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Research Related to
Holotropic Breathwork

This section of our Internet Site is dedicated to reporting on and inviting participation in research related to Holotropic Breathwork, as well as listing related publications and downloadable files as available. Please let us know what you think about what you find here and especially if you know of relevant peer-reviewed research, articles, or dissertations that are not yet listed here. We are also interested in research in languages other than English. Thanks in advance for your help. Please send email correspondence related to research to

For a comprehensive index of books and articles related to Holotropic Breathwork but not specifically research-oriented, refer to the References section of this site.

Note that copyrights for all of the materials here are retained by the authors and/or the publishing organizations and these materials should not be republished or posted on web sites without written permission from the copyright holders. AHBI has obtained such permissions for the material presented here, for web presentation here.

Note that all downloadable documents are in Adobe .pdf format. The Acrobat Reader for these documents can be downloaded for free from www.adobe.com

• AHBI's Research Mission
• Peer-Reviewed Journal Research Articles
• Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
• Scholarly/Academic Papers
• Books
• Dissertations
• Ongoing Research
• Research Directions
• How you can help

AHBI's Research Mission

Two of the five points in the AHBI Mission statement relate directly to research. Specifically, AHBI is committed to support the practice of Holotropic Breathwork as a resource for healing and transformation by:

• Promoting awareness about Holotropic Breathwork by distributing information and research in a variety of languages and formats.
• Supporting research into the theory, practice, and effects of Holotropic Breathwork.

You can support the publishing of HB research and research projects by becoming a member of AHBI or donating to AHBI. To do either please click here.

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Peer-Reviewed Journal Research Articles

Since its development by Dr. Stanislav and Christina Grof at the Esalen Institute in California during the late 1970’s, and especially following the training and certification of the first of many Facilitator Training Groups in 1987, Holotropic Breathwork has been successfully experienced by tens of thousands of people in public weekend workshops, therapeutic settings, and weeklong retreats all over the world. Reports of its healing potential, from both breathers and facilitators, have been numerous across many conditions, and some research studies have been published in peer-reviewed journals.

Evoked Potentials in Holotropic Breathing, by L. I. Spivak, Yu. D. Kropotov, D. L. Spivak and A. V. Sevostyanov. /Human Physiology,/ Vol. 20, No. 1, pp. 17-19, 1994. (This is an English translation of the original Russian.)

Holotropic Breathwork (HB), proposed by the American psychiatrist Stanislav Grof in 1984, is successfully used for treating neuroses (1-3). HB leads to a curative alteration of consciousness which activates the mechanisms of physiological recovery developed during evolution. Dr. Grof believes that the therapeutic effects of HB activate subconsciousness and provide the possibility for transformation of different emotional and psychosomatic symptoms into the altered state of consciousness. The literature on Holotropic Breathwork mainly describes the results of monitoring the dynamics of a patient's consciousness. In this process neither physiological nor electro-physiological examination is conducted, as a rule. Moreover, physiological methods are sometimes considered to be non-informative as the matter concerns extremely fine alterations in the psyche, which are difficult to study objectively (1-2).The present study is designed to analyze the dynamics of brain evoked potentials (EP), which are correlated with an altered state of consciousness in neurotic patients during an HB session.

The Role of Hypocapnia in Inducing Altered States of Consciousness, by P. I. Terekhin. /Human Physiology/, Vol. 22, No. 6, pp. 730-735, 1996. (This is an English translation of the original Russian.)

External respiration function was tested (at the Russian People's Friendship University, Moscow) during Holotropic Breathwork sessions in the course of psychotherapeutic treatment. Long-term voluntary hyperventilation was accompanied by respiratory phenomena with distinct periodicity and a stable level of hypocapnia throughout the whole treatment session. The role of hyperventilation and hypocapnia in the mechanisms inducing and maintaining altered states of consciousness is discussed.

Holotropic Breathwork: An Experiential Approach to Psychotherapy by Sara W. Holmes, Ph.D., Robin Morris, Pauline Rose Clance & R. Thompson Putney. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, Vol. 33(1), Spring 1996. pp. 114-120. 1996

ABSTRACT: The study investigated the relationship between the use of Holotropic Breathwork and therapeutic changes in levels of distress associated with self identified problems, death anxiety, self esteem, and sense of affiliation with others. Two groups of 24 subjects were compared using a repeated measures design. One group participated in a combination of experientially oriented psychotherapy plus six monthly sessions of Holotropic Breathwork (Breathwork Group), the second group participated only in experientially oriented psychotherapy (Therapy Group). Dependent measures were Templer's Death Anxiety Scale, the Abasement and Affiliation subscales of the Personality Research Form-E, and a questionnaire regarding self-identified problems. The Breathwork Group showed significant reductions in death anxiety and increases in self-esteem compared to the Therapy Group. No significant differences were observed between groups on affiliation or self-identified problems. Results suggest that experiential approaches to psychotherapy may be useful in ameliorating some types of psychological problems.

