Pause Breathwork Certification Alternative: In-Person, a Third the Tuition
Pause Breathwork built a strong brand around trauma-informed online certification. Liquid Breathwork is a small-cohort facilitator training led by both founders.
Liquid Breathwork vs Pause Breathwork
Quick answer: Choose the Liquid Breathwork certification for in-person practice and one-time tuition of $1,997. Choose Pause Breathwork® for a six-month online program and the brand recognition of Samantha Skelly's program.
Pause Breathwork® is a registered trademark (U.S. Reg. No. 6,042,442) owned by Samantha Skelly. Liquid Breathwork® is an independent training provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or certified by Pause Breathwork or Samantha Skelly. This page names their program for identification and comparison only.
| Compared | Liquid Breathwork | Pause Breathwork |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $1,997In person. Early bird, then $2,497.$1,497Online. Monthly payment plans on both. | Not published. Ryan was quoted $8,000 on a 2024 sales call.They offered $1,000 off ($7,000) if he committed that day. |
| Group size | Capped at 6 in Phoenix, 15 online | Larger online cohortsAbout 1,000 facilitators trained across 27 countries. |
| Format | 3 days in person near Phoenix, or 12 weeks online | 6 months online: weekly live calls in four phases, with a virtual practicum review |
| Method | Gentle activation into deep surrender, with sound healing and ReikiYou read the person in front of you, not a fixed script. | The Pause Method, built on conscious connected breathing, with roots in Rebirthing and Holotropic® lineagesEmphasis on nervous system safety and emotional release. |
| Trauma-informed | Taught in person through physiology, the nervous system and breath chemistryThe breather sets the pace. No forced catharsis or screaming. | Positioned as trauma-informed, with polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation, taught online |
| Mentorship | Ryan and Shelby Von Oepen, a Registered Nurse (RN, BSN), directly. Support continues after graduation.Ryan has guided sessions since 2018, trained in Somatiq, SOMA and Rebirthing, and still leads sessions in Phoenix every month. | Weekly live calls with Samantha and trainers, a peer community and lifetime portal access |
| Business training | Included: pricing and marketing to fill your first class | Through the Pause Business Accelerator, after graduation |
| Affiliations | Independent. We don't claim third-party credentials we don't have. | Displays ICAHP and IBF affiliations on its site |
Our Graduates, In Their Own Words
Why People Choose Liquid Breathwork Over Pause Breathwork
A method you teach as your own
Pause leans heavily on Samantha Skelly's personal narrative. For some students that is the draw. For others it crowds out the technique they need to teach as their own.
What Breathwork income really looks like
Pause's marketing leans on a 10K-a-month income outcome. One student came to us after Pause and had not earned a thousand dollars total a few months in. Eight years in, we just had our first 10K month, and it included certification tuition. Starting from zero, plan on a multi-year build.
When Pause Breathwork is the better fit
If you want to teach the Pause method and join their facilitator network, certify at the source. Their six-month arc also suits people who learn best over a long, structured program.
Two Ways to Train With Liquid Breathwork
These lessons cover guiding live sessions and building the business around them.
- Anatomy of a Liquid Breathwork Session: Rounds & Holds
- Structuring a Session: The Energetic Arc
- Trauma-Informed Facilitation
- Building Your Offer Ladder
- Session Rates & Pricing
Pause Breathwork vs Liquid Breathwork FAQ
What is the best alternative to Pause Breathwork certification?
It depends on what you want. For in-person practice and lower one-time tuition, Liquid Breathwork is a strong fit. For deeper clinical-trauma research grounding, look at BBTRS or programs rooted in Somatic Experiencing. For a faster, more affordable online-only certification, SOMA Breath is the closest equivalent.
Does Liquid Breathwork teach the Pause Breathwork method?
No. Both appear to have roots in conscious connected breathing. Ours centers on our signature 90-minute session: an intro, a guided meditation written by Shelby, about 50 minutes of Breathwork, sound healing, and an integration sharing circle. We also teach the history of Breathwork and a range of breathing techniques.
Compare Dates and Tuition
Both paths are on the training page, or talk to Ryan before you decide.