Somatic Breathwork Certification
A somatic breathwork certification trains you to work with the body, not just the breath. At Liquid Breathwork you learn to read the nervous system in real time and guide somatic Breathwork through gentle surrender. Train in person in Arizona, at our Lake Tahoe retreat, or online, and earn your facilitator credential.
What Makes Our Training Somatic
Plenty of programs teach a breathing pattern and call it a day. Ours starts from the body. You learn to watch what the nervous system is actually doing, recognize when someone is bracing, and let the body lead the release instead of forcing it.
That is the heart of somatic Breathwork: the felt sense matters more than the technique. If you want the full picture of the practice itself, our somatic Breathwork guide breaks down how body-based breathing works.
- Read the nervous system. Learn to track the body in real time and respond to what you see, not a script.
- Surrender over force. Release through gentle surrender, never forced catharsis, so the body stays safe.
- Hands-on practicum. In the in-person options you practice on real bodies with direct feedback.
What the Certification Gives You
Our somatic breathwork facilitator training teaches the surrender-based method Liquid Breathwork is known for. Tuition starts at $1,497 for the online cohort and $1,997 for the in-person Arizona intensive, up to the Lake Tahoe retreat. You earn the Liquid Breathwork facilitator credential.
We teach more than breath. You leave with the methodology, the safety training, and the business groundwork: pricing, marketing, and how to fill your first sessions. Mentorship from Ryan and Shelby continues long after your last day.
Choose the format that fits: the in-person Arizona training, the Lake Tahoe retreat, or the fully remote online certification. The somatic, body-based core is the same in all three.
Trauma-Informed, Always
Every Liquid Breathwork session is trauma-informed. You set the pace, you stay in control, and nothing is forced. We guide you inward through gentle surrender, never outward through forced catharsis or screaming. Integration support is always offered, and our door is open if you need to talk.
Meet Your Guides
Ryan McBurney
Founder & Lead Facilitator
Ryan is the founder of Liquid Breathwork and the creator of the surrender-based methodology at the heart of this training. He has spent years guiding hundreds of people through transformative Breathwork experiences across Arizona and beyond. His facilitation style is grounded, intuitive, and deeply present. Ryan brings both the technical depth and the lived experience to teach you not just the how of Breathwork, but the why.
Shelby Von Oepen
Co-Founder & Lead Facilitator
Shelby brings warmth, emotional intelligence, and deep somatic skill to every training. She has an exceptional ability to read the subtle language of the nervous system, recognizing when someone needs support, space, or gentle encouragement. Her training in somatic support and ethical touch practices ensures that graduates leave with the sensitivity and skill to work with clients at the body level.
Voices from Our Community
"What a growing experience I have had the pleasure of having with Ryan. I'm so happy I took the chance to reach out when coming across him on the social platform. He has been so warm and authentic from the first moment we got introduced. I have learnt so much through his journey and greatful for him sharing it and the technique of this amazing breathwork with me. Do not hesitate, just do and let Ryan guide you."
"Ryan and Shelby are incredible! They create a very safe and supportive environment to practice Liquid Breathwork. I always get exactly what I need. I highly recommend taking a class!"
"I was so intimidated before starting and to now feel that it’s all possible feels so exciting. Super grateful for this experience!! Thank you Ryan! You’re such a gentle soul, wealth of knowledge, and make learning Breathwork fun and simplified!"
"The Liquid Breathwork Masters Course has been amazing! The videos are packed full of helpful content on the breath, as well as the more technical side of hosting Breathwork classes like audio equipment, Zoom tips, and crafting incredible playlists. The group calls are supportive and range from business growth to breaking down student’s teachings for feedback."
"The space you both created during the course felt incredibly warm, welcoming, and safe, which made it easy to stay present and engaged throughout. The simplicity of the Breathwork really stayed with me, and I've already started noticing how restorative it is. Grateful for the experience and for both of you!"
"LBW is always a worthwhile experience. Ryan and Shelby tend to always find a way to cultivate an environment that allows clients the space to identify and realize what they need. For me, it’s a perfect stage-setter in lead up to a stressful week."
Somatic Breathwork Certification FAQ
What is a somatic breathwork certification?
It trains you to guide body-based Breathwork, where the focus is on what the nervous system is doing in real time, not just the breathing pattern. You learn to read the body, hold a safe container, and let release happen through gentle surrender. You earn the Liquid Breathwork facilitator credential.
Is the somatic breathwork training in person or online?
Both. We offer an in-person Arizona intensive, a Lake Tahoe retreat, and a fully online cohort. The somatic, body-based method is taught in all three, with hands-on practicum in the in-person options.
How much does the somatic breathwork certification cost?
Tuition starts at $1,497 for the online cohort and $1,997 for the in-person Arizona intensive, up to the Lake Tahoe retreat. Deposits and monthly payment plans are available.
Become a Somatic Breathwork Facilitator
Learn to work with the body, not just the breath. See the full training and pick the format that fits, or book a call to talk it through first.