| | Print | |
GROF TRANSPERSONAL TRAINING INHOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK AND TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY
WHAT IS GROF TRANSPERSONAL TRAINING (GTT) **Under construction in English Stanislav y Cristina Grof fundaron "Grof Transpersonal Training", una organización ubicada en California que ofrece un programa de formación en Respiración Holotrópica con las bases de la Psicología Transpersonal. El programa de formación se lleva a cabo esencialmente en California, y también se ofrece la posibilidad de realizarla a nivel internacional. Entre los países en los que se ofrece la formación está España. Los módulos son impartidos por Stanislav Grof y su equipo. Grof no está presente personalmente en todos los módulos. La dirección de los módulos internacionales está a cargo de Tav Sparks, director de GTT y el más cercano colaborador de Stan Grof desde que se inició la formación en 1989. How is the Grof Transpersonal Training program and how long **Under construction in English Se ofrece un sólido programa de formación teórica, unido a un entrenamiento práctico. Implica un trabajo personal profundo, por lo que el tiempo mínimo para completarla es de dos años, que cuentan a partir del momento en que el alumno comienza a asistir a los módulos. No existe un tiempo máximo para finalizar el programa. La formación se puede iniciar en cualquiera de los módulos. What is the language used in the modules in Spain **Under construction in English Todos los módulos se imparten en inglés, y cuentan con participantes de diferentes países. En España se ofrecen con traducción al español y todos los contenidos, charlas, etc. se traducen al español de manera que no es necesario tener conocimientos de inglés para asistir. When the modules take place in Spain **Under consruction in English En España se realizan 2 módulos al año, uno en primavera (usualmente coincide con la Semana Santa) y otro en agosto/septiembre. Los módulos se pueden tomar en el orden y el país que se desee. Can one complete the whole training in Spain? **Under construction in English Si, en España se ofrece de manera consecutiva e ininterrumpida todos los módulos necesarios para completar la formación sin tener que viajar, incluído el módulo Intensivo de Certificación final.Si un alumno pierde algún módulo, lo puede realizar en la siguiente ronda. La formación se puede iniciar y terminar en cualquiera de los módulos. Sequence of the training modules **Under construction in Engliss La formación está diseñada para que sea flexible y se adapte a las necesidades de cada alumno según su propio ritmo, proceso y disponibilidad. Cada persona toma los módulos en el orden y el país que le resulta más conveniente. Where in Spain the modules take place? **Under construction in English Los módulos son residenciales de 6 días y se realizan en la Costa Brava, en cómodos hoteles que están a un poco más de una hora de Barcelona y a 40 minutos de Girona. Los hoteles se encuentran junto al mar, con estupendas vistas, piscina y todas las comodidades. Is it possible to come to just one module? **Under construction in English Si, los módulos están abiertos a personas que deseen realizar solo un módulo en particula (o varios) por interés en el tema en particular de ese módulo. Asistir no compromete a realizar el programaa completo. Is it required to have previous experience to come to a module? **Under construction in English Para asistir a un módulo no se requiere ningún tipo de experiencia previa. Si se desea, de manera opcional, se puede asistir a un taller de 1 día de Respiración Holotrópica (ver calendario) como un primer acercamiento. Who is the Grof Transpersonal Training Program for?