A copy of the report of this study for personal reading can be purchased at the APA Journal Service for $11.95.

The Effect of Holotropic Breathwork on Personality (English version) by Denisa Binarova, Ceska a Slovenska Psychiatrie, (Czech and Slovak Psychiatry), 2003, VOL 99; PART 8, pages 410-414.

Following is an edited version of the Abstract from the English translation of the Study:

The paper investigates the effect of a single or repeated Holotropic Breathwork session on certain personality properties, attitudes, and values orientations. A total of 81 subjects participated in the research (36 Breathers, 34 Non-breathers, and 11 First-breathers). The Breathers group comprised individuals having participated in at least four Holotropic Breathwork sessions; subjects from the Non-breathers group were comparable based on the following criteria: gender, age, and education. The experimental subjects from the First-breathers group were initially tested prior to their first Holotropic Breathwork session and they were retested following the initial session (approximately three weeks later). The variables examined were measured by means of Crumbaugh and Maholick's Purpose in Life (PIL) test; Harman, Fadiman, and Mogar’s test of attitudes and values (Value-Belief Q-Sort); and Shostrom’s Personal Orientation Dimensions (POD).

As for the First-breathers, a significant improvement in satisfaction of the need for purpose in life and significant reduction of rigidity and dogmatism were observed. The Breathers were found to be less rigid and dogmatic compared to the Non-breathers; they display a positive change in their attitude towards unusual comprehension of reality, they profess conventional values to a lesser extent, and they apply them in a more flexible manner. In addition, their approach towards reality is more appropriate, they are more able to enjoy the present moment, they are more autarchic and more independent of other people’s attitudes, they are more sensitive to their own feelings and needs, they are more spontaneous, they express higher self-esteem, and they show a better capacity to establish warm interpersonal relations. All of the above differences are significant statistically. The Breathers do not show a significantly better satisfaction of their need for purpose in life compared with the Non-breathers. Subjectively, all participants evaluated the experience from the Holotropic Breathwork session as contributing to better communication with people, to a deeper knowledge of the surrounding world, and to a higher acceptance of previously rejected opinions and thoughts.

A copy of the paper in the original language can be purchased through the British Library Direct service at this link.

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Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

In addition to research articles, there have been various peer-reviewed journal articles that address the healing potential of Holotropic Breathwork including:

Use of Hypnosis and Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness in Facilitating Significant Psychotherapeutic Change, by Linda Edwards, PhD, published in The Australian Journal of Clinical Hypnotherapy and Hypnosis in 1999.

This is a general article about the healing potential of non-ordinary states in which Holotropic Breathwork's approach is described. This article is also available from Dr. Edward's site - www.drlindaedwards.com.au

Holotropic Breathwork: The Potential Role of a Prolonged, Voluntary Hyperventilation Procedure as an Adjunct to Psychotherapy, Joseph P. Rhinewine, Oliver J. Williams. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. September 1, 2007, 13(7): 771-776. doi:10.1089/acm.2006.6203.

Objective: This paper poses the question of whether Holotropic Breathwork (HB), a prolonged, voluntary hyperventilation procedure, might be useful in treatment of common psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depressive disorders.
Design: This is a hypothesis-posing paper pertaining to a potential novel treatment.
Summary: The neurophysiology and psychology of hyperventilation are reviewed, including findings demonstrating that hyperventilation leads to significant changes in central nervous system activity as measured by various technological means. Preliminary evidence suggesting efficacy for HB is reviewed. A tentative biopsychologic hypothesis is offered, suggesting a potential mechanism that may underlie putative therapeutic effects of HB.

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Scholarly/Academic Papers

The following academic papers have not been peer-reviewed or published in journals, but deserve attention nonetheless.

Examining the Effects of Holotropic Breathwork in the Recovery from Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 1995, Byron A. Metcalf, M.S., NCAC II, CAS, 14 pages, 5 MB.

