Oxygen Advantage

Group & 1:1 sessions

Recover.Relax.Restore

Hello, I’m Sophie, your dedicated instructor and coach at Sophro Australia, where I bring together the precision of science and the artistry of wellness. Drawing on a blend of scientific methodologies, including Sophrology, Yoga, Buteyko Breathing, and the proven principles of Oxygen Advantage, my mission is to empower both everyday individuals and athletes with the transformative benefits of these practices.

My focus extends to making scientific principles accessible to all, weaving them into the fabric of everyday lives. Through our sessions, we will delve into the physiological intricacies of these practices, exploring how they optimise breath, mind, and body coherence.

Join me in unraveling the science behind Sophrology, Yoga, Buteyko, and Oxygen Advantage, as we tailor these evidence-based methods to elevate your well-being. Sophro Australia is where science meets practice, and together, we'll navigate the path to optimal health and performance."

Recover.Relax.Restore

New classes in 2024

Experience the powerful synergy of Sophrology and Oxygen Advantage, a holistic approach designed to optimise your breathing patterns and unlock untapped potential within. Our specialised programs are crafted to seamlessly integrate these methodologies, offering you a comprehensive journey toward improved physical and mental well-being.

Benefits:

- Eased anxiety
- Recharged energy
Mental clarity
Emotional well-being
Improved sports training
Performance anxiety relief

In this harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, discover the power of conscious breath, mindfulness, and visualisation techniques. Whether you're seeking serenity in everyday life or looking to boost your athletic performance, "Recover.Relax.Restore" is your sanctuary.

Additional Benefits:

Improved sleep
Enhanced focus
Stress resilience

Sports Performance

Recover.Relax.Restore

Mindset & Performance Anxiety

Optimising Athletic Performance: The Scientific Edge of Oxygen Advantage

In the pursuit of peak athletic performance, Oxygen Advantage emerges as a scientifically-backed game-changer, revolutionising how athletes breathe and excel.

Enhanced Oxygen Delivery
Improved Endurance and Stamina
Mental Fortitude and Focus
Accelerated Recovery
Stress Modulation
Altitude Adaptation
Personalized Optimisation

In summary, Oxygen Advantage is a scientifically grounded methodology, unlocking an athlete's full potential. From optimising oxygen utilisation to enhancing mental resilience, this approach epitomises the fusion of science and sports excellence, paving the way for peak performance. Elevate your game with Oxygen Advantage.

Mindset & Performance Anxiety

Oxygen Advantage plays a pivotal role in shaping mindset and mitigating performance anxiety through focused breathing techniques. By incorporating intentional and controlled breathwork, this method optimises oxygen delivery to the brain, fostering mental clarity and resilience. The practice helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing the physiological markers of stress and anxiety. Athletes using Oxygen Advantage report an improved ability to stay present, focused, and composed under pressure. The science-backed approach provides a powerful toolset for managing mindset and performance anxiety, contributing to enhanced mental well-being and overall peak performance.

Working with Teams

Mindset & Performance Anxiety

Working with Teams

Oxygen Advantage has emerged as a significant asset for sporting teams, revolutionising performance by integrating scientifically-backed breathing techniques. Numerous studies have showcased its positive impact on athletes, ranging from improved endurance to heightened mental focus. Research conducted by researchers like Dr. John P. Furber has demonstrated that optimising breathing patterns through Oxygen Advantage leads to enhanced oxygen delivery to muscles, contributing to prolonged physical exertion and reduced fatigue. The methodology's emphasis on nasal breathing, as supported by a study published in the "Journal of Sports Science & Medicine," has been linked to improved oxygen uptake, faster recovery, and heightened performance resilience. Sporting teams incorporating Oxygen Advantage into their training regimens have reported tangible benefits, transforming the way athletes approach their physical and mental preparation, ultimately translating into elevated on-field performance.

FAQ

Mindset & Performance Anxiety

Working with Teams

Question

Is it crucial to breathe both in and out through the nose according to Oxygen Advantage principles?

Answer

Indeed, exhaling through the nose is favored over using an open mouth. This practice retains heat and moisture in the body, contrasting with mouth breathing that results in a 42% higher water loss. Nasal exhalation also introduces greater airflow resistance, enhancing gas exchange in the lungs. Oxygen Advantage discourages the practice of inhaling through the nose and exhaling through pursed lips, as both may prolong exhalation. The emphasis on nasal breathing aligns with Oxygen Advantage principles for optimal respiratory benefits.

The Buteyko Breathing Method

The Buteyko Method

The Buteyko Method first arrived to Australia and the UK from Russia in the early 1990s. It is neither a medical treatment nor procedure. It does not involve any medication, homeopathy or herbs. It is series of easy to do exercises related to nasal breathing.

When first introduced to Australia, the method was popular with adults and children suffering from asthma. Over the past number of years, the Buteyko Method has shown to be efficacious in helping improve a number of breathing related problems including:

Respiratory: asthma, rhinitis, hayfever
Neurological: Anxiety, stress and panic attacks
Childhood development: dental health,craniofacial development and ADHD
Sleep disordered breathing: insomnia, snoring, central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea
Hyperventilation during physical activity

Buteyko Method can be easily incorporated into the daily life of any person. It does not require you to interrupt your everyday activities to perform any sophisticated procedures.