Está dirigido a quien desee experimentar este método de exploración profunda como vía de desarrollo y/o para formarse como facilitador de Respiración Holotrópica (poder llevar talleres con esta técnica). De especial utilidad para psicólogos, psiquiatras, médicos, terapeutas, estudiantes y trabajadores de diversas áreas de la salud y personas interesadas en la exploración de la conciencia y en los estados expandidos de conciencia. La certificación ofrece un sólido programa de formación teórica en el campo de la Psicología Transpersonal, con énfasis en el trabajo en los “estadon no ordinarios de conciencia”; unido a un intenso trabajo de entrenamiento experiencial de Respiración Holotrópica, con dos orientaciones/modalidades paralelas y simultáneas: A.- Un camino de crecimiento personal. Como profundo proceso de exploración y evolución del participante con marcado carácter terapéutico; también para quien esté interesado/a en trabajar con expandidos de conciencia. Se puede asistir a uno o vrios módulos sin comproniso de realizar todo el programa. B.- La formación de facilitadores. Orientada a aquellas personas que desean llevar a cabo un trabajo dirigiendo talleres o guiando sesiones de Respiración Holotrópica. Se aprende a realizar el acompañamiento específico en trabajos en estados expandidos de conciencia, incluyendo todos los aspectos concernientes a la preparación y la integración. Para poder ejercer como facilitador es necesario certificarse (completar la formación y los requisitos del programa). GTT REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION IN HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK The Grof Transpersonal Training program for certification in Holotropic Breathwork consists of a set of requirements to be met in order to become a certified HB practitioner. These include attending six-day training modules; participating in workshops with certified HB facilitators; individual consultations with certified HB practitioners; attending a closing intensive; and (for those who wish to lead workshops) apprenticing at workshops led by certified practitioners.. The specifics of these requirements are as follows. I. Modules Seven (7) six-day modules, four on mandatory topics and three on optional topics. Modules can be taken in any order. A. Mandatory modules are: 1. The Facilitator Adventure: The Practice of Holotropic Breathwork, Part A 2. Music and Transcendence: The Practice of Holotropic Breathwork, Part B 3. The Holotropic Perspective on Psychopathology 4. Understanding and Working With the Crises of Transformation B. Optional modules are offered on a variety of topics. You would choose three of these in order to meet this requirement.
II. Breathwork Sessions in Addition to Required Modules Ten (10) experiences of Holotropic Breathwork in a workshop setting, where you are both a sitter and a breather, led by a certified Holotropic Breathwork practitioner. This workshop should include preparation by the facilitator and integration of the experience. This requirement can also be fulfilled by attending additional modules beyond the seven required. For a list of certified practitioners, contact the GTT office. A partial list is also available on the website of the Association for Holotropic Breathwork International (AHBI) www.breathwork.com.
III. Individual Consultations Ten (10) hours of individual consultations with certified Holotropic Breathwork practitioners over the course of your training. These are arranged by you with the practitioner directly, for an agreed-upon fee. GTT staff members generally charge $75 per hour. A. At least three of these consultation hours will be done within a mentorship program in the training, with an assigned GTT staff member. The purpose of the mentorship is for personal guidance in the training, feedback about your progress and recommendations for any additional personal work we might expect you to do. B. Six with any certified HB practitioner of your choice, including but not limited to GTT staff members. During these sessions, you will have the opportunity to discuss issues related to your personal process, as well as practical aspects of Holotropic Breathwork. It is not necessary that you do all six of these hours with the same facilitator. C. One (1) music consultation in which you have put together a complete set of Holotropic Breathwork music and go over it with a GTT staff member. This would be done after you have attended mandatory module 2 and by the time you have completed all requirements. Please contact GTT for a list of approved staff.
IV. Apprenticeships Four (4) apprenticeships. Apprenticeship is the opportunity to practice facilitation at a workshop under the supervision of a certified Holotropic Breathwork practitioner. The requirement is the equivalent of four (4) one-day workshops. A workshop consists of two HB sessions, where participants breathe and sit, and includes preparation by the facilitator and integration of the experience. You can apprentice any time after the completion of three modules, one of which is the bodywork module.
V. Two Years in Training In the interest of your personal growth as well as your growth as a facilitator, we require a minimum of two years in the training, beginning from the time you take your first GTT module. For clarification, please see the attached letter from Stan and Christina Grof.
VI. Closing Certification Intensive Approximately every two years, we offer the certification intensive for those who have completed all the requirements stated above, and also meet the criteria listed below for becoming a Holotropic Breathwork practitioner. This special two-week intensive is a culmination of your personal and collective journey through the training. You will also have the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency as a practitioner.
