LOVE STORIES
Stories from the breath, the voice & the heart.
Every person arrives differently.
Some come to deepen their own relationship with breath and body. Some are learning to trust their voice. Some are already teachers, healers or practitioners ready to become more confident facilitators. Others simply know that something within them is ready to open.
These are a few of the stories shared by people who have trained, breathed, practiced and transformed with me through Embodied Voice Breathwork®.
BECOMING YOUR OWN KIND OF FACILITATOR
“Rather than shaping students into copies of a method, she supports you in developing your own voice within the work.”
This training didn’t just add tools to my practice, it refined how I listen, how I guide and how I understand breath as a pathway into the body and beyond. It also gave me much more confidence.”
ANOUCK HOET
Foundations Facilitator Training · Costa Rica · March 2026
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“Working with Fern Olivia is one of those experiences that’s hard to summarize because it goes far beyond technique.
What stood out to me most is the way she bridges knowhow and intuition. There’s a very clear depth of knowledge behind everything she teaches. Whether it’s Conscious Connected Breathing, pranayama or more nuanced elements like sequencing, bandhas or breathholds. But it never feels forced or prescriptive. Instead, it’s delivered in a way that invites exploration, personal discovery and even a feeling of 'fun' healing. Yes... it's a thing with her :).
Her approach to breathwork isn’t just about inducing intense experiences (though those can definitely happen) but about cultivating awareness and building a relationship with your own nervous system. That distinction matters. Because it shifts the work from something you “do” into something you actually integrate.
As a facilitator, she creates a space that feels both grounded and expansive. There’s a sense of safety that allows you to go deep, paired with a lightness that keeps the process human and accessible. That balance is rare.
What I also appreciated is how she encourages individuality. Rather than shaping students into copies of a method, she supports you in developing your own voice within the work. That’s something that will stay with me far beyond the retreat itself.
This training didn’t just add tools to my practice, it refined how I listen, how I guide and how I understand breath as a pathway into the body and beyond. It also gave me much more confidence.
If you’re looking to explore breathwork in a way that is both technically grounded and deeply experiential, learning from Fern is something I’d strongly and genuinely recommend.”
PERSONAL MENTORSHIP
A training that meets the person in front of me.
No two people arrive with exactly the same experience, questions, strengths or edges. Personal training gives us the freedom to slow down, explore what is most alive for you, practice what still feels uncertain and build from what already comes naturally.
“As it turned out, Fern was exactly the teacher I needed.”
“The 1on1 retreat, where I get to choose what I would want to learn and make a schedule together with Fern is great... She showed me a lot of different techniques and helped me grow by practice.”
SANNE JANSEN
Foundations Facilitator Training · Costa Rica · April 2026
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“Fern Olivia, the teacher I needed.
I came all the way to Puerto Viejo to dive deeper into the conscious connected breath, to learn more how to help others with breathwork.
I chose Fern as a teacher because I felt she knows how to guide breathwork for people who are not all the way healthy, and are in need of a slower and different approach, which is what I wanted to learn (as a social worker). Also, the 1on1 retreat, where I get to choose what I would want to learn and make an schedule together with Fern is great, not to demanding, with enough time to integrate.
As it turned out, Fern was exactly the teacher I needed. The things I know from my own journey towards health got a little buried, Fern helped me to remember that as a facilitator we only need to hold space and give guidance, to let go and not push, that less is more and feeling safe is the most important aspect you can provide.
She showed me a lot of different techniques and helped me grow by practice. I am very excited to go into the world and be a way better facilitator then before.
Leading a group on my last day was a bit scary, but getting to practice first on only Fern and then more people was really good. She even let me try out an experiment on her, which was especially good, to get her insights afterwards.
I am very grateful for all her teachings, but also for Fern also a person, she is so open, loveable, caring and funny.
Last but not least, learning or undergoing a breathwork retreat at Dragonfly, at Playa Chiquita is the best, with the most gorgeous nature, and right at the beach. This atmosphere helps to calm down and turn inward.
Thank you so much, Fern. I hope to see you again!”
THE INNER JOURNEY
You are learning the work. You are also experiencing it.
Embodied work is difficult to guide only from the intellect. Part of learning to facilitate is experiencing breath, voice, sound, stillness and expression within your own body.
For many students, the training becomes its own personal journey too.
“After I did my community breathwork as my final and saw how I was able to help and light up their souls, plus all the practice with Fern and another student in the training, it made me realize just how much power and gifts I really have to share.”
The biggest breakthrough of all was after attending my last breathwork session with Fern. I felt myself release, feel beautiful and embody all my power and femininity!
STACIE NGUYEN
Facilitator Training · Costa Rica · June 2024
“During the retreat, I discovered that my breath connected me to my inner strength and provided more ease in taking the role of observer of the circus of the mind.
