Grof® Breathwork Facilitator Certification

The Grof Breathwork Facilitator Certification program, developed under the guidance of Stan and Brigitte Grof, is an immersive, multi-level training designed to equip facilitators with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to guide others through transformative experiences in holotropic states of consciousness. This program combines online coursework and in-person experiential training, with a curriculum grounded in Grofian psychology and dedicated to the growth of a compassionate, global network of Grof-certified facilitators.

Level I: Foundational Training

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Level I consists of four units, each with an Online Module and an Experiential (In-Person Module).

Online Modules

The online modules cover core theoretical topics, including:

The Holotropic Paradigm
Holotropic Facilitation
The Psychedelic Renaissance
Special Considerations and Contraindications

These four-week modules feature readings, video lectures from Stan Grof, weekly online discussions, quizzes, and a reflection paper to encourage deep integration of the material. Participants can expect to spend 10-12 hours per week on these modules, with videos and resources available a month in advance to allow flexible pacing.

Experiential Modules

The in-person modules focus on hands-on training, including:

Facilitator presence and bodywork fundamentals
Set and setting for holotropic work
Ethical considerations and integration practices

Each seven-day experiential module includes two breathwork experiences (with each participant breathing and sitting once), mentorship meetings, and a public workshop component where participants assist in facilitating breathwork for newcomers.

Timing

This level is designed to be self-paced, allowing participants to complete the four units within approximately 16 months or at a more flexible pace over several years.

Completion

Upon successful completion of Level I, participants are eligible to advance to Level II. Completion of Level I also qualifies participants for the USA-based Grof Psychedelic Facilitator Program, anticipated to launch in 2025.

Applicants must complete at least four sessions as a “breather” and four as a “sitter” in Grof Breathwork before beginning the program. Ideally, applicants should complete at least one or two sessions before applying to confirm that the program aligns with their interests and goals, with the remaining sessions completed before the program’s start date.

Breathwork in the Grof lineage is not the same experience as the many other forms of breathwork currently taught and practiced by various groups and programs. Please review our application for details about qualifying experiences and/or contact Gianna Sutley at gianna@grof-legacy-training-usa.com.

To view upcoming workshops that fulfill the prerequisite, visit our Calendar. Particularly recommended are the workshops hosted by Grof Legacy Training or the retreats in New Mexico hosted by our sister organization, Grof Legacy Project

Our Level I Program offers a comprehensive foundation in the theory and practice of Grof Breathwork facilitation, equipping participants to guide experiences in holotropic states of consciousness, including work with those in spiritual emergence or end-of-life stages.

Although focused on breathwork rather than psychedelics, our program situates Grof Breathwork within the context of the psychedelic renaissance, drawing on Stan Grof’s extensive background. Facilitators will learn to use breathwork as preparation for psychedelic experiences, a tool for integration, or a non-chemical alternative for transformative journeys.

Self-reflection and internal work are key to holotropic facilitation. Our program supports this through mentorship groups, ongoing feedback, and community-building practices.

From the beginning, participants are encouraged to organize and assist with Grof Breathwork workshops across the USA. These workshops introduce the public to Grof Breathwork and offer participants hands-on experience in a team setting, fostering both professional growth and community.

The tuition for each unit is $2,500. A $500 deposit is required at the time of registration for each unit. For the first unit, the $100 application fee is credited toward this deposit, making the initial deposit $400.

The remaining $2,000 balance for each unit is due approximately 6 weeks before the start of the in-person module.

We offer payment options for the $2,000 balance:

An early bird discount for those who pay the full balance by a certain date (usually $100-200 in savings)
Monthly payments of $500
Flexible installment options through Afterpay or Klarna

Please note, the $2,500 tuition does not cover lodging, food, or transportation. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodations, travel, and food. In the event that the in-person module is held at a residential facility, tuition prices will be adjusted to include food and lodging.

Training as a Grof Breathwork facilitator involves a commitment to personal growth, ethical integrity, and compassionate presence. Our application process includes:

Application Submission
Complete the application form, providing details on your background, relevant experiences, and interest in Grof Breathwork.
Interview
After submitting your application, a Zoom interview with a senior faculty member will be arranged. This interview will allow us to learn more about you and discuss your goals for the program.
Application Fee
A $100 application fee is required to cover the time and resources involved in the admissions process. If accepted, this fee is applied to your deposit for your first unit.

Apply here to begin your journey toward becoming a certified Grof Breathwork facilitator.

Level II: Advanced Training and Apprenticeship

Level II consists of two units, each with an Online Module and an Experiential (In-Person Module), and apprenticeship experiences.

Online & In-Person Modules

There are two units, each with an online module and an in-person experiential component. The two units are focused on advanced topics:

Holotropic Music
Applied Grofian Psychology

Apprenticeship Experience

Participants are required to complete at least six apprenticeship sessions with certified Grof Breathwork facilitators. These sessions offer hands-on experience, allowing participants to gradually develop confidence and mastery in breathwork facilitation. Participants will receive feedback on their apprenticeship experiences from the lead facilitator as well as a debrief session with members of the GLT leadership team.

Timing

The length of time for completion of Level II will depend on the timing of the participant's apprenticeship and attendance in the two required Level II modules, which we anticipate will be offered yearly beginning in 2025.

We estimate that Level II may be completed within 1 to 2 years. We understand the commitment undertaken by participants in this program. Please remember that our intention is to work with participants toward their ability to offer Grof Breathwork workshops independently with competence, skill, and confidence. The Grof training programs have historically preferred at least three years devoted to training to allow for the important transformational components of moving toward holotropic facilitation.

Completion

Upon successful completion of Level II, participants are authorized to conduct Grof Breathwork sessions independently. Certified facilitators become part of the international Grof Legacy Training network, joining a global community committed to advancing Grofian practices and supporting individual transformation.

Completion of Level II of the Grof Breathwork Facilitator Training certifies you as a Grof Breathwork Facilitator, authorizing you to independently conduct workshops under the Grof Breathwork brand. Certification requires a written agreement to:

Adhere to the Holotropic Principles and Ethical Agreements established by Stan and Brigitte Grof
Cooperate with certified facilitators and the Grof Legacy community, understanding that your work may be periodically evaluated
Recognize that Grof trademarks and brand names remain under the ownership of Stan and Brigitte Grof

Level II combines two in-person modules (Holotropic Music and Applied Grofian Psychology) with apprenticeship and mentorship, building the skills to lead workshops in collaboration with other facilitators. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, as holotropic experiences are ideally conducted in group settings.

This level fosters growth in community-based facilitation, emphasizing shared presence, safety, and support, essential for guiding transformative breathwork experiences.

The tuition for each unit is estimated to be $2,000. An additional $500 administration fee is required at the time of enrollment in Level II.

The remaining $2,000 balance for each unit is due approximately 6 weeks before the start of the in-person module.

We offer payment options for the $2,000 balance:

An early bird discount for those who pay the full balance by a certain date (usually $100-200 in savings)
Monthly payments of $500
Flexible installment options through Afterpay or Klarna

Please note, the $2,000 tuition does not cover lodging, food, or transportation. Participants are responsible for arranging and paying for their own accommodations, travel, and food. In the event that the in-person module is held at a residential facility, tuition prices will be adjusted to include food and lodging.

Additionally, the cost of apprenticeship in various settings will depend on arrangements made between the Level II apprentice and the particular facilitator offering the apprenticeship. Participants are expected to coordinate and pay for their own accommodations, travel, and food for apprenticeship experiences. Additional fees may be requested by Grof Breathwork certified facilitators offering apprenticeships.

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