Participants who successfully complete this program will be given a certificate confirming that they underwent training in Holotropic Breathwork and Transpersonal Psychology. This certificate in itself does not represent a therapeutic license; certified practitioners conducting therapy must meet the requirements for practice in their respective states or countries.
CRITERIA FOR BECOMING A HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK PRACTITIONER In addition to completing the basic requirements for certification in Holotropic Breathwork, the person who wishes to become a certified practitioner must also demonstrate proficiency in:
2. Knowledge and practice of Holotropic Focused Release Work
3. The theory of how music is used in Holotropic Breathwork, and creating a set of music for a Holotropic sessions
4. Facilitating and leading Holotropic groups
The person must also demonstrate a certain level of psychological and spiritual maturity that allows her/him to work with others in a safe and respectful manner, within the spirit and guidelines of Holotropic Breathwork. MANDATORY MODULES (4 are required)
The Power Within: The Practice of Holotropic Breathwork In this module, Holotropic theory comes alive. It’s where we experience the essence of the practice first hand. We not only discuss the principles that support and inform the practice of Holotropic Breathwork. But we go beyond theory to show why Holotropic Breathwork is such a special method for personal exploration and healing. This is a unique opportunity to move to deeper levels of your own inner process and also to learn what’s behind the Holotropic approach to working with others. As you become acquainted with accompanying others on their journeys, you will also discover how to translate the Holotropic theory into a tool for enriching your everyday living experience.
Topics include: 1) the power of the Inner Healer; 2) the Holotropic Breathwork lineage; the history of the healing potential of non-ordinary states; 3) the importance of facilitator presence; 4) an inside look into the framework of a Holotropic Breathwork session; 5) how to encourage and support the integration of the Holotropic experience; and 6) Holotropic bodywork, including: its history, theory and practice, - demonstration of bodywork, - hands-on work by participants, - discussion of specific challenging situations that facilitators encounter, - ongoing exploration of the way Holotropic Breathwork can change our everyday life.
Music and Transcendence This module is an exciting and transformative journey through the world of music. 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 exciting strategies that help make the Holotropic perspective an essential tool for everyday living.
This module covers: 1) Holotropic music: its history, theory and practice: detailed discussion of three-part music structure, with demonstration of specific pieces for each section, the sound system quality & power requirements; 2) Holotropic group work; its history, theory and practice; discussion of common group experiences & challenging situations; 3) COEX systems: how we work with multi-level patterns; 4) Demonstration of relaxation; 5) Facilitator self-care; 6) Practical workshop information--venue; pricing; promotion; brochure; and types of workshops.
Abnormal Psychology and the Architecture of Psychopathology This module explores the traditional understanding of various forms of psychopathology of psychogenic origin, as well as the new insights into their nature and dynamics that have emerged from experiential psychotherapy and the work with non-ordinary states of consciousness. This work has revealed that psychogenic disorders cannot be adequately explained in the context of biographical models, but have also significant perinatal and transpersonal dimensions. This module includes discussions of various phobias, inhibited and agitated depression, suicidal behavior, obsessive-compulsive neurosis, conversion hysteria, sexual dysfunctions and deviations, impulsive disorders, psychosomatic illnesses, and addictions.
Spiritual Emergency: Understanding and Treatment of the Crisis of Transformation 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 people in transformation crises, or primarily in your own growth, this 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. The workshop includes discussion of the concept of spiritual emergency, its manifestations and forms, historical and anthropological perspectives, treatment strategies, and work with family and friends.
OPTIONAL MODULES (3 are required) (New optional modules may be added from time to time, not all modules are offered repeatedly in Spain, the modules are scheduled considering the interest of participants and the availability of the teachers) Transpersonal & Holotropic Perspectives of the Schools of Depth Psychotherapy (with Stan Grof) In this module, presented in our training for the first time, we will review the history of depth psychology and the lives and work of the founders of its major schools (Franz Mesmer, Sigmund Freud, Carl Gustav Jung, Wilhelm Reich, Alfred Adler, Otto Rank, Sandor Ferenczi, Melanie Klein, and others). Matthew Stelzner, the resident astrologer of this module, will bring in the astrological perspective and discuss the correlations between the lives and ideas of these pioneers and major aspects in their natal charts and important transits We will critically examine, which ideas in depth psychology and psychotherapy have been validated by modern consciousness research and which of them have been refuted, revised, and transcended. An attempt will be made to outline a blueprint for psychology and psychotherapy of the future integrating those insights about consciousness and the human psyche that have withstood the test of time.
