GTT U.S. (San Rafael, CA) Holotropic Breathwork® – The Holotropic Shift and the Power Within


Cost of $465 includes Saturday lunch and snack
This is a non-residential workshop, however for those who would like to stay overnight at the venue, hotel rooms are available.

Holotropic Breathwork® provides a safe and caring container for deep exploration in an “expanded” or “holotropic” state of consciousness.  A combination of breath and music enables a participant to surrender to a natural process of spiritual and psychological healing. This healing takes many, often mysterious, forms and becomes a collaboration of mind, body, and spirit.

Holotropic Breathwork® is greatly recommended for people seeking meaning and context, people who want to heal from trauma, people who want to access and expand their creativity, and people who are looking for a non-denominational, non-religious, substance-free spiritual path. Long time participants report great positive changes in their lives and a sense of deep spiritual fulfillment.

Holotropic Breathwork® uses deep, effective breathing; a specially designed musical journey; and a safe and supportive setting with a trained staff of facilitators to enable an expanded state of awareness, allowing deep self-exploration and personal transformation. Mandala drawing and group processing of the journey are important integrative elements of the Holotropic process.

The workshop includes preparation, sessions, and integration.  There are two sessions of Holotropic Breathwork, so that each person has one session as a “breather” and one as a “sitter” or partner. Friday evening will present the theory underlying the work, and Sunday will include time for Q & A.

“The workshop was profoundly transformative for me, I am forever grateful for the experiences and for the new found knowledge, strength, and wisdom. Thank you.” – Simona

“I want you know that the San Fran event was the best and the whole group that does the work is more than outstanding. The love and effort is beyond excellant. Thank you.” – David

Your fee includes lunch and a coffee, tea, and snack break on Saturday. Other meals are on your own.

Overnight hotel accommodations are not included, and are optional.  You may choose to book a room at the Embassy Suites, stay elsewhere, or commute from home.

The workshop will be led by Sharanya Naik, who has conducted numerous Holotropic Breathwork workshops in the U.S. and in India for 20 years, and is a part of the Grof Transpersonal Training (GTT) staff.  She will be joined by a team of experienced HB facilitators.  Cary Sparks, director of GTT, will also be part of Sunday’s Q&A.

Approximate Schedule

Friday
5:30 to 6:30 pm Friday registration
6:30 – 10:00 pm Friday meeting

Saturday
8:30 am – 12:30 pm Holotropic Breathwork® session 1
12:30 to 1:15 lunch is included
1:30 pm – 5 pm Holotropic Breathwork® session 2
5 pm – 6 pm snack break is included
6 pm-8  pm break into small groups
Dinner is on your own

9:30 am – 10:30 am Sunday small groups
10:45 – 1 pm Sunday large group integration and Q&A
1 pm closing – lunch is on your own

GTT Online / Holotropic Perspectives on Psychedelic Sitting (U.S. & Europe friendly times)

LINK TO REGISTER

COST: $398 until July 4; $428 after July 4
Discount for certified HB practitioners

To enhance the group experience for everyone, please note that everyone will be expected to attend all 7 sessions of the module just as you would if it were being held live, at a retreat center. 

Join us in an exploration of how the Holotropic paradigm and Stan Grof’s cartography of the psyche can be a helpful framework and set of tools for safe and effective psychedelic sitting. We’ll explore the well known concepts used in GTT’s Holotropic Breathwork® facilitator training, such as: our innate inner-healing wisdom, non-directive facilitation, integrity through presence and the idea of healing through amplification of symptoms. Through a hybrid of discussion and experiential practices, we’ll also explore:

– Set and setting
– Presence as a compass
– Practitioner self-awareness and accountability
– The inner healing impulse as a path to integrity, moving toward impeccability (through owning our humanity)
– Ethical issues on the topics of power, sex and intimacy
– Preparation and integration 
– Considerations working with certain populations: addiction, complex trauma, eating disorders, psychonauts 
– Issues with touch
– Working with transference and projection
– Working with challenging  psychedelic experiences (looping, confusion, extreme emotions, identity loss, nonverbal states) 
– Working with inflation
While designed primarily for psychedelic sitting, this Virtual Module can be of value for anyone who wants to enhance their work with others in expanded states of consciousness in other settings, such as spiritual emergency, breathwork, sitting for the dying, etc.