The effects of Holotropic Breathwork were examined in twenty adults recovering from alcoholism or other chemical addictions. The major underlying issues and concerns affecting this population were individually assessed to determine the clinical efficacy of utilizing Holotropic Breathwork in psychotherapy and treatment settings. The test sample consisted of ten men and ten women who were interviewed utilizing a self-reporting, structured survey. Results indicate that Holotropic Breathwork is an effective therapeutic tool for treating alcoholism and drug addiction. The results of this particular sample also suggest that Holotropic Breathwork could prove very beneficial in the area of relapse prevention. Each category examined showed marked improvement or a positive outcome. The highest improvements were in the areas of depression and anxiety; feelings and emotions; family relationships and intimacy; stress reduction; self-esteem and spirituality.

Stanislav Grof's Holotropic Therapy System, by Peter A. Jackson, 1996.

This 50 page paper is based on presentations Peter Jackson made at the Nelson Conference of the New Zealand Association of Psychotherapists in March 1996 and at the First World Congress of the World Council for Psychotherapy in Vienna, Austria, July 1996. As he says in his introduction, his purpose was to provide a comprehensive introduction for psychotherapists to the therapeutic approach reflected by Holotropic Breathwork including both theoretical and practical aspects, comparing and contrasting it as well to other approaches to psychotherapy. The document includes a report (pages 27 - 46) of an empirical study conducted with 38 breathwork participants that explored some very interesting dimensions. For example, the study indicates that HB may for some individuals reduce the frequency and intensity of substance usage (alcohol and/or drugs). Jackson himself notes that the study, although seriously undertaken and done with care, does not qualify as scientific research, but the results are interesting and provide valuable hints about possible fruitful directions of future scientific research. As well as being presented here in its full length, this document is available on the internet at this link.

Transpersonal Psychotherapy with Chemically Dependent Clients, 1999, by Brack Jefferys, PhD. (Note: 78 pages, 7.5 MB scanned document)

The purpose of this study, a monograph based on the author’s doctoral work, was to assess the effectiveness of incorporating transpersonal psychotherapy into traditional approaches to the treatment of chemically dependent clients. The complementary nature of professional psychotherapy and self-help groups such as Twelve Step recovery was also explored. The subjects in this study were 29 adult clients treated at St. Joseph's Addictions Recovery Program in Asheville, North Carolina. The sample consisted of 20 males and 9 females that completed a 13 month outpatient treatment program for chemical dependency. The subjects were followed for one year post-treatment by an independent employee assistance/managed care firm to determine treatment outcomes. Results of the analyses of client outcome data indicated that this model offers an effective treatment approach for this group of chemically dependent clients.

Holotropic Breathwork - Healing Through a Non-ordinary State of Consciousness, by Nicola Crowley, MD, 2005.

The paper is based upon a talk delivered by Dr. Crowley on May 9th, 2005, at a special interest group meeting of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK.

Psychosis or Spiritual Emergence? Consideration of the Transpersonal Perspective Within Psychiatry, by Nicola Crowley, MD, 2006.

This paper was awarded the essay prize by the executive of the Spirituality and Psychiatry Special Interest Group, Royal College of Psychiatrists, UK.

Psychotic Episode or Spiritual Emergency? The Transformative Power of Psychosis in Recovery, by Nicola Crowley, MD, 2007.

This is another paper by Dr. Crowley explaining how episodes considered psychotic in traditional psychiatry can have the potential for healing.

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Books

This section includes two kinds of books. First, we include books that collect articles and essays on Holotropic Breathwork's reported effects. Although not formal scientific research these provide a background to scientific research and include as well anecdotal material that may indicate interesting directions for scientific research.

The second category of books consists of those used in educating or training therapists. These are useful in a research context as they reveal at least some existing views of when Holotropic Breathwork is effective in a therapeutic setting, and when not, as well as where it fits in an overall therapeutic framework.

General books related to Holotropic Breathwork and books by Stan and Christina Grof about Holotropic Breathwork are listed in another section of this web site, though this link.

Considering Holotropic Breathwork: Essays and Articles on the Therapeutic and Sociological Functions and Effects of the Grof Breathwork, Kylea Taylor, Hanford Mead, 2007, 166 pages.

The first systematic study of the effects of Holotropic Breathwork was conducted by Kylea Taylor and Steve Macy in 1993. Their work with individuals in recovery can be found in this book. Included in this volume is the full description of the author's study while facilitating Holotropic Breathwork at a residential substance abuse recovery program, as well as an article on Jung's Fourth (Inferior) Function as a gateway for breathwork experience, an in-depth exploration of the value of sitting for another in Holotropic Breathwork, and much material on the function of Holotropic Breathwork in trauma recovery.