Frontiers of Science and the Cosmic Game (with Stan Grof) Exploration of the challenges that work with non-ordinary states of consciousness presents to traditional science and discussion of the revolutionary developments in science with which the new observations are compatible (new paradigm). Outline of the philosophy and cosmology emerging from modern consciousness research.
The Experience of Death and Dying: Psychological, Philosophical and Spiritual Aspects (with Stan Grof) Accompanied by slides, Stan will explore with the group observations from various areas of modern consciousness research. Thanatology, anthropological shamanic studies, psychedelic research, experiential psychotherapies, and work with people in psychospiritual crises (spiritual emergencies) all have important implications for understanding the psychospiritual aspects of death and dying. Focus will be on such topics as the process of psychological death and rebirth, psychedelic therapy with terminal cancer patients, the shamanic initiatory crisis, aboriginal rites of passage, ancient mysteries of death and rebirth, near-death experiences, survival of consciousness after death, instrumental transcommunication, karma and reincarnation, and eschatological mythologies. Using a cross-cultural selection of slides, Stan will explore the ancient books of the dead - the Egyptian Pert em Hru, Tibetan Bardo Thödol, the Mayan Ceramic Codex, the Aztec Codex Borgia, and the European Ars Moriendi.
Birth, Death, and Transcendence in Psychotherapy (with Stan Grof) Focus on such issues as psychological significance of the trauma of birth, the death-rebirth process, dynamics of the perinatal and transpersonal matrices of the unconscious and their symbolic language, psychological meaning of the experience of death, and others. The seminar will include an extensive slide show illustrating the symbolism of the death-rebirth process from a cross- cultural perspective.
Psyche and Eros (with Stan Grof)
Inner Healer, Outer Life - Holotropic Breathwork & Everyday Spirituality (with Tav Sparks) Holotropic Breathwork is a powerful catalyst for change. But a breathwork session itself is only the beginning. What's even more exciting is that it can be a blueprint for how to live everyday life in a more creative and healing way. This is the first workshop specifically devoted to exploring this exciting new life practice. Along with breathwork, art, music, dance and integration, we’ll be focusing on: using the inner healer as a guide for true personal empowerment; healing the patterns uncovered in breathwork; relationship yoga; “sitting” for your partner as an archetype for interpersonal relationship; fulfillment through service in the world; making our lives a conscious spiritual practice; the awakening of creativity; the reemergence of the epic soul -- our lives as epic journeys.
The Spiritual Quest, Attachment and Addiction (with Tav Sparks) New ways to look at psychology and spirituality are offering exciting possibilities in the recovery movement, both for individual seekers and for those who work in the treatment field. This workshop explores a whole continuum, from the idea of addiction as an extreme form of attachment, which affects everyone and which is crucial to spiritual seekers of all practices, to the more articulate forms of addiction: substance, process, relationship, and more. Through theory, discussion and experiential exercises, we’ll look at (1) the disease paradigm of recovery; (2) the wellness paradigm and the transpersonal recovery center; (3) implications of perinatal and transpersonal dimensions for recovery; (4) the 12 steps as a world yoga; (5) addiction as spiritual emergency; (6) addiction as shamanic crisis; (7) recovery as a mystery school; (8) psychedelics and recovery; (9) recovery and the feminine; (10) addiction from the homeopathic perspective; (11) recovery as death/rebirth; (12) addiction and the global crisis; and more.