This “Virtual Module” is open to anyone interested. There will be group interaction, teaching, and experiential sessions, everything except actual Holotropic Breathwork® sessions, since HB cannot be done virtually. The topic is an Elective Modules, of which three are needed for anyone wishing to become a certified Holotropic Breathwork® Facilitator.

Although you may attend this Virtual Module as a stand-alone event, there is also an option for those who wish to get full module credit by attending a GTT-approved double breathwork workshop.  Up to two Virtual Module+Double Breathwork combinations may be counted toward the requirements for certification.

This event consists of seven 3-hour sessions.

US Pacific Dates and Times*:
Thursday 8/29:  one session 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Friday 8/30: two sessions 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Saturday 8/31: two sessions 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday 9/1: two sessions 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.

*Please use the above U.S. Pacific times and this time zone converter to find the correct times for your zone:

https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

GTT International Australia / Spiritual Emergency: Embracing Unexpected Transformation

REGISTRATION AND COST

Open to anyone interested. Previous experience with Holotropic Breathwork® is not necessary.

Each participant will have two sessions of HB as an experiencer, or “breather,” and two sessions as a partner, or “sitter”. Besides the breathwork sessions and the topics covered (described below), there will be art, music, dancing, film, and integration during the module.

In addition to Holotropic Breathwork® breathing and sitting, topics explored in these modules are especially relevant for anyone working with others in expanded states of any sort for transformation and personal healing.

Understanding spiritual emergency is one of the major contributions of the holotropic perspective.  Whether you are a professional or a layperson, someone interested in working with or supporting people in transformational crises, or primarily in your own growth, the module offers a rich experience and valuable information. In addition to differentiating between psychosis and spiritual emergency, we’ll also explore the intensely practical aspects of who, in these kinds of crises, can benefit from Holotropic Breathwork® and how best to work with them in their emergencies. This workshop includes a discussion of the concept of spiritual emergency, its manifestations and forms, historical and anthropological perspectives, treatment strategies and work with family and friends.

Healing and transformation can sometimes imply challenging moments in which we feel destabilized, particularly when following a path that involves experiences in Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness.

These moments of crises have been understood as psychosis or psychological regression by some and as opportunities and major breakthroughs by others. Stan and Christina Grof coined the term “Spiritual Emergency” to refer to such states. What is the difference between psychosis and a Spiritual Emergency? How should we support people going through them?
In this module, we will explore the different challenging manifestations that people sometimes go through in their journeys of transformation. We aim to understand the reasons that lead to such difficulties and identify the best approaches to support these intense processes from a non-judgmental and caring perspective.
In this module, we will cover the following topics:
1) The concept of Spiritual Emergence and Spiritual Emergency.
2) The various types of Spiritual Emergencies as described by Stan and Christina Grof.
3) Contemporary perspectives on Spiritual Emergencies, as encountered in current forms of psychedelic therapy, shamanic experiences, and experiential work.
4) Diverse challenges that individuals may face after difficult experiences in Non-Ordinary States
5) Distinguishing between pathological and transformational states.
6) Approaches to addressing different scenarios in Spiritual Emergencies and integration

GTT Online / The Holotropic Paradigm: The Psyche, the Inner Healer and Moving Towards Wholeness (U.S. & Europe friendly times)

LINK TO REGISTER

COST: $428
Discount for certified HB practitioners

To enhance the group experience for everyone, please note that everyone will be expected to attend all 7 sessions of the module just as you would if it were being held live, at a retreat center.

This module offers an exciting exploration of the philosophy, principles, and strategies underlying the experience and practice of Holotropic Breathwork®.

Topics covered include:

  1. the power of the Inner Healer and moving towards wholeness;
  2. presence: the disciplines required to become an effective Holotropic Breathwork® practitioner;
  3. COEX’s: how the Inner Healer orchestrates transformation through our experiences of the psyche;
  4. exploration of the frontiers of the psyche through Movie Yoga;
  5. session stories: valuable teachings from practitioners through their work with breathers;
  6. open forums focusing on every facet of the Holotropic experience;
  7. dance, meditation, and more

This “Virtual Module” is open to anyone interested. There will be group interaction, teaching, and experiential sessions, everything except actual Holotropic Breathwork® sessions, since HB cannot be done virtually. The topic is one of the four Required Modules for anyone wishing to become a certified Holotropic Breathwork® Facilitator.