The success of the Buteyko Method in the treatment of asthma is backed by hard scientific data. Clinical trials funded by the Australian Association of Asthma Foundations in 1994 at the Mater Hospital in Brisbane demonstrated that asthmatics were able to reduce their symptomatic medication intake by 90% and their steroid medication by 30%. This reduction in medication was accompanied by improvements in their general health and quality of life.

About Sophro Australia

Buteyko Method (Buteyko Breathing Technique)

The Buteyko Method is a breathing technique designed to improve functional breathing patterns. While breathing is an involuntary activity, it is subject to change by stresses of everyday life, processed foods, excessive sitting and talking, lifestyle choices and environmental factors.

Functional breathing involves breathing in and out thro

Functional breathing involves breathing in and out through the nose. The breath is light, regular, effortless with the primary movement from the diaphragm.

On the other hand poor breathing is generally upper chest breathing, often through the mouth. The symptoms most commonly reported by people with poor breathing patterns include the inability to take a satisfying breath, disproportionate breathlessness during rest or physical exercise, frequent yawning or sighing, or the feeling of not getting enough air. Irregular breathing is often a feature of poor breathing patterns. However, breathing patterns in these individuals can also be regular from time to time which makes detection difficult.

Show Less

Buteyko Method Benefits

Buteyko Method (Buteyko Breathing Technique)

Learning how to optimise your breathing using the Buteyko method can help in many different areas of life:

Improved quality of sleep
Increased stamina and energy
Improved ability to exercise
Enhanced sports performance
Improved ability to cope with stress
Reduction in snoring
Improvement in sleep quality and tiredness for people with sleep apnoe

Learning how to optimise your breathing using the Buteyko method can help in many different areas of life:

Improved quality of sleep
Increased stamina and energy
Improved ability to exercise
Enhanced sports performance
Improved ability to cope with stress
Reduction in snoring
Improvement in sleep quality and tiredness for people with sleep apnoea
Reduction in the use of CPAP machines
Reduced nasal congestion
Reduction in hay fever symptoms
Reduction in asthma symptoms
Reduction in need for asthma relief medication
Improved tolerance of asthma triggers
Reduction in allergic reactions
Reduction in anxiety or panic attacks
Less susceptibility to colds and flu
Fewer headaches

Show Less

Buteyko can help

Buteyko Method (Buteyko Breathing Technique)

Buteyko can help

Asthma
Anxiety & Panic Attacks
Allergies & Hayfever
Nasal Congestion
Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
Quality of Life
Sports Performance

The Buteyko Method involves exercises to decongest the nose, switch to nasal breathing along with exercises to restore functional breathing patterns. Progress is determined by a special breath hold test called the Con

Asthma
Anxiety & Panic Attacks
Allergies & Hayfever
Nasal Congestion
Snoring and Sleep Apnoea
Quality of Life
Sports Performance

The application of the Buteyko Method is very direct and students should experience notable improvements to their breathing and health within a few days. Expected benefits include easier breathing, deeper sleep, more energy, reduced asthma and nasal congestion along with increased feeling of calm. Exercises are simple and taught to all adults regardless of age or health and all children over five years of age.

Breathing patterns have a profound impact on health. Poor breathing patterns literally cause the airways to narrow, and blood circulation and oxygen delivery to be reduced.

To experience the powerful effects of Buteyko breathing, view Patrick McKeown’s Tedx talk.

Show Less

About Sophie

About Me

Hi, I'm Sophie –

Founder of Sophro Australia, Breath & Performance Specialist, and High-Performance Sophrologist

For over a decade, I’ve been working at the intersection of breath, mental health, and human performance — supporting individuals, teams, and organisations to not just perform better, but to feel better too.

As Australia’s first certified High-Performance Sophrologist, I bring a unique blend of science-backed techniques and Eastern practices into every session I deliver — whether that’s with corporate teams, students, elite athletes, or individuals navigating stress, burnout, or big transitions.

I’m also a qualified:

Advanced Oxygen Advantage® Instructor
Buteyko Breathing Coach
Sophrology Practitioner (trained in Switzerland through the International Energy School)
Practitioner of MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), Autogenetic Training & Meditation
Mental Health First Aider
Counsellor & Life Coach
Trained in Children’s Yoga, Kundalini Family Yoga

I’ve facilitated health and wellbeing programs in schools, corporate settings, and community groups for over 12 years — with a strong focus on recovery, resilience, and sustainable performance. For the last 2 years, I’ve brought this expertise into the corporate team-building space, helping teams stay grounded and connected under pressure.

What sets my work apart is how I meet people where they’re at — adapting my tools to support real-world challenges like burnout, anxiety, poor sleep, and mental overload. Whether we’re working on performance mindset, emotional regulation, or nervous system recovery, my goal is to help people reconnect to their breath and themselves.

Sophrology, the foundation of my work, blends modern neuroscience with ancient wisdom. It’s been used in Europe for decades in settings from hospitals to Olympic teams. Now, I’m proud to be pioneering its benefits here in Australia through Sophro Australia.

Outside of my work, I’m a mother to three incredible boys and deeply value creativity, laughter, and nature. These are the spaces where I reconnect and recharge — and they’re a big part of what fuels my passion for this work.

If you're looking for practical, science-backed tools to improve wellbeing, manage pressure, or enhance focus and recovery — I’d love to work with you.