Death/Rebirth in Modern Popular Culture (with Tav Sparks) Explore personally and through demonstration and discussion how the journey toward wholeness manifests through current cultural phenomena, and how film, music, dance, art and literature can be signposts for an emerging spirituality. Topics include: The re-emergence of the Divine Feminine; The global crisis: violence and greed; Power and the perinatal in film: a video show; The shaman, Dionysus and rock and roll; Virtual reality, cyber-space, and science fiction; Culture of the future: the global village and the world festival. Movie Yoga: The Holotropic Experienced Through Film (with Tav Sparks) This module is an exciting opportunity to experience the Holotropic in film. For years, Tav’s passion and knowledge about movies have infused GTT workshops. Participants have found movie watching to be an integral part of the inner process. Based on material from his forthcoming book Movie Yoga: How to Transform Yourself While Sitting on Your Sofa, Tav will present a complete system of movie watching from the Holotropic perspective.
This workshop is for those who want another avenue to take the Holotropic into everyday life. Watch together, breathe together, and learn how movies can become a fun and exciting transformative practice, as you experience the perinatal journey through film. This is sure to be an adventure, so bring the popcorn and your Inner Healer.
The Ringbearer and Moving Toward Wholeness: Transformation in the Lord of the Rings Film Trilogy (with Tav Sparks) This workshop uses Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings and Holotropic Breathwork to create a deep personal experience of being a Ringbearer in the twenty-first century. The popularity of this movie 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 re-emergence 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.
Shamanism (with Diane Haug) Shamanism is the most ancient of humankind’s spiritual, medical, and psychological disciplines. A visionary tradition, shamanism is a practice utilizing altered states of consciousness to contact the spirits of the natural world. With life on our planet in danger and out of balance, shamanic cultures have much to teach with their respect and reverence toward nature. This module will provide a broad introduction to Shamanism as it relates to both our personal healing journey and modern psychology. In addition to using Holotropic Breathwork as an experiential tool for exploring the healing potential of non-ordinary states of consciousness, this workshop will include the use of meditation, guided journey work, movement, silent time in nature and mask making.
Language of the Soul: The Art & Practice of Integrating Deep Inner Experiences (with Diane Haug) To integrate is 'to make whole'. The value of deep work in non-ordinary states of consciousness is, in part, dependent on our ability to reflect on and work with the material we are offered. In this workshop we will explore the theme of integration from both a personal and professional perspective. In addition to Holotropic Breathwork, participants will be introduced to a variety of tools useful in further exploring the themes / issues / insights that have emerged during sessions. These will include meditation, journal writing, movement, mask-making, Soul Collage and more. This module will be highly experiential and invite participants into a realm of creative self- expression. "Although transpersonal experiences are potentially healing, their effects are often temporary unless an effort is made to stabilize the insight gained. The task, therefore, goes beyond the induction of such experiences to the task of integrating them effectively into everyday life." Frances Vaughan in "Healing and Wholeness: Transpersonal Psychology" from Paths Beyond Ego: The Transpersonal Vision.
The Power of Archetype: Integrating Astrology & Holotropic Breathwork (with Matthew Stelzner) This workshop provides an overview of the essential elements for beginning your own astrological practice, and will show how astrology can be especially useful with Holotropic Breathwork. It is designed for both the absolute beginner as well as those who are quite skilled in astrology. We will be covering the following and more, using a variety of media, and including demonstrations from participants’ charts and the charts of well-known events and individuals: 1. How astrology has influenced Stan and the breathwork, and how Stan’s work has influenced astrology — astrological insight into perinatal matrices. 2. Using astrology for insight into challenging breathwork experiences. 3. Astrological archetypes experienced through film clips, and through music. 4. Astrological insight into 9/11 and our current moment in history. 5. Comparing the spiritual insights gained through astrology with other wisdom traditions. 6. How to read a chart and calculate transits.
