Frequently Asked Questions
Holistic Healing & Wellness with Brian Berneman in Auckland
Everything you want to know about working with Brian Berneman, whether you are curious about Family Constellations, sound healing, holistic coaching, meditation or what to expect in a session.
If your question isn’t answered here, please get in touch.
About Brian Berneman
Who is Brian Berneman?
Brian Berneman is an Auckland-based holistic wellness practitioner, wellbeing coach and facilitator with over 15 years of experience in yoga, meditation, mindfulness, sound healing, Family Constellations, Reiki and somatic healing. Originally from Argentina, Brian holds a background in neuroscience and has been a faculty member at Auckland University of Technology (AUT) since 2019, teaching Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Social Change.
Where is Brian Berneman based?
Brian is based in Auckland, New Zealand. He offers in-person sessions and events in Auckland, and online sessions for clients anywhere in the world. He also travels internationally for retreats and events, including regular visits to Spain and North America.
What languages does Brian Berneman work in?
Brian works in both English and Spanish. He offers sessions, workshops and retreats in both languages and has extensive experience working with Latin American and multicultural communities.
What is Conscious Integration?
Conscious Integration is Brian Berneman's holistic wellness practice. It encompasses individual healing sessions, group events, workplace wellness programmes, coaching and retreats, all grounded in the integration of neuroscience, ancient wisdom and embodied practice.
Family Constellations
What is Family Constellations therapy?
Family Constellations is a therapeutic modality that explores hidden dynamics and unresolved trauma within family systems. Systematised by Bert Hellinger, it is based on the understanding that patterns of pain, exclusion and grief can be unconsciously passed down through generations. A constellation session makes these dynamics visible and creates space for healing and resolution.
Who is Family Constellations suitable for?
Family Constellations is suitable for most adults who are experiencing repeating patterns in relationships, career or health; a sense of not belonging or disconnection; unresolved grief or trauma; or a desire to understand the family system and create positive change for future generations.
What is the difference between Family Constellations and talk therapy?
Talk therapy primarily works through verbal processing and cognitive insight. Family Constellations works at a systemic and somatic level, accessing the body's wisdom and the family field to create shifts that often go beyond what can be reached through conversation alone. Many people use Family Constellations alongside other therapeutic approaches.
Is Family Constellations evidence-based?
Family Constellations draws on elements of systemic family therapy, trauma research, epigenetics and the neuroscience of intergenerational stress transmission. While it is not a protocol-based clinical therapy, a growing body of research supports the effectiveness of systemic and somatic approaches to trauma and relational healing.
Can Family Constellations be done online?
Yes. Brian offers individual Family Constellations sessions online using symbolic objects or written representations. Many clients find these sessions equally powerful to in-person work.
Sound Healing & Sound Baths
What is sound healing?
Sound healing is a therapeutic practice that uses the vibrational frequencies of instruments (such as Tibetan singing bowls, crystal quartz bowls, gongs and drums) to shift the body and mind into states of deep relaxation and restoration. It is one of the oldest healing practices in the world, found across cultures from Tibet and Australia to ancient Greece.
What is the difference between a sound bath and a sound journey?
A sound bath is a broad term for any immersive sound healing experience. Brian's 90-Minute Sound Journey is a longer, more expansive format that allows for a deeper state of relaxation and more time for integration. The sound journey incorporates a wider range of instruments and a more intentional arc from arrival through to resolution.
What are the benefits of sound healing?
Commonly reported benefits of sound healing include: deep stress relief and nervous system regulation, improved sleep, reduced anxiety and mental chatter, emotional release, improved focus and clarity and a sense of energetic renewal. Research has shown that sound frequencies can shift brainwave states, reduce cortisol and activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
Do I need experience with meditation to attend a sound bath?
No. Sound baths are accessible to everyone regardless of meditation experience. You simply lie down, close your eyes and allow the sound to guide you. Many people who struggle with traditional sitting meditation find sound baths a natural entry point into meditative states.
What instruments does Brian use in his sound baths?
Brian uses Tibetan singing bowls, crystal quartz singing bowls, gongs, shamanic drum, chimes and voice. The selection of instruments varies depending on the session format and the energy of the group.
Holistic Coaching & Wellbeing
What is holistic coaching?
Holistic coaching is an approach to personal and professional development that considers the whole person - mind, body, emotions, relationships and purpose. Unlike conventional life coaching, holistic coaching integrates somatic awareness, mindfulness, systemic approach and deeper inquiry into patterns and beliefs that shape how we live and work.
What does Brian Berneman's coaching focus on?
Brian's coaching supports clients who are seeking greater clarity, balance and purpose; navigating career transitions or business challenges; working through stress, burnout or feeling stuck; or wanting to integrate mindfulness and conscious living into their daily lives. Sessions draw on neuroscience, mindfulness, positive psychology, systemic approach and somatic practices.
Does Brian offer online coaching?
Yes. Brian offers one-on-one coaching sessions online via video call, working with clients across New Zealand and internationally. Coaching programmes are offered over 3, 6 and 12 months.
Booking & Practicalities
How do I book a session with Brian Berneman in Auckland?
You can book an in person session at The Life Centre or check about upcoming events and classes here.
Does Brian offer gift vouchers?
Yes. If you would like to gift a session or sound bath experience to someone, please contact Brian directly and he will arrange a personalised gift voucher.
Does Brian offer sessions outside Auckland?
Yes. Brian travels for retreats and larger events and offers online sessions for clients anywhere in New Zealand or internationally. He also delivers regular events in Spain and works with Latin American communities globally.
What is Brian Berneman's cancellation policy?
Please refer to the booking confirmation or contact Brian directly for current cancellation and rescheduling terms.
Still Have a Question?
Brian reads and responds personally to all enquiries. Whether you are trying to decide which session is right for you or simply want to know more before taking the first step, please get in touch.