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about Breathing Works Auckland New Zealand

World leaders in the treatment of breathing pattern disorders and hyperventilation syndromes

The two co-founders of the first independent Breathing Pattern Disorders clinic in Australasia are nationally and internationally recognised as leaders in their field.


Dinah Morrison Dip.Phys. NZRP, MNZSP	Tania Clifton-Smith Dip.Phys. MNZSP NZRP NZMTA ITEC (Lon)

Dinah Morrison, Dip Phys MNZSP NZRP, started the first Hyperventilation Syndromes Clinic in New Zealand in 1989 at Auckland's Green Lane Hospital, followed by a private clinic at the Mercy Specialist Centre in 1992.

She wrote the first ever patient handbook on the subject - Hyperventilation Syndrome/Breathing Pattern Disorders in 1991 (Random Press 3rd edition 2004) - where it stayed on the NZ best seller list for nine weeks. It's now in its third revised edition in NZ, the UK and the Netherlands and has been published in the US by Hunter House, San Francisco.

She has co-authored an international text book for clinicians - Multidisciplinary Approaches to Breathing Pattern Disorders. It's available through www.harcourt.com.au and/or Harcourt NZ. (09 630 1675). A text book aimed at clinicians it will make a valuable resource book for health science students teachers and clinicans alike.

Dinah has presented extensively to health professional as well as lay groups on Hyperventilation Syndromes/Breathing Pattern Disorders in NZ, Australia, the UK, France, the Netherlands and the US..

Tania Clifton-Smith, Dip Phys MNZSP NZMTA ITEC (Lon), practiced from the prestigious Devonshire Clinic (London) from 1989-1991 treating high-flying (highly stressed) literati and glitterati as well as corporate clients, through to the specialised treatment of survivors of torture.

From 1992-1994, she worked at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital with medical teams developing and implementing pain and stress management programmes. She set up the hyperventilation syndrome/breathing pattern disorders outpatient service at Middlemore Hospital in1992. Taking over Dinah's Mercy Specialist Centre practice in 1994 where she ran a highly successful practice until 1998. She treated those with disordered breathing problems, Occupational Overuse Syndrome and stress disorders.

Tania has also developed a high profile corporate seminar series and has presented extensively throughout NZ to business professional and sport groups. She has also presented a popular Wellness series on TVNZ's GOOD MORNING programme.

In 1999 her first book was published, the acclaimed Breathe to Succeed (Penguin NZ). Breathing Matters, co-authored with ear, nose and throat surgeon, Dr Jim Bartley came out in February '06 (Random House).

Dinah and Tania joined forces in 1998 to start B R E A T H I N G WORKS, the first independent clinic of its kind in Australasia. Dinah and Tania have also co-authored two books – Dynamic Breathing for Asthma (Random House 2nd edition 2008),
and Breathe Stretch and Move (Random House 2005), aimed at easing workplace stress.

Associates of B R E A T H I N G WORKS include:

Janet Rowley
Dip Phys MNZSP
Janet has worked in a variety of areas of physiotherapy, including neurology and women's health. She has completed her Masters of Health Science (Hon). Her research involved developing a new assessment questionnaire, which is currently being validated so that it can be used in clinics and research worldwide.

Janet started with B R E A T H I N G WORKS in 2003, and she has a particular interest in the areas of dance and movement.

Janet is also running B R E A T H I N G WORKS classes, which incorporate movement, stretching, breathing and relaxation, to provide a refresher for our clients and an opportunity to take time out to relax and restore.

We are really pleased to introduce two new highly experienced clinicians to our team. Each adds great value to our existing specialist practice of the physiotherapy-based assessment and treatment of stress related breathing pattern disorders, as well as other chest problems such as asthma and COPD.

Diane Sorrell
PGD Maniputative Physiotherapy (Auckland), Dip Physiotherapy (Otago), PAANZ Acupuncture, Bradcliff Practitioner
Diane is an experienced manipulative physiotherapist. Having completed her undergraduate physiotherapy in Otago Diane worked in Wellington and overseas before returning home to study her post graduate qualifications at AUT in 1995. She has managed and worked in a variety of physiotherapy practices throughout Auckland, Wellington and the U.K., including the establishment of a sports clinic in St. Anton, Austria.
Diane is experienced in sports injuries and muscle balancing. She was an athlete at an early age, competing in a variety of sports including swimming, triathlons and running. Now she prefers golf, tennis and skiing.
Diane is qualified in Acupuncture and she has a particular interest in treating children with food intolerances and people who have experienced high levels of stress.
Diane has completed the BradCliff Certification programme.

Denise Blumgart
Receptionist/Administrator
Denise is the hub of our busy practice and ensures that the clinic runs smoothly. Her reception hours are 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, however, should you have an after 3.00 p.m. enquiry, please leave a message and your call will be dealt with promptly next morning.