Contact Us

Holotropic Breathwork

What is Holotropic Breathwork? A Path to Self-Discovery and Healing

Holotropic Breathwork® is a profound and natural method for self-exploration and personal transformation. It is a powerful experiential practice designed to guide you toward personal empowerment and expanded awareness.

Developed by psychiatrist Dr. Stanislav Grof and Christina Grof, it is rooted in decades of research and experiential work, drawing from psychotherapeutic techniques, meditative practices, and spiritual traditions. In many countries, this technique is regarded as a spiritual practice rather than a therapeutic one. Participants often describe opportunities to expand their awareness and access new perspectives, rather than treating or managing mental health conditions.

The word holotropic means “moving toward wholeness.” At the heart of the practice is the belief in each individual’s capacity for healing, with an emphasis on connecting with your inner healing intelligence.

This approach blends insights from psychedelic research, anthropology, depth psychology, transpersonal psychology, Eastern spiritual practices, and global mystical traditions.

The Process: How a Session Works

Holotropic Breathwork® is simple yet deeply transformative. It combines two key elements: accelerated breathing and evocative music, all within a carefully prepared and supportive environment led by highly trained, certified facilitators. The practice helps participants enter non-ordinary states of consciousness, or rather – an expanded state of consciousness, opening pathways to deep self-discovery, release, and transformation.

Each session is highly personal, with the content experienced shaped by the participants individual healing needs at that moment. While recurring themes may emerge, no two sessions are ever the same.

Weekend Structure

All Holotropic Breathwork® workshops are held over a weekend. Across the two days, there are four breathwork sessions in total:

  • Each participant will breathe in two sessions.
  • Each participant will also act as a “sitter” in two sessions, supporting a partner.

This balance of breathing and sitting ensures that everyone experiences both roles and is fully supported throughout the process.

What to Expect in a Session

  • Preparation– The weekend begins with orientation, intention-setting, and creating a safe, supportive environment.
  • Breathwork Journey– Breathers lie on a mat with eyes closed, engaging in a faster, deeper breathing pattern while listening to carefully selected music. This process opens access to expanded states of consciousness.
  • Facilitated Support– Trained facilitators are present throughout. With your consent, they may use supportive bodywork to help release physical or emotional tension if it arises.
  • Integration– After each breathing session, time is given for expression and reflection. This may include drawing, journaling, or group sharing, helping participants integrate insights into daily life.

Facilitators undertake extensive training over many years, and only practitioners certified by the Grof Transpersonal Training (GTT) organization are authorized to lead Holotropic Breathwork® sessions. With your consent, facilitators may also offer supportive bodywork to assist in releasing physical or emotional tension.

Every session is unique. While some participants experience powerful emotional release, others may encounter deep calm, expanded awareness, or personal insight. No two sessions are ever the same, as the process is guided by each individual’s inner healing intelligence.

Benefits of Holotropic Breathwork

Holotropic Breathwork is designed to help individuals move beyond mental and emotional blockages, offering the potential for profound personal transformation.

Many participants report:

  • Release of suppressed emotions and unresolved experiences
  • Relief from stress or tension
  • Greater clarity, insight, and self-awareness
  • Increased creativity and sense of connection
  • Access to deeper spiritual or transpersonal experiences
  • Enhanced overall well-being and resilience

While outcomes vary for each individual, many find the practice to be a transformative complement to other forms of healing or personal development.

Is Holotropic Breathwork Safe?

Holotropic Breathwork is generally safe for healthy adults, but it is a powerful method that may not be suitable for everyone. Because it can bring up strong physical and emotional responses, certain medical or psychological conditions may be contraindications. These include (but are not limited to):

  • Cardiovascular disease, heart attack, or high blood pressure
  • Epilepsy or history of seizures
  • Recent surgery or physical injury
  • Glaucoma or retinal detachment
  • Severe mental health conditions (such as psychosis)
  • Pregnancy

Important: You must consult your GP or healthcare provider before registering for a Holotropic Breathwork session to ensure it is safe for you.

Registration and Upcoming Dates

All Holotropic Breathwork® workshops are held over a weekend. For upcoming session dates and registration details, please contact:📧 admin@integratetc.com.au

Your safety and well-being are our priority. Please ensure you have spoken with your GP before registering.