Grof® Breathwork

Holotropic Breathwork

Grof® Breathwork is a method that allows self-exploration, self-discovery, and internal transformation, using current tools of consciousness research, such as transpersonal psychology or anthropology and the spiritual traditions and practices of the East and West.

Stanislav and Christina Grof developed holotropic breathwork and since 1976 have used this approach in experiential retreats around the world, from North America, South America, Europe, Australia and Asia. Stanislav Grof, MD Ph.D., is one of the founders and main theorists of Transpersonal Psychology, who has been working with modern consciousness research for over 60 years, is one of the pioneers of Psychedelic Therapy and to this day the psychiatrist/psychotherapist who more cases followed and guided in his professional career. Christina Grof, Ph.D., was a teacher, author, and founder of the Spiritual Emergence Network.

Stanislav e Christina Grof

This method of Grof® Breathwork leaves a profound impact on the wearer. We resort to accelerated and deep breathing, music and body work to release accumulated tensions. These resources lead participants to access non-ordinary states of consciousness, also called by Stanislav Grof the holotropic state, which is a neologism composed of two Greek words – holos, which means totalitarian and trepo/trepein, which means to move towards, that is, to move towards the whole, the totality.

By accessing these deep states of consciousness, it is possible to access all levels of human experience: the biographical, perinatal (close to birth) and transpersonal level, which encompasses everything that transcends our body, ego and personality, in other words, is the spiritual dimension of life.

A hallmark of holotropic states is the activation of an innate, involuntary therapeutic mechanism. Just as our organism has its own intelligence to carry out processes such as digestion or wound healing, in holotropic states, our organism is capable of activating an internal intelligence of psychic self-healing, which acts as an internal radar, bringing to consciousness psychic contents more relevant and available to be processed. This inner healing intelligence becomes therapeutic wisdom that transcends the cognitive understanding of a therapist or any school of psychotherapy. Through holotropic breathing, the facilitator always maintains neutrality and never suggests any topic to be worked on, nor does he direct the process. As the name implies, it is a process facilitator and not a guide. Its function is to welcome the participants without judgment, allowing this instance of the inner healer to act and bring out what has to be experienced at the moment. The facilitator guarantees the safety of the work and intervenes only in exceptional situations or when requested. Sometimes, there is a need for the facilitator to offer a type of body work in order to help release emotional and bioenergetic blocks, following the flow of energy activated by the inner healer.

In the experiential sessions, participants work in pairs, alternating the roles of breather and sitter, with no prior experience required. These are processes that can be quite cathartic, due to the possibility that participants have to express repressed emotions, freeing people from their behavior patterns that for years have been blocking them in their lives.

As a work to integrate these experiences, some forms of expression are suggested through art therapy, through the drawing and painting of mandalas, soul collage and the sharing of experiences. All these elements help participants in the process of integration, acceptance and understanding of their experiences.

It is important to mention that Grof® Breathwork does not replace any psychotherapy, it is rather a process that can help and complement the psychotherapeutic process of each one.

Scientific research and our experience show that this method has very effective results in Anxiety Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorders and Emotional and Psychosomatic Disorders.

Contraindications

It is contraindicated for people with severe vascular and cardiovascular diseases, severe hypertension, glaucoma, diabetes, acute contagious diseases, recent surgeries, psychiatric illnesses, epilepsy and pregnancy, however, each situation must be evaluated in advance and in person with a certified facilitator.

References

Bizarro, R. (2018). Respiração Holotrópica: Uma Abordagem Transpessoal. Edições Mahatma
Grof, S. (1988). Além do Cérebro. São Paulo: Editora McGraw-Hill.
Grof, S. (1997). A Aventura da Autodescoberta. São Paulo: Summus Editorial.
Grof, S. (2000). Psicologia do Futuro: Lições da investigação moderna sobre a consciência. Editora Via Optima
Grof, S., Grof, C. (2011). Respiração Holotrópica: Uma Nova Abordagem de Autoexploração e Terapia. Rio de Janeiro: Numina.
Grof, S. (2015). Cura Profunda: A Perspectiva Holotrópica. Rio de Janeiro, RJ: Numina.
Grof, S. (2019). The Way of the Psychonaut, Vols. I, II, CA, USA: MAPS.
Taylor, K. (1994). The Breathwork Experience – Exploration and Healing in Nonordinary States of Consciousness. CA, USA: Hanford Mead Publishers.
Taylor, K. (2003). Exploring Holotropic Breathwork, Selected Articles from a Decade of The Inner Door. CA, USA: Hanford Mead Publishers. Este livro é uma referência para pesquisa, pois contém 144 artigos, escritos por 85 autores de várias partes do mundo, que compartilham suas experiências, observações, teorias e pesquisas na área.
Taylor, K. (2007). The Holotropic Breathwork Facilitators Manual, CA, USA: Hanford Mead Publishers.
Taylor, K. (2008). Considering Holotropic Breathwork, CA, USA: Hanford Mead Publishers.