Emotional Resilience Through Contrast Therapy & Breath Training

With Simon DuBois and Sally Howe | Hosted at The Health Lodge, Byron Bay

Feel stronger. Breathe deeper. Respond better.

Most of us are stuck reacting — not responding — to the demands of modern life. This 3-hour immersive workshop offers a breakthrough: the ability to rewire your stress response system through the combined power of breath training and contrast therapy.

Led by clinical professionals blending neuroscience, psychology, and somatic therapy, this is where ancient practices meet modern understanding — in a format designed for both newcomers and wellness practitioners.

Format for the day

• 1.5 hours of theory: Gain a deep understanding of how the nervous system works and how you can influence your window of tolerance and emotions.
• 1.5 hours of practice: Engage in using your breath functionally well and contrast therapy, including:
• Ice baths: Two 2-minute immersions at 10°C.
• Sauna sessions: Three 15-minute cycles at 50°C.
• Breathwork session: A 30-minute introduction to personalised breath training before the bathing experience.

You'll receive an information and note-taking booklet summarising key concepts.

Key Takeaways - Harness your breathing ability

Through personalised breathing assessments , we will evaluate your strengths and areas for improvement across four key areas:

1. Breathing Mechanics: Learn to optimise how you use your diaphragm and lungs for efficient air intake.
2. Bio-Chemistry (CO2 Resilience): Build your tolerance to carbon dioxide, a crucial factor in managing stress.
3. Psychophysiology: Understand the profound connection between your breath, emotions, and mental state.
4. Breathing Habits: Identify and correct unhelpful patterns that may contribute to anxiety or tension.

Contrast Therapy for Emotional Regulation

Contrast therapy—the strategic use of heat and cold—helps you:

• Activate your parasympathetic nervous system, shifting you out of fight-or-flight mode.
• Enhance vagal tone, which is critical for maintaining calm and resilience.
• Build tolerance to discomfort in a controlled environment, empowering you to face life’s challenges with greater confidence.

🌿 Why This Workshop is Different

What sets this experience apart is our individualised and evidence based approach:

✔ Techniques are tailored to your personal level and needs

✔ Neuroception & the Autonomic Ladder

✔ BOLT & Extended Exhale Tests

✔ Vagal Tone & Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

✔ Window of Tolerance Expansion

✔ Co-regulation & Somatic Tools

✔ Experience real-time biofeedback

Who It’s For:

• Curious minds ready to explore the link between breath, body, and emotional well-being
• Anyone feeling emotionally reactive, anxious, or burnt out
• Therapists, coaches, and practitioners seeking research-backed tools
• People healing from psychological stress or injury

About the Instructors

Simon DuBois (BSc, MSc Psych) and Sally Howe (BA Psych, Dip. Somatic Psych) integrate somatic psychology, breath training, and nervous system science into everything they teach. As leading clinicians at The Health Lodge, their work is rooted in clinical rigour and deep compassion.

Limited seats — almost sold out

Ready to rewire your resilience? Reserve your place now.

📍 78 Bangalow Road, Byron Bay | Hosted at The Health Lodge

NOTE: Parts of this event will be recorded for future use in promotional material. Please advise us on the day if you wish to be excluded from phots and videos.

Meet Simon DuBois

Simon DuBois, Clinical Director at The Health Lodge, brings over 20 years of experience supporting people in the Byron Shire. He is known for helping patients explore psychological distress in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Simon uses a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, and Mindfulness, alongside trauma-focused therapies like Eye Movement Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Polyvagal Therapy. He also offers non-invasive Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for treating depression and pain.

Advocating for an integrated approach, Simon works alongside Doctors, Naturopaths, and somatic therapists to improve wellness outcomes. Recently, he has incorporated Polyvagal-informed techniques into his practice to further support clients.

Meet Sally Howe

Sal Howe brings over 25 years of experience in the community health sector, combining a strong academic foundation with practical expertise in breath training and nervous system regulation. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Diploma in Public Relations, which have shaped her approach to health promotion and education across diverse demographics.

After an initial breath assessment, clients participate in six breath training sessions to lay the foundation for functional breathing. Sally incorporates cold water immersion, teaching clients to regulate their nervous system and manage stress through improved interoception. This approach fosters resilience, calm, and self-awareness.

Sally tracks heart rate variability (HRV) to monitor nervous system health and tailor interventions for each client. By combining breath retraining with HRV data, she helps clients build resilience and adapt to stress, empowering them to achieve optimal health and performance.

Through personalised coaching, Sal helps individuals identify and overcome dysfunctional breathing habits that contribute to stress, anxiety, poor sleep, and low energy.

By teaching tailored breathwork techniques, she empowers clients to retrain their breath, optimise oxygen flow, and cultivate a deep sense of calm and vitality.