Introduction to Grofian Theory and Practice

This immersive, multi-day Introduction to Grofian Theory and Practice workshop serves as the foundational prerequisite course for participants accepted into the Grof Breathwork Facilitator Training Program. It is also open to the public for those curious about the life’s work of psychiatrist Stanislav Grof, the development of Grof Breathwork, and the profound theoretical framework that supports this transformative practice.

Whether you are preparing for the full facilitator training or simply exploring the roots of transpersonal psychology and holotropic states of consciousness, this workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to Grofian theory—a body of work that bridges science, depth psychology, mythology, and spirituality.

What You’ll Learn

Through lectures, discussions, experiential learning, and direct practice, participants will explore:

• The Life and Work of Stanislav Grof: Learn about Grof’s early work as a psychiatrist and researcher in a psychopharmacological lab studying LSD and other psychedelics, and how this led to a radical shift in understanding the human psyche and its healing potential.

• Holotropic States of Consciousness: Understand the concept of holotropic states—non-ordinary states that have healing, transformative, heuristic, and evolutionary potential when entered/approached with intention and support.

• The Discovery of COEX Systems and the Expanded Cartography of the Psyche: Dive into Grof’s recognition of Condensed Experience (COEX) systems, which link emotionally charged memories across the lifespan and beyond, and his expanded map of the psyche, which includes not only biographical and perinatal levels, but also transpersonal dimensions.

• Perinatal Matrices and the Birth Experience: Explore Grof’s revolutionary model of the Basic Perinatal Matrices (BPMs), which illustrate how the stages of birth shape core emotional and psychological patterns.

• The Emergence of Grof Breathwork: Learn how decades of clinical research and experiential work culminated in the development of Grof Breathwork, a powerful method for self-exploration in holotropic states of consciousness that integrates breath, evocative music, focused bodywork, and expressive art in a safe and supportive set and setting.

  
  

Experiential Component

The workshop includes four full Grof Breathwork sessions, offering participants the opportunity to experience this method both as a breather (2 sessions) and as a sitter (2 sessions). This essential component provides direct insight into the process and prepares students for deeper engagement with the work ahead.

Lead Facilitators

Jay Dufrechou

Simona Rakuša

Amy Burrell

Renn Butler

Apprentice Facilitators

Gianna Sutley

Tentative Schedule

Sunday, January 18

6:00-8:30pm: Opening Circle | Check-in starts at 5pm

Monday - Saturday, January 19-24

8:30am - 7:30pm

Sunday, January 25

9:00am - 12:00pm

Accommodations and Meals

Please note this is a non-residential workshop. Participants are responsible for coordinating their own lodging and meals.

Contraindications

Grof® Breathwork is a transformative experience designed to facilitate deep self-exploration and healing. Due to the intense physical and emotional nature of the practice, certain health conditions may pose risks during breathwork sessions. To ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, please review our health considerations before registering for a workshop. You may also view our health questionnaire prior to registration.

We strive to create a welcome and inclusive community that engenders a sense of belonging, respect, openness, and safety in order to facilitate a personally meaningful process for each participant.  Our intent is to support all participants in their work of self-exploration and discovery. Thus, limited sliding scale opportunities are available. Please inquire directly with Gianna at gianna@grof-legacy-training-usa.com.