Although you may attend this Virtual Module as a stand-alone event, there is also an option for those who wish to get full module credit by attending a GTT-approved double breathwork workshop.  Up to two Virtual Module+Double Breathwork combinations may be counted toward the requirements for certification.

This event consists of seven 3-hour sessions.

US Pacific Dates and Times*:
Thursday 6/6:  one session 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Friday 6/7: two sessions 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Saturday 6/8: two sessions 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday 6/9: two sessions 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.

*Please use the above U.S. Pacific times and this time zone converter to find the correct times for your zone:

https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

GTT Online / The Ringbearer and Moving Toward Wholeness: Transformation in the Lord of the Rings Film Trilogy (Europe and U.S Friendly Meeting Times)

REGISTRATION

Cost:  $428
Discount for certified HB facilitators

In 2020 GTT began offering real-time virtual events that are as close to a GTT module experience as we can make them in an online format.

This “Virtual Module” is open to anyone interested. There will be group interaction, teaching, and experiential sessions; everything except actual Holotropic Breathwork® sessions, since HB cannot be done virtually.

Although you may attend this Virtual Module as a stand-alone event, there is also an option for those who wish to get full module credit. In that case, you will be able to make up the Holotropic Breathwork® component in HB-only workshops that are GTT-approved. Up to two of these combined Virtual Modules + HB component can be counted toward the seven modules required for certification.

This workshop uses Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings and experiential practices  to create a deep personal experience of being a Ringbearer in the twenty-first century. The popularity of this movie trilogy demonstrates planetary culture’s striving toward a new world myth, as well as our yearning to discover the deeper dimensions of what it means to be human. Interwoven through our experience of the films, we will explore: The Fellowship characters as mythic dimensions of ourselves; Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey; Carl Jung and the realm of the archetypes; the reemergence of the epic soul; film as catharsis and spiritual path; death/rebirth in modern popular culture; Holotropic practitioner as Ringbearer; art, ritual, dance, meditation, and role playing. Seeing the films beforehand is not required.

U.S. Pacific Dates and Times*:
Thursday 3/14: one session 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Friday 3/15: two sessions 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Saturday 3/16: two sessions 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday 3/17: two sessions 7:00 – 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

*Please use the above U.S. Pacific times and this time zone converter to find the correct times for your zone:

https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

To enhance the group experience for everyone, please note that you will be expected to attend all 7 sessions of the module just as you would if it were being held live, at a retreat center.

GTT U.S. (CO) Module / Music & Transcendence

REGISTRATION AND COST

Open to anyone interested. Previous experience with Holotropic Breathwork® is not necessary.

Each participant will have two sessions of HB as an experiencer, or “breather,” and two sessions as a partner, or “sitter”. Besides the breathwork sessions and the topics covered (described below), there will be art, music, dancing, film, and integration during the module.

In addition to Holotropic Breathwork® breathing and sitting, topics explored in these modules are especially relevant for anyone working with others in expanded states of any sort for transformation and personal healing.

This module is an exciting and transformative journey through the world of music and how it is used for work in expanded states of consciousness. Sound and rhythm have always been vital creative and spiritual tools for transformation. Music has even been called the language of the soul. This is a special opportunity to learn first-hand the music structure that defines Holotropic Breathwork® in such a special way.

In addition, we’ll also explore other effective strategies that help make the Holotropic perspective an essential tool for everyday living.

This module includes: 1) Holotropic music: its history, theory and practice, detailed discussion of the three-part structure of a Holotropic Breathwork® music set; with demonstrations of specific pieces for each section; 2) Holotropic group work: its history, theory and practice, discussion of common group experiences and challenging situations; 3) COEX systems: how we work with multi-level patterns; 4) demonstration of relaxation; 5) facilitator self -care.

The six-day module format is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your process of self-exploration, and to directly experience the healing potential of non-ordinary states using Holotropic Breathwork®. You will meet like-minded people from around the world, and explore together in a safe and supportive environment. You will also learn tools and techniques for living a more creative and fulfilling life, and will have extensive personal contact with some of the best Holotropic facilitators in the country.

These modules are open events and suitable for both participants in the training program as well for those attending primarily for their personal journey of transformation.

