Holotropic Breathwork: A New Approach to Self-Exploration and Therapy

by Stanislav Grof, Christina Grof, Jack Kornfield (Foreword)

The definitive overview of this transformative breathwork.

In this long-awaited book, Stanislav Grof and Christina Grof describe their groundbreaking new form of self-exploration and Holotropic Breathwork. Holotropic means “moving toward wholeness,” from the Greek holos (whole) and trepein (moving in the direction of). The breathwork utilizes the remarkable healing and transformative potential of nonordinary states of consciousness. These states engender a rich array of experiences with unique healing potential—reliving childhood memories, infancy, birth and prenatal life, and elements from the historical and archetypal realms of the collective unconscious. Induced by very simple means—a combination of accelerated breathing, evocative music, and bodywork in a safe and supportive setting, Holotropic Breathwork integrates the insights from modern consciousness research, depth psychology, transpersonal psychology, anthropology, Eastern spiritual practices, and mystical traditions. The Grofs’ work with holotropic states of consciousness has introduced revolutionary changes to psychiatry, psychology, and psychotherapy. Written in a clear, easily understandable style, this indispensable book summarizes their remarkable insights.

“Stanislav Grof is one of the most important pioneers in the scientific understanding of consciousness. He and his wife, Christina, have contributed both to its intellectual and experiential understanding through their work with Holotropic Breathwork. Their book on this new approach to self-exploration and therapy is a must read.” — Deepak Chopra, author of Reinventing the Body, Resurrecting the How to Create a New You

“This fascinating, informative book invites you to open your mind to explore the depths of the psyche and transpersonal dimensions of consciousness. Stanislav and Christina Grof, who pioneered this powerful, innovative approach to therapy and personal growth, offer sound advice, thoroughly grounded in decades of practical experience.” — Frances Vaughan, author of Shadows of the Seeing Through Spiritual Illusions

“Take a few rapid, staccato breaths and open this book. You will have a great read, and at the same time maybe discover a new kind of consciousness, just waiting inside of you to be revealed. Stanislav and Christina Grof are modern pioneers of consciousness and this book is their map of the territory. Holotropic Breathwork reveals how the Grofs developed their revolutionary healing techniques, often told through fascinating stories of people being transformed by the breathwork process. The Grofs are at the center of the current psycho-spiritual revolution in the West, and this book is a testament to their role in our collective healing.” — Wes Nisker, author of The Essential Crazy Wisdom and Buddha’s A Practical Guide to Discovering Your Place in the Cosmos

“The Grofs offer the first comprehensive text of the theory and practice of their pioneering and integrative model of experiential psychotherapy and self-exploration. This ‘psychology of the future,’ with its extended cartography of the psyche, provides irrefutable evidence that spontaneous episodes of nonordinary states of consciousness have great healing, transformative, and even evolutionary potential for humankind. History will record that Holotropic Breathwork and the certification training and program designed by the Grofs advanced the field of psychotherapy far beyond the contributions of Freud and Jung.” — Angeles Arrien, author of The Four-Fold Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer, and Visionary

“In this remarkable book Stanislav and Christina Grof summarize their pathbreaking discoveries of the past thirty years. They make two significant contributions, one to science, the other to our shared future. The first, by showing that altered states of consciousness have a dimension that is veridical—‘imaginal’ rather than ‘imaginary’—and thereby transcend the outdated but still persistent belief that our experience of the world is limited to information conveyed by our senses. The second, by demonstrating that the altered states achieved inter alia through their holotropic breathwork method reduce aggression and enhance tolerance, compassion, ecological sensitivity, and a sense of planetary citizenship. Since these are the very qualities we urgently need to cope with the global emergency in which we presently find ourselves, their contribution to the future of humankind matches their contribution to the future of psychology.” — Ervin Laszlo, author of The Connectivity Foundations of an Integral Science of Quantum, Cosmos, Life, and Consciousness

“Holotropic Breathwork appears to have the potential for facilitating psychological insights and transformations that can be remarkably rapid and deep.” — Roger Walsh, coeditor of Higher Eminent Elders Explore the...

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Health, Self Help, Science, Audiobook

243 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2010

About the author

Stanislav Grof is known for his early studies of LSD and its effects on the psyche—the field of psychedelic psychotherapy. Building on his observations while conducting LSD research and on Otto Rank's theory of birth trauma, Grof constructed a theoretical framework for pre- and perinatal psychology and transpersonal psychology in which LSD trips and other powerfully emotional experiences were mapped onto one's early fetal and neonatal experiences. Over time, this theory developed into an in-depth "cartography" of the deep human psyche.

