About Holotropic Breathwork®

Holotropic Breathwork® is a process of self-exploration that utilises the healing power of intensified breathing, evocative music, focused bodywork, and mandala drawing to enter an altered holotropic “moving toward wholeness” states of consciousness.  Following in the tradition of the shamanic practices, rites of passage and mystery religions of ancient cultures, we create a supportive and caring space in which participants’ own inner healer can select the most relevant material and bring it up for processing. These sessions are valuable for people seeking relief from physical tension or emotional pain, an opening of creative channels, or a deepened connection with the inner Divine. Holotropic Breathwork® is a powerful and unique method to experience extraordinary states of consciousness in a safe setting and to gain access to your own innate resources. 

No prior knowledge is required to participate. 

This technique was developed by Stanislav and Christina Grof as a non-drug substitute for his earlier work in psychedelic therapy and is considered the most powerful non-drug method for entering holotropic or non-ordinary states of consciousness. It is based on over sixty years of clinical therapy experience with expanded states of consciousness, on intensive research of modern psychology and consciousness, as well as the study of ancient spiritual wisdom teachings. There are currently hundreds of practitioners worldwide.  Holotropic Breathwork® adheres to the Principles of HB as written by Christina Grof and Stanislav Grof and the Ethical Agreements for HB. Only practitioners certified through GTT are allowed to practice Holotropic Breathwork®.

I have been practicing Holotropic Breathwork® since 2017, completed the Grof Transpersonal Training in Holotropic Breathwork® and Transpersonal Psychology in 2023, and am available to facilitate workshops.  

Image by Alex Gray

Process:

During the session, you are lying on a mattress with your eyes closed. In a protected setting, guided by one's own breath and carried by the music, the natural process of self-healing is activated. This state activates the natural inner healing process of the individual’s psyche, giving the seeker a particular set of internal experiences. With the inner healing intelligence guiding the process, the quality and content brought forth is unique to each person and for that particular time and place. While recurring themes are common, no two sessions are ever alike. Every experience is unique. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to experience holotropic breathing.

“Sitters” and “Breathers”
Additional elements of the process include focused energy release work and integration practices such as mandala drawing. Holotropic Breathwork® is usually done in groups, although individual sessions are also possible. Within the groups, people work in pairs and alternate in the roles of “breather” and “sitter.” The sitter’s role is simply to be present and available to assist the breather—not to interfere, interrupt, or try to guide the process. The same is true for trained facilitators, who are available as support if necessary.

Cartography of the Psyche
According to Stanislav Grof, one of the most distinctive and potent aspects of HB is its ground-breaking expanded cartography of the human psyche. Experiences occur, and transformation happens, not only in the biographical dimension—our life history from birth up to the present moment, but they also encompass what Grof calls the perinatal and transpersonal dimensions of the psyche.

The perinatal includes the reliving of our birth from conception, in the uterus, through the canal, and into the birth itself. In this dimension, as well as at birth, it is also possible to undergo the powerful healing episode known throughout world spiritual traditions as psychospiritual birth-death-and-rebirth.

The transpersonal dimension includes the realms of the archetypes described by Carl Jung, as well as many other collective experiences described by world spiritual traditions, and phenomena not previously mapped by any other tradition.

In-depth descriptions of the cartography of the psyche, including Grof’s four perinatal matrices, can be read about in many of Stanislav Grof’s books.

Holotropic Breathwork might be of interest if
    • You are seeking a more experiential approach to healing, one that goes beyond talk therapy.
    • You are experiencing a major life crisis and seeking deep wisdom and insights.
    • You want to release unresolved issues from the past.
    • You want to understand the emotional roots of a persistent physical / psychosomatic condition.
    • You want to expand your consciousness and further explore your spiritual path.
    • You want to integrate psychedelic experiences.
    • You are in the GTT Holotropic Breathwork® or Grof® Breathwork Training Programs.

Next Workshops

Ireland

Residential

Wicklow

Double Holotropic Breathwork,
August 22nd – 25th

Portugal

Residential

Sintra (Lisbon)

Double Holotropic Breathwork
October 10th - 13th

Portugal

Residential

Sintra (Lisbon)

Double Holotropic Breathwork
December 12th–15th

Portugal

Residential

Sintra (Lisbon)

Double Holotropic Breathwork
February 20th - 24th, 2025

Portugal

Residential 

Sintra (Lisbon)

Double Holotropic Breathwork
April 24th - 27th, 2025

Ireland

Residential

Wicklow

Double Holotropic Breathwork,
June 12th – 15th, 2025

Ireland

Residential

Wicklow

Double Holotropic Breathwork,
August 21st – 24th, 2025

Portugal

Residential

Sintra (Lisbon)

Double Holotropic Breathwork
October 9th - 12th, 2025

Portugal

Residential

Sintra (Lisbon)

Double Holotropic Breathwork
December 11th - 14th, 2025

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

For more information about this technique of self-exploration and for lists of practitioners in your area, check out the following websites:

EUROPE

https://holotropic-association.eu/

https://holotropicireland.weebly.com/ 


INTERNATIONAL

http://www.holotropic.com/

https://www.grof-holotropic-breathwork.net/