Ecstatic Remembrance (with Jai Uttal)
Trauma and Transformation (with Kylea Taylor and Diane Haug) Deep healing work such as Holotropic Breathwork is often chosen by trauma survivors. Other participants uncover and work to resolve traumatic incidents in the course of personal exploration through Breathwork. This module engages the body, emotions, and spirit as well as the mind through case presentations, transformative inner work, community, and personal creativity. The facilitators have worked since 1988 with trauma survivors in Holotropic Breathwork groups. There will be presentation of historical, anthropological, and psychological perspectives on trauma and abuse, including social incidence and impact, symptoms of PTSD, DSM IV diagnoses in the spectrum of dissociation, the application of state specific memory to non-ordinary states, treatment approaches that complement Holotropic Breathwork, and trauma recovery as a transformative rite of passage. Special attention will be given to ways of facilitating and integrating Holotropic Breathwork experiences to transform the pain of trauma, self-care in the prevention of vicarious traumatization for the practitioner, especially if the practitioner is also a survivor of trauma, and the role of art and of community in the transformation of trauma.
Cosmos & Psyche (with Richard Tarnas) PRINCIPLES OF HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK BY STANISLAV AND CHRISTINA GROF
THEORETICAL POSITION: A broad understanding of the human psyche that includes the biographical, perinatal, and transpersonal dimensions. Phenomena from all these domains are seen as natural and normal constituents of the psychological process; they are accepted, and supported without preference. Recognition of the fact that non-ordinary states of consciousness induced by Holotropic Breathwork as well as similar states occurring spontaneously, mobilize intrinsic healing forces in the psyche and the body. As the process is unfolding, this “inner healer” manifests therapeutic wisdom which transcends the knowledge that can be derived from the cognitive understanding of an individual practitioner or from any specific school of psychotherapy or body work.
PRACTICAL APPROACH: The basic elements in Holotropic Breathwork are deeper and accelerated breathing, evocative music, and facilitation of energy release through a specific form of bodywork. This is complemented by creative expression, such as “mandala” drawing, and discussion of the experience. Holotropic Breathwork can be conducted on a one to one basis, or preferable in a group situation, where participants alternate in the role of experiencers and “Sitters”. Before the first breathing experience, participants receive an in-depth theoretical preparation which includes a description of the major types of phenomena that occur in Holotropic sessions (biographical, perinatal and transpersonal) and technical instructions for both experiencers and Sitters. Physical and emotional contraindications are discussed and if there are any concerns, expert assessment is obtained. Music (or other forms of acoustic stimulation -- drumming, nature sounds, etc.) is an integral part of the Holotropic process. Typically, the choice of music follows a characteristic pattern that reflects the most common unfolding of the Holotropic experiences: at the beginning, it is evocative and stimulating, later it becomes increasingly dramatic and dynamic, and finally it reaches a breakthrough quality. Following the culmination, it is appropriate to shift gradually to quieter music and end with peaceful, flowing, and meditative selections. Although this seems to represent the statistical average, is should be modified if the energy in the group suggests that a different pattern is indicated. The role of the Sitter during the session is to be responsive and non-intrusive, ensure effective breathing, create a safe environment, respect the natural unfolding of the experience, and provide assistance in all situations that require it (physical support, help during bathroom breaks, bringing tissues or a glass of water, etc.) It is important to remain focused and centered while facing the entire spectrum of possible emotions and behaviors of the Breather. Holotropic Breathwork does not use any interventions that come from the intellectual analysis or are based on a priori theoretical constructs. It is important to leave sufficient time for the sessions, usually between two and three hours. However, as a general rule, the process is allowed to reach a natural closure; in exceptional cases, this can take a few hours. In the termination period the facilitator offers bodywork (energy release work), if the breathing has not resolved all the emotional and physical tensions activated during the sessions. The basic principle of this work is to take the clues from the experiencer and create a situation where the existing symptoms are amplified while the energy and awareness is held in this area; the subject is encouraged to express fully his or her reaction, whichever form it takes. This form of bodywork energy release work is an essential part of the Holotropic approach and plays an important role in the completion and integration of the experience. Facilitators of Holotropic Breathwork