Services
Holotropic Breathwork®
A pathway to self-exploration, expanded awareness and personal growth. A structured, experiential approach to self-exploration developed by psychiatrists Stanislav and Christina Grof in the 1970s.
At a glance
- Weekend workshops, four sessions
- Breathe in two, sit in two
- GTT-certified facilitator
- Suitability discussed first
What is Holotropic Breathwork®?
Holotropic Breathwork® is a structured, experiential approach to self-exploration and personal transformation developed by psychiatrists Stanislav and Christina Grof in the 1970s.
It combines accelerated breathing, evocative music and a carefully held group setting to support deep personal exploration and expanded states of consciousness — without the use of any substances.
The word holotropic comes from the Greek holos (whole) and trepein (moving towards), reflecting the practice’s focus on movement towards greater wholeness.
The approach draws on insights from psychedelic research, anthropology, depth psychology, transpersonal psychology, Eastern spiritual practices and mystical traditions. It is a non-drug approach to exploring expanded or non-ordinary states of consciousness.
Holotropic Breathwork® is more than a breathing technique. It brings together accelerated breathing, evocative music, a carefully prepared environment, trained facilitator support and opportunities for reflection and integration.
Participants may explore emotional, psychological, physical, spiritual or transpersonal experiences. Every experience is unique, and no two sessions are the same.
What happens in a workshop?
Holotropic Breathwork® sessions are generally held over a weekend and are carefully structured and supported by extensively trained facilitators. Participants alternate between the role of breather and sitter, creating a reciprocal environment of care and support.
Each participant will:
- Breathe in two sessions, lying comfortably on a mat with eyes closed while working with the breath and music.
- Sit in two sessions, supporting another participant through their experience.
The weekend includes preparation and orientation, breathwork experiences, opportunities for creative expression and reflection, and integration.
During the breathwork experience, trained facilitators are always present, and with your informed consent, may offer supportive bodywork to help with physical or emotional tension as it arises.
What might I experience?
Each experience is highly individual and no two sessions are ever the same. There is no predetermined outcome or particular experience you are expected to have.
Participants may experience:
- Emotional release or processing
- Physical sensations or movement
- Memories, imagery or symbolic experiences
- New perspectives or personal insights
- Greater self-awareness and clarity
- Deep relaxation or a sense of connection
- Spiritual or transpersonal experiences
- Increased creativity or a renewed sense of meaning
The process is grounded in the understanding that each person’s experience is individual and that the direction and content of the experience cannot be predicted in advance.
Why people take part
People engage with Holotropic Breathwork® for many different reasons, including personal development, self-exploration and spiritual exploration.
Participants may report:
- Greater self-awareness and insight
- New perspectives on personal experiences or patterns
- Emotional expression and release
- Personal growth and a deeper sense of meaning, purpose or wholeness
- Increased creativity and sense of connection
Individual experiences and outcomes vary. Holotropic Breathwork® is not presented as a treatment or cure for a mental or physical health condition.
Training and facilitation
Holotropic Breathwork® is a specific method with its own philosophy, ethical framework and rigorous facilitator training. While many different forms of breathwork are now offered, Holotropic Breathwork® is not simply a breathing technique or a generic form of breathwork.
The method emerged from Stanislav Grof’s extensive work exploring non-ordinary states of consciousness, including his clinical research with psychedelic states in the 1960s and 1970s. Holotropic Breathwork® emerged as a non-drug approach for accessing and working with expanded states of consciousness and awareness.
Facilitators undertake extensive experiential, theoretical and practical training through Grof Transpersonal Training (GTT) / the Institute for Holotropics. The practitioner pathway includes a minimum of 600 hours of training, multiple intensive training modules, personal Holotropic Breathwork® experiences, consultation, self-study and supervised apprenticing. Certification is not automatic on completion of these requirements, but is determined by the GTT certification team.
Amanda is a Grof Transpersonal Trained and certified Holotropic Breathwork® facilitator. Her training has included extensive personal and professional development within the Holotropic framework, preparing her to facilitate this work with appropriate attention to safety, ethics, group process, expanded states of consciousness and integration.
Is Holotropic Breathwork® suitable for everyone?
Holotropic Breathwork® can involve significant physical and emotional experiences and is not suitable for everyone.
Certain medical and psychological conditions require careful consideration before participating. These include, but are not limited to:
- Cardiovascular disease, heart attack, angina or high blood pressure
- Glaucoma or retinal detachment
- Epilepsy or a history of seizures
- Aneurysms or a significant family history of aneurysm
- Recent surgery or significant physical injury
- Conditions requiring ongoing medication
- Panic attacks or psychosis
- Severe mental illness
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Before a place in the workshop is confirmed, we will discuss your needs and circumstances with you to ensure that the workshop is appropriate for you and that any relevant physical or psychological health considerations can be safely accommodated.
Interested in attending?
All Holotropic Breathwork® workshops are held over a weekend. If you would like to learn more about upcoming workshops, suitability or registration, please get in touch.
Holotropic Breathwork® is offered as an experiential practice for self-exploration and personal development. It is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment where these are required.