Breath introduces accessible breathing techniques that support nervous system regulation, focus, and emotional self-management. Mindful Movement integrates gentle, breath-coordinated movement to strengthen mind–body awareness, support emotional regulation, and enhance attention and working memory. Mindful Sound incorporates rhythm, vibration, and listening practices to cultivate presence, emotional expression, and connection.Cost
Program structure
Breath Circle is a six-week program delivered through weekly 45 minute sessions. The program is facilitated by a trauma-informed specialist and uses play-based, group learning approaches tailored to specific age groups and individual needs. This includes working with neurodivergent children, children with PTSD, and others who benefit from therapeutic activities. The program includes dedicated components for both educators and parents, creating a supportive network that reinforces and sustains positive outcomes.Instructor
- Psychologist
- Educator
- Wellbeing leader
Instructor training
Breath Circle instructors undertake structured, trauma-informed training. Training pathways differ depending on whether participants are becoming accredited Breath Circle Teachers or are school staff integrating elements of the program into existing settings. The training consists of a minimum of 30 hours of face-to-face, trauma-informed professional training, delivered in person by Breath Circle founder Beata Heymann. Following the training, trainee teachers are required to assist in the delivery of a full six-week Breath Circle program before independently teaching. For school teachers and educators, the program offers flexible professional learning workshops ranging from 2 to 6 hours face-to-face, depending on the school’s capacity, context, and intended level of program integration.Supporting resources or materials available with program
- Manual
- Posters
- Workbook
- Other (please specify)
Other materials
• Professional audio and video recordings of breathing techniques, mindfulness practices, and music for meditation (to ensure successful integration and continued practice of the techniques learnt in the program). • Teacher Training Manual (140pages) • Breathing Techniques & Scripts • Songs and Voice Games • Worksheets & Surveys • Movement Games • Music for Meditation • Trauma-Informed Language • Lesson Plans • Group AgreementsOngoing support
Following each face-to-face program, six months of ongoing support and check-ins with teachers are provided, ensuring tools are integrated into daily life and outcomes are sustained within the community.Parent involvement
- Attend information sessions
- Follow-up information provided after program
- Homework
- Written information provided to parents
- Online resources
Origin of program
Australia
Breath Circle
Program authors
Beata Heymann
- 7/131 Cavanagh Street,Cheltenham VIC 3192 Australia
Ratings
Summary of evidence factors
This is a summary of the evaluation or research study characteristics that contribute to the program’s evidence rating.
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Positive impact on at least one outcome for children and/or young people?
The study reported positive outcomes. |
Yes |
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Link between program description and theory of change
Theory of change refers to whether there was a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. |
Comprehensive |
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Study design
Type of study design reported. |
Pre-post cohort |
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Independence
The degree to which the program authors were involved in the research. |
Completely |
Summary of implementation factors
This is a summary of the program’s characteristics that contribute to its implementation rating.
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Feedback sought from participants
Participants enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
Yes |
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Feedback sought from instructors
Instructors enjoyed the program and understood its benefits. |
Yes |
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Groups program is not suitable for
Groups the program wouldn't be suitable for or that required further research to determine suitability. |
Assessed and not reported |
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Training provided during study
The model of training provided. |
Face to face train-the-trainer in person |
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Ongoing instructor support provided during study
Whether ongoing support is provided. |
Yes |
Context
This is a summary of the context in which the evidence for the program was established.
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Study Participants
Pre school, primary school (Foundation to Year 6), secondary school (Years 7 to 12). |
Primary school Secondary school |
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Country of Study/s
The location in which the evidence or research was conducted. |
Australia |
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Location of Study/s in Australia
The state (or states) the program was assessed in Australia. |
VIC |
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Evaluation of program in culturally and linguistically diverse populations
Provider has included culturally and linguistically diverse people when assessing the program. |
Yes |
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Evaluation of program in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people
Provider has included Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples when assessing the program. |
Yes |
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Evaluation of program in low socioeconomic groups
Program has evaluated a diverse socio-economic population in their research. |
Yes |
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Developmental based adaptations to program design and delivery
Shorter sessions for younger students or activities are adjusted for age appropriateness. |
Yes |
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Evaluation of program in children and young people with disability and/or learning difference
Provider has included participants with a disability or learning difference when assessing the program. |
Yes |
Last updated: 24 June 2026