Approach: Holotropic breathwork

Holotropic Breathwork is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Stanislav Grof, M.D. which allows access to nonordinary states of consciousness. It was developed as an adjunct to LSD psychotherapy and has mostly replaced the latter due to the legal problems concering the clinical use of LSD. The method combines deliberately hyperventilating and relaxation while listening to evocative music in a supportive setting. The state of consciousness thus brought forward is said to activate the natural inner healing process of the individual's psyche, bringing him or her a particular set of internal experiences. This method is based upon Stanislav Grof's 50 years of intensive study of "nonordinary states of consciousness."

Additional elements of the process include "focused energy release work" and mandala drawing or other art techniques, such as working with clay. Holotropic Breathwork is usually done in groups, although individual sessions are done. Within the groups, people work in pairs and alternate in the roles of experiencer and "sitter". The sitter's role is simply to be available to assist the breather, not to interfere or interrupt the process. The same is true for trained facilitators, who are available as helpers if necessary.

Importance of our birth process
One small aspect of Grof's extensive theorem is the belief that there is a connection between the actions in our lives and our experiences in the birth process. In his book "The Holotropic Mind", Grof separated this process into 4 cycles. These cycles are known as the Perinatal Matrices, and they are defined as follows:


 * 1) Amniotic Universe  - The womb. The only world that life knows at this point.
 * 2) Cosmic Engulfment; No Exit - Equilibrium disturbed; begin contractions.
 * 3) Death versus Rebirth Struggle - Second clinical stage of childbirth; struggle for survival.
 * 4) Death versus Rebirth Experience - Expulsion from paradise. New world begins.

Holotropic breathing and rebirthing
Holotropic breathing has some similarities to rebirthing, but was developed independently. There is an Association for Holotropic Breathwork International and an extensive training and certification program for facilitators. There are currently more than 1000 trained facilitators located throughout the world.

Holotrpic Breathwork is a trademark.