Following the legal suppression of LSD use in the late 1960s, Grof went on to discover that many of these states of mind could be explored without drugs by using certain breathing techniques in a supportive environment. He continues this work today under the title "Holotropic Breathwork".

Grof received his M.D. from Charles University in Prague in 1957, and then completed his Ph.D. in Medicine at the Czechoslovakian Academy of Sciences in 1965, training as a Freudian psychoanalyst at this time. In 1967, he was invited as an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, United States, and went on to become Chief of Psychiatric Research at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center where he worked with Walter Pahnke and Bill Richards among others. In 1973, Dr. Grof was invited to the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California, and lived there until 1987 as a scholar-in-residence, developing his ideas.

Being the founding president of the International Transpersonal Association (founded in 1977), he went on to become distinguished adjunct faculty member of the Department of Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness at the California Institute of Integral Studies, a position he remains in today.

Grof was featured in the film Entheogen: Awakening the Divine Within, a 2006 documentary about rediscovering an enchanted cosmos in the modern world.

Reviews

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Very insightful and understandable for the layperson in terms of psychological theory and the practical applications of this practice.

This book does just enough explaining of the psychological theory for the reader to have a basic understanding of how and why Holotropic Breathwork works and what it can do for individuals who are looking to embark on a spiritual journey or to find inner peace and healing.

I would recommend this book for anyone interested in exploring altered and expanded states of consciousness and their potential for helping people to become more whole and complete.

[Suhrob · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read in the past few months several of Grof's book (and I'm not putting them up on Goodreads :)), one thing is clear: I don't remember a more vivid example of the difference between an academic and a scientist.

Grof is definitely academic, unfortunately operating for decades in the fringes, he has forgotten what science really means... that is actually a pity - here we have something with quite significant physiological effects, therapeutic potential, but unfortunately no serious scientific research on it.

There is a tiny bit of physiology, a bit of psychology, and whole dollops of fringe-psychology and new-agey stuff. Grof is more interested in case studies, running workshops and in the (somewhat stereotypical) academic new-ageism. That is OK-ish (assuming he doesn't hurt anybody - and I actually trust he doesn't).

I just hope somebody picks up this topic with a serious careful methodology.

[Nicholas Bolger · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was disappointing. I like the author and much of the work that he’s produced. But this book didn’t give you enough information about the breath work to do it yourself. It felt more like an ad to take one of the in person trainings.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why I read this book:
I attended a holotropic breathwork session recently and partly by accident. The advertisement read "Transformational breathwork and Soundbath". But I had only focused on the Soundbath part of the advertisement. I should have been tipped off when I was emailed a detailed health waiver to attend, but I thought that the facilitators were being overprotective post-covid. With only my own ignorance to blame I ended up in a 60 minute holotropic breathwork session where we were instructed to lie down and start to breath deeply and rapidly through the mouth at a fast pace, and no breath retention. It was uncomfortable, it was a bit scary, and at one point I couldn't unclench my fists and I felt my body temperature vary wildly. I felt light headed and high. I lost track of time and just tried to keep on breathing. While I didn't access any deep stored trauma, there were people in the room who wailed, screamed, and sounded like they were reliving something very painful. I felt like I was stuck in a strange limbo reliving past experiences, dreaming, but also conscious of my body in the room. It really felt like I had taken an edible that was far too strong. At the end of the session we were treated to the Soundbath I had been looking forward to and my body regulated back to a state of equilibrium. I couldn't believe I had been able to change my state of consciousness so drastically by forcing myself to engage in holotropic breathing. And I wanted to know how it was possible and why this form of breathwork was being used.

The author is obviously passionate about holotropic breathwork as a device to heal personal, ancestral, and intergenerational trauma. The arguments presented to why holotropic breathwork can be a better way of accessing human potential and healing than traditional talk therapy are easy to follow but perhaps difficult to relate to. After my own experience I can attest that a different state of consciousness can be achieved through this practice, but I also feel grateful that I did not have to face my own birth or any stored ancestral trauma. And the idea that those encumbering memories are lying dormant (like Freud's iceberg theory) is terrifying but also sounds a bit far out or "woo woo" as my boss would say. I have a pretty high tolerance to the "woo woo" but it was hard to relate to some of the testimonials.

Trauma seems be be a buzz word at the moment as more people share their own trauma and start to speak up in greater numbers about generational trauma. As more people seek to heal their trauma, I can only see the popularity of breathwork and the number of workshops offered growing.

