GROF® BREATHWORK

What is GROF® Breathwork?

GROF® Breathwork is an experiential breathwork practice developed from the original holotropic breathwork work by Stanislav Grof and adapted for Grof® Legacy Training. It is designed to support deep inner exploration, emotional release and personal insight through a combination of accelerated breathing, evocative music and supportive bodywork. It may open access to deeper layers of experience, including emotional and unconscious material, facilitating self-discovery and healing. 

 

How does it work?

In a session, participants generally lie down in a safe and comfortable space and are guided to breathe more deeply and rhythmically than usual. The breathwork is accompanied by evocative music that supports the unfolding process. Trained sitters and facilitators hold the space, offer physical support when needed and help maintain safety throughout the session. 

 

Do participants work in pairs or groups?

Yes. Typically, GROF® Breathwork is done in a group setting and involves working in pairs. Participants take turns in the roles of breather and sitter. The sitter’s role is to provide attentive, grounded presence, support the breather if needed and help maintain safety. This relational dynamic can enhance trust and shared experience. 

 

What is the role of sitters?

Sitters are there to be present, attentive and non-directive. They do not tell breathers what to experience. Instead, they hold the space with calm presence and support, intervene gently if assistance is needed like water, tissue, blanket and create a secure environment for the breathwork process to unfold. 

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What Is the Role of the Facilitator?

Facilitators are trained and Grof® certified professionals who hold and manage the entire breathwork space. They oversee the group process from a broader perspective, maintaining safety, structure and energetic coherence throughout the session. While breathers and sitters focus on their paired roles, facilitators remain attentive to the whole room, observing, supporting and intervening if necessary.

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Their responsibility includes giving clear instructions, ensuring physical and emotional safety, supporting both breathers and sitters, and maintaining the integrity of the process. They are available to step in if additional assistance is required and may offer grounding support when necessary. 

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Facilitators are also the only individuals authorised to provide bodywork during the session. They are trained to work respectfully, ethically and responsively, always prioritising consent and participant safety.

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What Is Bodywork and How Is It Provided?

Bodywork in GROF® Breathwork is a supportive physical technique offered when a participant feels tension, blockage or unresolved physical energy during the session. It is not massage or manipulation. Instead, it is a focused and conscious form of support designed to help release physical tension that may be connected to emotional or psychological material.

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Bodywork is only offered upon request and always with clear consent. It is provided by trained facilitators, never by sitters. The approach is collaborative and responsive, meaning the participant remains in control and can guide the intensity or stop the intervention at any time.

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You may experience gentle pressure, resistance-based support, grounding touch or guided physical engagement that helps complete a movement or expression your body is naturally seeking. The intention is to support integration and release, not to direct or impose any process.

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Every bodywork interaction is respectful, contained and aligned with safety guidelines and cultural requirements. Some participants may not require any bodywork at all. Each experience unfolds according to individual needs.

 

How should I prepare for a breathwork session?

Preparation is both physical and mental. It is helpful to arrive well rested, well hydrated and with an open intention. We recommend eating lightly before the session and avoiding heavy meals, alcohol or recreational drugs. Taking a moment to check in with your physical and emotional state beforehand can also support a more grounded experience.

 

Many groups include preparatory practices designed to gently open the body and heart space before breathwork begins. These may include gentle yoga, somatic movement, breath awareness exercises, sound practices, guided meditation and grounding rituals. Such practices help regulate the nervous system, soften physical tension and support a deeper sense of presence, allowing you to enter the breathwork process with openness and stability, without specific expectations about what should occur.

 

What Should I Bring?

To support your comfort and personal process, we recommend bringing the following:

• Bedding and Comfort
  Mats, waterproof mattress covers, basic blankets and pillows are provided. However, for personal comfort, we strongly suggest bringing your own blanket and pillow. Please also bring a single fitted sheet or cotton bed sheet. While waterproof covers are supplied, experience shows that placing a cotton sheet on top creates a more natural and comfortable surface during the session.

• Clothing
  Wear comfortable, loose clothing suitable for movement and rest. We recommend dressing in layers, similar to an onion, so you can adjust easily to changes in body temperature throughout the session.

• Eye Cover
  Breathwork is practiced with eyes covered to support inward focus. Please bring a comfortable eye mask or blindfold.

• Water Bottle
  Bring your own reusable water bottle. For safety reasons, no glass bottles are permitted.

• Towel
  Please bring your own towel.

• Footwear
  Indoor shoes are not worn inside the space. You may walk in socks or bring slippers for indoor use. If you plan to go outside during breaks, we suggest bringing easy outdoor footwear such as Crocs style shoes or slippers suitable for short walks.

• Personal Items
  If you feel called to do so, you may bring a small personal object that feels meaningful or supportive to you. Some participants choose to bring a photograph, a symbolic item or something connected to their intention.

 

Additional Suggestions

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You may also wish to bring:

• A journal and pen for reflections

• Comfortable layers for evening integration circles

• Light snacks if you have specific dietary needs

• Any prescribed medication you may require

 

Everything else needed for the process will be provided.

 

Why do people participate in breathwork?

People choose to work with GROF® Breathwork for a variety of reasons, including:

• deep self-exploration and insight

• emotional release and processing

• connection to inner wisdom and intuition

• exploration of unconscious material

• personal growth and transformation

• enhanced creativity and clarity

 

The work invites participants into a process of inner listening and self-discovery that can support healing, integration and psychological well-being. 

 

Is breathwork similar to meditation or therapy?

While it shares aspects with meditation and some forms of experiential therapy, GROF® Breathwork is distinct in how it facilitates non-ordinary states of consciousness through breath, music and body support. It is not a substitute for conventional psychotherapy, but many participants find it complements personal healing work and can enhance emotional awareness and self-reflection. 

 

What should I expect during a session?

Each person’s experience is unique. Some sessions may feel calm and introspective, while others may bring up intense emotions or physical sensations. The breathwork process is non-directive: participants allow their breath to guide the unfolding of personal material. After the session, time is often set aside for creative expression, such as drawing mandalas, and for verbal integration through sharing circles. 

 

 

Are there safety considerations?

Breathwork can involve strong emotional and physical responses. For safety, trained facilitators and attentive sitters are present throughout the entire process.

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Participation may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical or psychological conditions without prior professional clearance. As each situation is highly individual, and we do not wish to either encourage or discourage participation without understanding your circumstances, we recommend that first time participants book a 30 minute consultation with us. This allows us to discuss your personal situation, answer any questions and support you in making an informed and confident decision.

 

Ethics and Safety

Safety, consent and personal responsibility are at the heart of our work. GROF® Breathwork is conducted within a carefully structured and professionally held environment. All sessions are facilitated by trained practitioners who adhere to clear ethical guidelines and group agreements.

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Before participating, each individual completes a confidential health questionnaire to ensure the work is appropriate for their physical and psychological condition. Certain medical or psychiatric conditions may require additional consultation or medical clearance.

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During the session, informed consent is central. Participants remain in control of their own process at all times. Bodywork is offered only upon request and with explicit agreement. Boundaries are respected fully and without exception.

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Confidentiality is also a core principle. What is shared within the group remains within the group, creating a protected space for exploration and integration.

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This work is designed to support self-exploration and growth. It is not a substitute for medical treatment or psychotherapy, but may complement an ongoing therapeutic journey.

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