History & origins

History: from research to an experiential practice

Holotropic Breathwork grew out of Stanislav and Christina Grof’s work at the Esalen Institute in California during the 1970s. Stanislav brought his earlier research into non-ordinary states of consciousness; together, they explored a non-drug approach using breathing, music and supportive experiential work.

In his recollections for Esalen, Grof describes how the breather-and-sitter partnership developed through practical work with groups. Sitting became more than a logistical arrangement: participants also valued the experience of being present for another person’s process. Read Grof’s account at Esalen.

Christina Grof’s contribution

Christina Grof was a teacher, writer, artist and co-creator of the method. She was active in transpersonal psychology and founded the Spiritual Emergence Network. Her work helped bring attention to the spiritual dimension of human experience alongside its emotional, physical and social aspects. From 1976 to 1988, she and Stanislav led residential educational programmes and workshops at Esalen. More about Christina Grof.

From workshops to facilitator training

During the 1980s, participants began asking the Grofs for training so they could support others using the method. Early certification programmes were followed, in 1989, by Grof Transpersonal Training’s modular format. The development of training provided a shared foundation for facilitation, ethics and the practice’s principles. GTT’s history and founders.

Understanding the theory in context

The chapters in this guide explore the holotropic perspective and its theoretical ideas. These should not be read as a diagnostic framework or a guarantee of therapeutic results. Questions about participation and individual health circumstances belong in a conversation with the facilitator and, where appropriate, a qualified clinician.

Meet Stanislav Grof, or continue with the role of breath.