After reading "Holotropic Breathwork" I have a better understanding of the intention behind the practice and what to look for if I decide to attend another session. As to why it works; I understand that the rate of oxygen received by the body drastically increases while the rate of carbon dioxide decrease; I still have no idea how breathing could induce such a powerful shift in consciousness. I'm not sure if it was a healing experience for me (which I'm partially grateful for because I had been coming for a Soundbath, not an out of body experience), but I'm glad to have experienced it and to have read this book so I can make a more informed decision if I would participate in another breathwork session. This type of therapy seems to be far more person-centered and I was very glad to read that the participant's health and wellbeing was always the main concern of the breathwork facilitators. I'm giving this book 4 stars because I feel like some of the science is lacking - despite being academically very well researched. I did get a lot of valuable information and I feel like I'm walking away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this practice and how it may be applied to benefit individuals resolve stored trauma.

[Marco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview on the assumptions of the transpersonal psychology school. Couldn't help but to remember Ken Wilber's very valid distinction between the pre from the post rational, and how some people seem to think our answers lie in the former, not even differencing it from the latter.

Still 4 stars for clarity and the smooth broadening of my knowledge on schools of psychotherapy.

[Indradeep Ghosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good companion to "LSD Psychotherapy".

[Jeremie Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting concept and theory. All that is left now is for me to try this out ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gotta do it to believe it I reckon. Rapid concentrated continuous deep breathing. at 1.5 hrs u peak and can induce a psychedelic state for another couple hrs. Use loud rhythmic music until peak, and then more flowy

The healer is the midwife to the experience

Old therapy was to talk abt it. New therapy is to express emotions. Old therapy was all postnatal. Psychedelic therapy is perinatal and transpersonal as well. It has a spiritual dimension

Altered state is a misnomer. Non-ordinary may be more accurate. Technologies of the sacred include drumming, chanting, fasting, sleep deprivation, pain, psychedelics.

Holotropic- moving toward wholeness.

Everyday consciousness is a fraction if our total being.

We are spiritual beings having a human experience- Teilhard de Chardin

Our deepest being is a divine spark identical with the universal principle. The individual is divine - this is the core of mysticism. Holotropic/psychedelci experiences help us discover this true identity

Basic perinatal matrices
Bpm 1 before delivery onset
Bpm 2 uterus contracts, cervix is closed
Bpm 3 struggle to be born after dilation
Bpm 4 birth and emergence into this world

Transpersonal domain includes identification w others, forms, ancestors, karmic memories, archetypal energies of which you have no knowledge, the metacosmic void

These levels are out of reach with most forms of therapy. These deep levels of the psyche can be numinous- religious, magical, sacred. The indiv can experience themselves belonging to a higher order of reality, dif than this material realm

The psyche is not a product of the brain. It is the generative principle of the cosmos.

Facilitators create an environment. The inner healer does the work. Mystic’s dont need churches, but they do need those more advanced on their inner journey then themselves

Imminent divine- God in nature or as nature
Transcendental divine- manifestation of archetypal beings

Just as the TV doesnt generate the tv shows, the brain doesnt generate consciousness. It seems like it does because the tv set can be adjusted to effwct the program but the broadcast is independent of the tv receptor. Cerebral activity and consciousness seems correlated but you cant prove consciousness doesnt exist independent of brain activity

Holotropic states can involve releasing of energy as physical movements. They often include regression to child infant states and require physical touch to work through the experience for catharsis

After session do mandala art - a total expression of the self

[Andy Anaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This breathwork genuinely has something intense behind it, so Grof is discussing at length how to harness it for psychological healing. Summary: "This method of breathing produces altered states, so here's how to employ that as a psychoanalyst." Materialists will probably be turned off by the author's frequent dipping into the woo-woo pot. The author does not give virtually any information as to the details of the actual breathwork, probably because he would feel uncomfortable instructing people on how to get to these altered states outside the context of mental health practice, especially someone who might have a medical condition and for whom the breathwork could be hazardous.

[David Vileta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Focuses on healing via re-experiencing peri-natal, transpersonal, and (surprisingly to a lesser degree) biographical traumas. The discussion of the therapeutic mechanism behind holotropic breathwork is relatively brief and buried. Essentially, their idea is that the quickened breathing induces a psychosomatic state which is similar to the state one was subjected to while being traumatized. This helps those experiences re-surface for processing in a controlled environment, under one's own terms.

For someone who is prospective (and reasonably skeptical), these things are not self-evident, and deserved more elaboration.

Lots of compelling stories. Utility as a field manual is limited; to that end, read it through and take notes as needed from the relevant sections.

[Theresa Jump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Describes holotropic breathwork as designed by the Grofs clearly and succinctly. And I love hearing Stan's real-life stories.