should recognize that, when they utilize a technique which evokes a non-ordinary state in a client, there is a potential for unusually intense projections, including regressed longings for nurturing, sexual contact, or spiritual connection. These projections are often focused on the facilitator. In such cases the facilitator should be sensitive to the imbalance of power in the facilitator and client roles and take care to assist clients with such feelings as they arise. Facilitators make agreements to conduct their practice of Holotropic Breathwork in a ethical manner. Discussion groups take place on the same day after an extended break. During these sessions, the facilitator does not give interpretations of the material, based on a specific theoretical system, including that of Holotropic Breathwork. It is preferable to ask the experiencer for further elaboration and clarification reflecting his or her insights from the session. Jungian amplification in the form of mythological and anthropological references can be very useful in the discussion of the Holotropic experiences as well as the mandalas. On occasion, references to the facilitator's own experiences in the past or experiences of other people might be appropriate. There are many approaches that complement Holotropic Breathwork. However, whenever these are used, it should be clearly indicated that these are not a part of Holotropic Breathwork. If the practice of conducting the sessions itself departs significantly from the above descriptions, the name Holotropic Breathwork should not be used for such a procedure. We ask that it be replaced by a different term and not be associated with our names. 1990 Stanislav and Christina Grof
Preface The practice of Holotropic Breathwork involves work with clients in non-ordinary states of consciousness. It is described in the “Theoretical Principles of Holotropic Breathwork” by Stanislav and Christina Grof. As individuals or as individuals working in organizations, we subscribe to the value of self-examination in order to promote personal growth in ethics. Because practitioners who keep these Agreements avoid behavior which may be exploitative to participants and may also bring injury to the larger Holotropic Breathwork community, we subscribe to the principle that we need to give and receive feedback from each other in order to maintain the highest integrity in the Holotropic Breathwork community. We make the following agreements which specifically apply to our relationship with clients as practitioners of Holotropic Breathwork.
Agreements 1. We commit ourselves, as practitioners-in-training to practice Holotropic Breathwork only within the limitations of our training and competence, and to do so under the direct supervision of a Certified Holotropic Breathwork Practitioner. 2. We commit ourselves, as Holotropic Breathwork Practitioners to be open to receive feedback from other Holotropic Breathwork Practitioners. We also commit ourselves to give feedback to other Practitioners, especially when we believe that the other Practitioners have failed to keep one of the following agreements. 3. We will keep workshop clients/participants confidences within the limits of the state law. 4. We create a safe setting for clients, as defined by the Holotropic Breathwork Principles. 5. We will represent ourselves and act only within the bounds of our experience and competence and help our apprentices and trainees to do the same. 6. If we are certified and qualified to supervise trainees as apprentices, we agree to be responsible for providing ethical guidance to our apprentices (including these agreements) while they are under our supervision. 7. We continue to increase our Holotropic Breathwork competence. 8. As researchers, educators, and authors we are dedicated to presenting accurate information and to citing our sources. 9. Dual Practitioners risk role confusion and the appearance or reality of exploiting clients for personal gain. We agree to discuss with our peers any of our relationships with participants or apprentices. We agree to avoid and refrain from dual relationships, which may be exploitative sexually, emotionally, spiritually, economically, hierarchically, or ideologically. 10. We do not invite, project, respond to, or allow any sexual contact with our clients or apprentices. 11. We provide referrals to workshop participants who require follow-up or referral to local community resources. 12. We seek appropriate professional assistance for our own personal problems or conflicts which may impair our work performance or professional judgments. 13. We respect the emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual autonomy of our clients. We enable them to choose freely with respect to participating in Holotropic Breathwork, following suggestions, and accepting physical interventions. 14. We maintain clear and honest business practices, including making agreements regarding appointments, workshop times and fees. 15. In establishing the rates for our services we consider the financial situation of our clients. 16. We recognize a responsibility to participate in activities that contribute to the community, including devoting a portion of our services for little or no financial reward.
|
Stanislav Grof, M.D.,Ph.D