This phenomenon is something I am very intellectually aware of and talk about often in my work role as a mental health therapist. I have never experienced it quite so profoundly as I did during this retreat.”
Alicia Reimers
Facilitator Training · Costa Rica · June 2024
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“I chose this training because I desired to learn and become breathwork certified!
Now I have this amazing tool under my belt and since the training have already been serving and helping others in life.
Learning new things and having Fern be so flexible is what I loved. From all the different breathwork techniques, learning sound bowls, going to ecstatic dances, the cacao ceremony and sharing in the ritual and love of creation. and aquatic breathwork!!
My most favorite part is Fern sharing the love and feel of the tide pools and each shala she chose to do our lessons! What sets this training unique from others is Fern's kindness, a great team, diversity of experiences to glean from as tools and support for moving forward.
Maxim is such a gem. He is just genuine in who he is and says it as it is. His passion for his music, being a pillar of support for Fern and his love for making cacao for ceremonies is beautiful. I was also able to witness him doing a cacao spa and being able to see a man do so and see that even in masculinity, he held on to his femininity at the same time. It was a reminder of how they can really coexist regardless of who you are.
The breakthrough I had was right at the end. After I did my community breathwork as my final and saw how I was able to help and light up their souls (plus all the practice with Fern and other student in the training) it made me realize just how much power and gifts I really have to share.
The biggest breakthrough of all was after attending my last breathwork session with Fern. I felt myself release, feels beautiful and embodied all my power and femininity!”
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“The breathwork facilitator training was a very powerful experience. I am so glad I was divinely guided to it!
Fern is so knowledgeable, she genuinely lights up with passion when sharing her knowledge. She is so encouraging and sure of our power to guide others to their spirit through their breath and song. I chose this training to become a certified breathwork facilitator and reconnect to my own practice, and I booked it immediately after searching through many trainings I discovered online because it offered me a solid foundation of breathwork facilitation methods and the confidence to guide others to their spirit through their breath.
During the retreat, I discovered that my breath connected me to my inner strength and provided more ease in taking the role of observer of the circus of the mind- making it so clear the way the mind focuses so narrowly on “the problem” leaving the inner guidance system little room to whisper solutions. This phenomenon is something I am very intellectually aware of and talk about often in my work role as a mental health therapist. I have never experienced it quite so profoundly as I did during this retreat. Maxim and Fern together guided a powerful opening cacao ceremony which was one of my favorite experiences from this retreat. Together they radiate alignment. Their gentle guidance and powerful music are heart openers.”
“The breathwork she guided led me to a moment where I had a big emotional release and then felt fully held for one of the first times ever by Source, by life.
This experience was truly a rebirth on some level and another layer of the reconnection within me back to Source.”
Andrea
Aquatic Rebirthing Breathwork · Costa Rica
“The timing of 3 hours of training each day was perfect and we loved the area.”
“Fern’s teaching was so thorough and thoughtful and we loved every minute of it.”
TRACEY WINN
Conscious Connected Breathwork Training · Costa Rica
“The location is amazing. I love the Dragonfly Shala where I learned and practiced, and Playa Chiquita is beautiful, surrounded by nature and right by the beach.”
Sanne Jansen
Foundations Facilitator Training · Costa Rica · April 2026
“My most favorite part is Fern sharing the love and feel of the tide pools and each shala she chose to do our lessons!
Learning new things and having Fern be so flexible is what I loved. From all the different breathwork techniques, learning sound bowls, going to ecstatic dances, the cacao ceremony... and aquatic breathwork!!”
Stacie Nguyen
Facilitator Training · Costa Rica · June 2024
“I really adored the whole program. It was so beautifully planned, very rich in unique experiences and I am very grateful for my personal progress during those unforgettable days.”
Marie-Theres Euler-Rolle
Breathwork Training · Costa Rica · August 2024
FINDING YOUR VOICE
Sometimes the training is about learning to guide others. Sometimes it is also about finding something within yourself.
“Through her leadership and openness, I opened my own voice and had huge lessons around my expression and self-love.”
TIERRA
Foundations Facilitator Training · July 2024
THEIR EXPERIENCE, IN THEIR WORDS
Three voices. Three different ways the work continues.
No two students leave with exactly the same experience. For some, the shift is greater confidence in guiding others. For others, it is discovering a more authentic way of facilitating or realizing just how much they already have within them to share.
These stories offer a glimpse into what can unfold when learning becomes personal, experiential and truly your own.
FOUNDATION
“I booked it immediately after searching through many trainings... because it offered me a solid foundation of breathwork facilitation methods and the confidence to guide others.”
Alicia Reimers
Foundations Training · Costa Rica · June 2024
PERSONALIZATION
“Fern was an excellent teacher. She tailored the training to my husband and I, including voice activation, learning the harmonium, various breathwork/ pranayama, and her particular special sequences. We received certifications and feel confident in guiding our own breathwork journeys.”
