The process combines accelerated breathing with evocative music in a safe setting to facilitate the breather entering into holotropic states (expanded states) where deep healing can occur. 

With the eyes closed and lying on a mat, each person uses their own breath and the music in the room to journey into a state that activates the natural inner healing process of the individual’s psyche, bringing him or her a particular set of internal experiences. With the inner healing intelligence guiding the process, the quality and content brought forth are unique to each person and for that particular time and place. While recurring themes are common and some of them can be understood by reading some of Grof’s books, no two sessions are ever alike and ultimately it is up to the breather to understand the messages brought forth from their subconscious.

Additional elements of the process include focused energy release, bodywork, and mandala drawing used to help integrate the experience. Holotropic BreathworkTM was created by Stan and Christina Grof. This modality of breathwork is usually done in groups, although individual sessions are also available. Within the groups, people work in pairs and alternate in the roles of breather and “sitter”. The sitter’s role is simply to be available to assist the breather, not to interfere or interrupt the process. This is important because it empowers the breather to own their process of healing while creating a safe space for the breather to go into a deep dive. Learning how to hold space for each other is an integral part of this work.