[Billye · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holotropic Breathwork: A New Approach to Self-Exploration and Therapy by Stanislav Grof and Christina Grof; Foreword by Jack Kornfield contains a lot of valuable information, history, and context with regard to breathwork, therapy, and the process of reaching altered states of consciousness.

It is important to note that the authors are advocating to change the fundamental protocols and approaches used in modern psychiatry and psychology. I chose this book because I have seen first hand patients who did not appear to respond to other types of therapy make progress through breathwork.

However, the intensity and duration of the sessions described in this book go way beyond the timeframe and other limits placed on typical breathwork sessions.

The bottom line is that the Grofs have developed some interesting approaches and have trained many facilitators. I think that is a good thing, overall.

However, there are many things about this book that I find to be of concern. First, if this is such an effective treatment, it should be made widely available. Part of that process would be to find a path forward to work with breathers who have cardiovascular issues, which is quite frankly a significant segment of the world population.

I understand that the authors are suggesting a completely new paradigm for psychiatry and psychology. The authors suggest that part of the new approach is to stop thinking of a psychotic break as being problematic. I find this troubling.

If breathwork is the valuable process that the authors say it is, then why are they choosing to exclude people with cardiovascular issues when they discount any potential problems with conjuring a psychotic break? The status of people with a history of seizures is avoided completely, which is also troubling.

I agree that breathwork has amazing potential and an exploration of altered states of consciousness is warranted. However, I do not support the use of psychedelic drugs as the authors suggest.

The narration performance by Paul Brion was adequate to the task. There is a lot of jargon in this book. It presents a daunting challenge to any performer to hold the listener’s interest while delivering a lot of technical information in an understandable way. The narration is not entertaining. However, I think that is appropriate for this book.

I would recommend this book only to a very narrow group of professionals who are interested in exploring the field of breathwork. This book has some good ideas and some interesting facts, but it falls very short of providing a safe and complete new paradigm upon which psychiatry and psychology could rest.

[Laureena Mardini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanislav Grof's "Holotropic Breathwork" stands as a seminal work in the field of transpersonal psychology, offering profound insights into the practice he developed to facilitate deep inner inquiry and exploration. The origins of holotropic breathwork trace back to a time when LSD, previously used in psychotherapeutic contexts, was banned. Grof's innovative method sought to replicate the transformative experiences elicited by psychedelics through a safe and natural process of controlled breathing.

It is important to acknowledge that this method is both physically demanding and potentially hazardous if not properly guided. Grof makes it clear that holotropic breathwork should not be undertaken lightly or without appropriate supervision. Contrary to some critical reviews I found on Goodreads, the book does not fail due to a lack of detailed instructions; rather, it is a responsible choice to emphasize the need for professional guidance. Grof provides ample resources and materials for those interested in learning about and safely conducting this practice.

Readers should understand that this book is not a certification manual. It is not intended to enable individuals to perform holotropic breathwork independently or to facilitate sessions for others without extensive training. Grof underscores the necessity of having a well-trained and experienced sitter to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the process.

For therapists dedicated to the genuine healing of others and an exploration of existential themes, "Holotropic Breathwork" is an invaluable resource. It appeals particularly to those in the psychological field who approach their work with an open and accepting mindset, unafraid to venture into alternative healing methods. The book's reverence for ancient cultures, mythology, and oriental philosophy makes it a compelling read for seekers of holistic and culturally respectful approaches to mental health.

[John Pienta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very much a history of the practice and development of holotropic breathwork. It's excellent and a great primer to the entire holotropic framework which Stan Grof lays out.

I very much appreciate how he extends this framework to a broader spiritual perspective and doesn't do what some of the other big psychonauts do; they seem to insist the drug experience is the thing of interest. Grof suggests, they merely point to the thing of interest and so, in keeping with Alan Watts on the topic: "Once you've gotten the message [via psychedelics] hang up the phone".

Recommended if you're in the space of psychedelics or spirituality or you're thinking about doing a holotropic breathwork session or workshop.

[Chriskelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well this was a disappointing book.

I came to this work through my readings on psychedelic therapies; holotropic breathwork is sometimes an adjunct to those meds. As it happens, this dovetails nicely with my work on yoga breathing. so.

Grof's book is clear, concise and very revealing.
He explains the theoretical foundations of this work, 'talks' through the process, and relates numerous accounts of participant experiences.

And then. And then he likens this breathwork to homeopathic 'medicine.'
You know. Where the 'practitioner' stimulates healing by distilling herbs and spices with water until there is no active ingredient left. Just the energy of the person's symptoms.
Fail.

Homeopathy is great.
The placebo effect is real and powerful.
Next.

