GET TO KNOW DR BELISA VRANICH

“Groundbreaking in her summary of the importance of oxygen and breathing, Dr. Belisa tackles the deleterious effects of modern stress, boundless energy and intuition.”

— MARTIN LINDSTROM, TIME MAGAZINE’S “WORLD’S 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE,” 2009

Dr. Belisa Vranich is a clinical psychologist and a renowned expert in the field of breathing science. Her groundbreaking methods, including The Breathing Class and The Breathing IQ, have certified students globally since 2012, and her books have been translated into six languages; her TEDx talk on breathing has garnered nearly one million views, reflecting her widespread impact and influence in the field.

She is the founder of The Breathing Class and the creator of The Breathing IQ, a screening tool designed to identify biomechanical dysfunctions in breathing. Drawing on her expertise in psychometrics, Dr. Belisa developed the BIQ to assess and correct mechanical issues in breathing patterns in a noninvasive, functional way that is accessible to everyone.

As a subject matter expert, Dr. Belisa has extensive experience working with high-risk, high-stakes professions, including firefighters, military personnel, and law enforcement. Her expertise extends to collaborations with corporate organizations, medical professionals, and competitive sports communities, including MLB, NFL, and NHL. She focuses on enhancing endurance, resilience, stress management, and recovery. She is currently collaborating with prominent organizations such as MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Department of Corrections.

Her leadership roles include serving as the former Director of Public Education at the Mental Health Association of New York City and as Director of Breathing Science at The Ash Center for Comprehensive Medicine. She has also taught at New York University and consulted for the National Mental Health Association in Washington, DC. She holds degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill and New York University/Bellevue Hospital Center.

A committed educator, Dr. Belisa collaborates with the New York City Fire Department through the Mental Performance Initiative and is an executive team member of Leadership Under Fire, an organization that prepares leaders and organizations to navigate physical, mental, emotional, and moral rigors in highly competitive settings by developing strength of mind, body, character, and critical thought in order to optimize human performance.

Dr. Belisa has authored notable works, including Breathe: The Simple, Revolutionary 14-Day Program to Improve Your Mental and Physical Health (St. Martins Press) and Breathing for Warriors: Master Your Breath to Unlock More Strength, Greater Endurance, Sharper Precision, Faster Recovery, and an Unshakable Inner Game (St. Martins Press), endorsed by leading figures in health and fitness such as Dr. Stu McGill, Coach Joe DeFranco, Coach Dan John, Dr. Kelly Starrett, Coach Mike Robertson, and Lt. Col. Dave Grossman.

Dr. Belisa has been widely recognized in the media, appearing regularly on CNN and Fox TV. She has been interviewed on programs like Anderson Cooper 360, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Inside Edition and has been featured in major publications such as The New York Times, Vogue, Time Magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. Dr. Oz has recognized her as one of the top U.S. doctors in her field.

She emphasizes the importance of service and volunteerism, incorporating this philosophy into her certification programs. A strong advocate for organ donation, she dedicates her work to causes like Liam's Life Foundation and actively supports organizations benefiting veterans and animal rescue efforts like Paws for Life. Dr. Belisa is committed to her work with adaptive athletes through Wounded Warrior and is on the medical advisory board of the C4 Foundation, a San Diego-based organization serving active-duty Navy SEALs and their families.

Dr. Belisa Vranich is distinguished for her collaborative approach within the discipline of breathing science. Her work underscores the importance of interdisciplinary engagement, as she frequently incorporates and acknowledges the contributions of fellow researchers and clinicians. This dedication to fostering academic and professional collaboration ensures that her methodologies are underpinned by a rigorously developed and multifaceted foundation of scientific inquiry and clinical practice.

American clinical psychologist, author, public speaker, and founder of The Breathing Class. She has been an active consultant and columnist, promoting intentional breathing practices to improve health and providing psychological viewpoints on sex and relationships. She is an advocate for women's health, as well as volunteering, mentorship, and animal rescue.

Reel Edited by Shawn Easter