GTT U.S. (CO) Weaving Your Medicine: Healing Journeys for the Soul

REGISTRATION AND COST

Dr. Tom Francescott, ND, has dedicated his life to helping people awaken to their true potential by identifying and addressing the root causes of energy imbalance and chronic disease.

In this workshop, using powerful practices from established wisdom traditions, you will have the opportunity to gain insight and clarity as to what nourishes your body, relationships, and purpose.

We will explore the expansion of consciousness through the practices of:

• Shamanic Retrieval Journeys
• Qigong breathing techniques and playing with Qi
• Inquiry, Mindfulness, and Nature Bathing
• Guided sound meditations
• Creating your personal medicine cards and prayer stick

In addition, Tom draws from his decades-long experience as a naturopathic doctor to highlight how supporting our bodies is of fundamental importance on our transformational journeys, including:

• Naturopathic teachings on nutrition, brain neuroplasticity, and adrenal stress
• Group discussions on our relationship to food, hunger, and addictions and how these can connect to traumas of omission and commission

This module will be a rich combination of experience, insight, and community, with the goal being for each participant to go home grounded and empowered in their true healing nature. 

Open to anyone interested. Previous experience with Holotropic Breathwork® is not necessary.

Each participant will have two sessions of HB as an experiencer, or “breather,” and two sessions as a partner, or “sitter”.  In addition to Holotropic Breathwork®, topics explored in GTT modules are especially relevant for anyone working with others in expanded states of any sort for transformation and personal healing.

These modules are open events and suitable both for participants in the Holotropic Breathwork® training program, as well for those attending primarily for their personal journey of transformation.

        

GTT U.S. (CO) The Art of The Healing Voice with Cáit Branigan

REGISTRATION AND COST

Sound is one of the most important aspects of shamanic practice. The primal sound of the universe is to be heard in the stillness of meditation. Each aspect and being of the cosmos has its own sound, its own song, which may be heard by those who simply choose to listen. The use of the voice to heal, to express our innermost being and spirituality, is often neglected. Yet, the voice mirrors the soul and to sing is to touch the deepest parts of ourselves. The healing song is a very powerful tool which speaks directly to the soul of an individual, bypassing all other barriers or inhibitions.

In the course of this workshop, we shall explore the use of the voice in shamanic practice. We will use toning and keening techniques to access our inner worlds along with exploring the use of chant to heal and unblock our energetic bodies.

Open to anyone interested. Previous experience with Holotropic Breathwork® is not necessary.

Each participant will have two sessions of HB as an experiencer, or “breather,” and two sessions as a partner, or “sitter”. Besides the breathwork sessions and the topics covered (described below), there will be art, music, dancing, film, and integration during the module.

In addition to Holotropic Breathwork® breathing and sitting, topics explored in these modules are especially relevant for anyone working with others in expanded states of any sort for transformation and personal healing.

Cáit Branigan is a Druid and an Ordained Priestess Hierophant of the Western Mystery Tradition, a Healer working within the traditions of Ireland.  She works with individuals for healing at her centre in Co. Wexford.  She also works with and teaches groups in Ireland aid internationally.  An essential part of her work is in the area of Women’s Mysteries in which she has conducted workshops and ceremonies around the country.  She also facilitates sweat lodges within the Irish Tradition and performs Rites of Passage within the community.  She is a member of the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids and a member of the Fellowship of Isis.

These modules are open events and suitable both for participants in the Holotropic Breathwork® training program, as well for those attending primarily for their personal journey of transformation.

        

GTT U.S. (CO) Holotropic Breathwork® Double-Breathwork Retreat

REGISTRATION AND COST

Join us for an extended weekend of Holotropic Breathwork® in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in autumn.

This event is open to all.  You do not need prior experience with Holotropic Breathwork® and there are no pre-requisites to attend.

NOTE: For those who complete (or have already completed) a GTT Virtual Module, this double-breathwork will fulfill the requirement toward certification.

With Holotropic Breathwork® each participant gains direct access to their own inner healing wisdom. In your HB session, this wisdom brings you a unique and ideal combination of experiences that can include aspects of your personal history and birth, as well as psychological death/rebirth, and an infinite array of transpersonal experiences.

Through deep, effective breathing; a specially designed musical journey; and a safe and supportive setting with a trained staff of facilitators, you experience a true expanded state of awareness, allowing deep self-exploration and personal transformation. Mandala drawing and group processing of the experiences are important integrative elements of the Holotropic process.