[Arturius escalante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book stumbled across this gem, in my examination of the late John Mack PHd. This was something he was looking into before he past in a freak accident. This book explores the new science of Holotropic breathing. For thousands of years people have used breathing to enter alter states of mind some call mindfulness: this new technique brings into question everything we thought we knew of what it means to be human. It will change psychology it will re-write medical literature it explores spiritual states it is a healing technique at its core- it absolutely transforms consciousness just a few things of what it touches- just as at starting point. The profound implications are staggering.

[Tom Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was lost in the first three chapters of this book as the author discussed the progression of the psychological approach to mental health. The best part of the book is the description of how the Holotropic Breathwork sessions are conducted and some of the problems that were encountered. It may have been in the book but I still have little understanding on why it works. Although I am fascinated about the possibilities that this experience has for all of us, I may have picked a book a little above my level of understanding.

[Jenny Webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a history of developments in transpersonal psychology through altered states of consciousness via the praxis of holotropic breathwork, this volume generally succeeds. However, the constant return to the refrain that the nature of the material, including its potential for embarrassment and for being misunderstood, somehow excuse it from the current frameworks we have for legitimating knowledge are problematic. Still, if you know nothing about this topic (as I did when I started this book) this will serve as good orientation and introduction.

Book pairing: Breathe

[Phen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically an advertisement for breath-work sessions and trainings. However, the book does contain a lot of information for people new to the topic. I believe that the authors think that holotropic breath-work is too intense to be attempted alone. For instance, the book includes a story of a few native Americans attending a workshop and then bringing the technique to their tribe. The authors' view was that they were glad that everything went well, but also that the facilitators should have been certified first. This is not a "how-to" book, but the pieces are there.

[Loz Eardley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the cover! Includes the history and cultural context of holotropic breathwork. Reads a little bit like an academic paper - very formal language at times- could probably be a little shorter. Cool crazy stories and first hand accounts of experiences people have when doing the breathwork + contraindications like a woman who identified her indigenous lineage and trauma, someone who identified as a crab and people speaking languages they do not know. Enjoyed those stories - less so the psychological mechanisms.

[Ritzo ten Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hét boek dat je moet lezen als je meer wilt weten over holotropic breathwork. Zo hier en daar een beetje hoog over en/of vaag, maar zeker nadat je zelf één of meer sessies hebt meegemaakt herkenbaar en voorstelbaar.

Begin met Hoofdstuk 9 (fysieke aspecten / hoe het fysiek in je lichaam werkt) en je bent meteen nog meer aan boord. Waarom werkt dit? Wat gebeurt er eigenlijk door holotropisch te ademen?

[Adam Zuwerink · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is intended as a history of the Grofs' decades of experience running holotropic breathwork sessions and retreats, with myriad real-world examples and case studies of their breakthrough highs and comical lows that come with running "alternative" retreats all over the world. It's a great read for a behind the scenes look at the practical side of engaging in holotropic breathwork, but could have used a little more scientific rigor in its presentation.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this is geared more towards therapists, I found this a good introduction to holotropic breathwork, how it is facilitated, and what to expect from a workshop I intend to take in a few weeks. I would suggest it to anyone interested in the history of transpersonal psychology, consciousness, or breathwork in general.

[Cara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The information in here was great but the book jumped around a lot and I wasn't sure if it was focused on facilitators or attendees. It also used a lot of jargon and wasn't well organized. But it gave a very good overview of the techniques and how it works. Just could have used some additional editing.

[Mircea · Rating 4 out of 5]

it’s a somewhat okay introduction to what holotrophic breathing is but it’s very light on the details (and since you cannot do this on your own I think it’s targeted more at facilitators or complete noobs).

[Joe Posusney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a how-to book, but a review of the therapy and the results Stanislav Grof and his wife have seen over the years of doing this work to help people with PSTD and many other deep unresolved issues residing in the subconscious. It is worth a look.

[Reema · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this expecting a how-to book but this isn’t it. But it was very interesting. He talks about how the application of holotropic breath work, rather than talk therapy, has helped people significantly process trauma and heal.

[Isham Cook]

Grof is one of the big names in LSD research, and this book is his attempt to help people try to recreate some of the psychedelic experience through deep breathing who don't have access to the drug itself.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very long, and yet doesn't cover how to actually do the technique. For that, you have to pay a lot and go to their meetings. Also, this was started many decades ago and is full of Freudian junk-psychology references.

[K. K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book by the open minded approach to the ancient science. Valuable read in nowadays indoctrinated and soulless society. Even where i live in northern Europe they have Reincarnation stories in the school programs too.