Tracey Winn
Foundations Training · Costa Rica · August 2026
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“The breathwork facilitator training was a very powerful experience. I am so glad I was divinely guided to it!
Fern is so knowledgeable, she genuinely lights up with passion when sharing her knowledge. She is so encouraging and sure of our power to guide others to their spirit through their breath and song. I chose this training to become a certified breathwork facilitator and reconnect to my own practice, and I booked it immediately after searching through many trainings I discovered online because it offered me a solid foundation of breathwork facilitation methods and the confidence to guide others to their spirit through their breath.
During the retreat, I discovered that my breath connected me to my inner strength and provided more ease in taking the role of observer of the circus of the mind- making it so clear the way the mind focuses so narrowly on “the problem” leaving the inner guidance system little room to whisper solutions. This phenomenon is something I am very intellectually aware of and talk about often in my work role as a mental health therapist. I have never experienced it quite so profoundly as I did during this retreat. Maxim and Fern together guided a powerful opening cacao ceremony which was one of my favorite experiences from this retreat. Together they radiate alignment. Their gentle guidance and powerful music are heart openers.”
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“I was looking for a conscious connected breathwork training and was so happy to find this one close by in Costa Rica
It was closer than Europe, any time/ date could be accommodated, Fern was very responsive and explained everything very thoroughly.
Fern was an excellent teacher. She tailored the training to my husband and I, including voice activation, learning the harmonium, various breathwork/ pranayama, and her particular special sequences. We received certifications and feel confident in guiding our own breathwork journeys
Fern is just the most beautiful soul. Her breadth of wisdom, her passion and her gifts are displayed in each session. She tailors the training to the individuals skill and interest level which we loved. The timing of 3 hours of training each day was perfect and we loved the area. Our accommodation at the mermaid sanctuary was perfect for us. While it did not include any meals, the restaurants just a 3 min walk away were exceptional. Fern’s teaching was so thorough and thoughtful and we loved every minute of it. As someone who teaches and leads my own retreats, I loved the way she laid out her training and her methodology. I recommend her trainings to anyone looking to go deeper in their teaching and practice in a meaningful way! “
CONFIDENCE
“I am confident teaching already and have received new clients right when I finished the training!”
Sarah Norla Shultz
Foundations Training · Costa Rica · February 2024
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“I am confident teaching already and have received new clients right when I finished the training!"
I experienced personal training with Fern to receive knowledge on how to facilitate breath work classes to help others heal, and I loved my time in Costa Rica with her mentorship. Working with Fern and Maxim was my favorite part - they are so kindhearted, loving, knowledgeable and a joy to be around.
The beautiful energy, the amazing souls, the energetic connections, I will cherish in my heart always! I overcame some huge fears, let go of some grief, and envisioned myself on a new path! Through learning about conscious connected breath work, and continuously practicing for 10 days, I feel like I have gone through death and rebirth several times in such a short period of time. It is invigorating releasing so much that has not been serving me.”
BEYOND TECHNIQUE
Learning how to hold space.
There are things a manual can teach you, and things you begin to understand only through experiencing, observing and practicing them.
How much is enough. When to guide and when to become quiet. How to notice when someone needs more space rather than more intensity. How to stay grounded while another person moves through something powerful.
“Fern holds space in a very calm and loving manner... and serves as an amazing role model and embodiment for future facilitators.”
DESIREE REINERT
Foundations Facilitator Training · Costa Rica · January 2025
“Less is more and feeling safe is the most important aspect you can provide.”
SANNE JANSEN
Foundations Facilitator Training · Costa Rica · April 2026
“Fern holds space with such grace, depth, and authenticity, it allowed me to feel safe, supported, and deeply seen.”
GLENDA
Sacred Spaceholder Training · Costa Rica · April 2025
WORDS FROM THE HEART
A few more love notes.
“Rather than shaping students into copies of a method, she supports you in developing your own voice within the work.”
ANOUCK HOET
“Fern holds space with such grace, depth, and authenticity, it allowed me to feel safe, supported, and deeply seen.”
GLENDA LEE
“As it turned out, Fern was exactly the teacher I needed.”
SANNE JANSEN
“Fern helped me find my voice again.”
CASSANDRA DICKINSON
“I booked it immediately after searching through many trainings.”
ALICIA REIMERS
“Fern was an excellent teacher. She tailored the training to my husband and I.”
TRACEY WINN
“I chose this training over all the others because of her unique style of breathwork and vocal activation.”
MARIE-THERES EULER-ROLLE
“I am confident teaching already and have received new clients right when I finished the training!”
SARAH NORLA SHULTZ
YOUR STORY BEGINS HERE
READY TO EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF?
Come breathe, learn and grow with me in Costa Rica.
Every story on this page began with someone saying yes to a quiet inner nudge.
Whether you're called to become a facilitator, deepen your practice, or experience a personal retreat, I'd love to learn more about what is drawing you here.