Holotropic Breathwork

Based on the research and methodology of Christina Grof and Dr. Stanislav Grof, a founding father of transpersonal psychology, this class will explore the findings of more than 30 years of Grof's research and study of nonordinary states of consciousness. The class will introduce Grof's dimensions of consciousness, including the sensory, biographical, perinatal, and transpersonal bands of consciousness. There will be special emphasis on the perinatal band and its intricate and complex construction of consciousness. Located within the larger theoretical frameworks of Jungian, Existential, Humanistic, and Transpersonal Psychology, Grof's studies in nonordinary states of consciousness have included LSD research as well as work with breath, evocative music, and focused body work in Holotropic Breathwork. The experiential aspect of Holotropic Breathwork were developed by Grof while he was Scholar in Residence at Esalen Institute in California. The class will consist of exploration of the theory that informs Holotropic Breathwork and the clinical applications, including a discussion of COEX systems. Kristine Trotter, Ronda Lobsinger