Shadow, Self, Spirit: Essays in Transpersonal Psychology, Michael Daniels,  Imprint Academic, 2005.

Transpersonal psychology concerns the study of those states and processes in which people experience a deeper sense of who they are, or a greater sense of connectedness with others, with nature, or the spiritual dimension. Pioneered by respected researchers such as Jung, Maslow and Tart, it has nonetheless struggled to find recognition among mainstream scientists. Now that is starting to change. Michael Daniels teaches the subject as part of a broadly-based psychology curriculum, and this book brings together the fruits of his studies over recent years.  The book makes 30 or more references to Grof throughout the text in comparisons to other transpersonal theorists, with several extended references, including cartography of consciousness (pp. 22-23), evil (pp. 90-92), and the Holotropic Model (pp. 189-192).  (The complete text may be found through Google Books.)

Textbook of Transpersonal Psychiatry and Psychology, Bruce W. Scotton, Allan B. Chinen, John Robert Battista, Basic Books, 1996.

This book brings together the work of top scholars and clinicians at leading universities and medical centers on the benefits and risks of transpersonal therapy. After comparing a variety of multicultural approaches - Zen Buddhism, existential phenomenology, and Christian mysticism, among many others - the book offers a wealth of information on specific disorders and the application of transpersonal psychology techniques such as visualization, Breathwork, and "past lives" regression. The book includes a chapter (8) on Grof’s consciousness research and another (35) on Breathwork.  With solid scholarship, wide scope, and accessible style, Textbook of Transpersonal Psychiatry and Psychology will become the standard work for students, researchers, clinicians, and lay readers interested in extending psychiatry and psychology into sciences that describe the functioning of the human mind, thereby building bridges between those disciplines and spirituality.  (The complete text may be found through Google Books.)

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Dissertations

A number of individuals have made Holotropic Breathwork the subject of their academic Doctoral dissertations, including the following. Note that each of these full text documents (except Brouillette, 1997, Marquez, 1999, and Hanratty, 2002) is a scan of the dissertation document in pdf format, and so makes up a rather large file (size noted). Click on the dissertation name to download. Many thanks for the generosity of the authors who have allowed us to share these materials online!

The psychological and spiritual effects of Stanislav Grof’s holotropic breathwork technique: An exploratory study, 1993, by Todd Evan Pressman, Ph.D., 201 pages, 10 MB.

This research, employing 25 female and 15 male volunteer subjects, was conducted with a pre- and post-test control group design. Subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment or control condition. The treatment condition consisted of six Holotropic Breathwork sessions; the control condition consisted of six sessions where subjects listened to Holotropic Breathwork music whilst lying down with eyes closed. The research asked: Does Holotropic Breathwork have demonstrable psychological and/or spiritual effects? The methodology included three questionnaires that yielded quantitative data and interviews that recorded the subjects' responses to five questions. The six sessions of both treatment and control conditions were held once every two weeks, and the questionnaires were administered before the first and after the last sessions. The interviews were conducted after each of the six sessions. The data obtained from the questionnaires provided only partial validation of the hypothesis, while the interview responses provided strong evidence that Holotropic Breathwork has beneficial psychological and spiritual effects. No deleterious effects were found.

Grof's Basic Perinatal Matrix Theory: Initial Empirical Verification, 1997, by Stephen Binns, PhD., 27 pages, 8.5 MB

Stanislav Grof’s theory of Basic Perinatal Matrices (BPMs) was tested via the development of subjective experience self-report scales, their inter-correlations, and correlations between them and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). The sample consisted of 149 female and 39 male non-clinical participants with a mean age of 34 years. Items for the BPM questionnaire were constructed using concepts extracted from Grof’s writings, selected according to expert rater judgments and submitted to participants. BPM scales were formed using the maximal internal consistency method. Thirteen of the fourteen BPM and BPM/PBI inter-scale correlations predicted by Grof’s theory reached significance, thus supporting the BPM theory. A post-hoc analysis of the data of the hypothesis that was not supported indicated that BPM3 may be a multidimensional construct. Data gathered using the BPM questionnaire provided quantitative support for the qualitatively developed BPM theory. With more extensive validation the BPM questionnaire could be used in assessing BPM subjective experiences in individuals for clinical and research purposes.

Reported Effects of Holotropic Breathwork: An integrative Technique for Healing and Personal Change, 1997, by Gilles Brouillette, 368 pages, 1 MB.

This research studied the experience and effects of Holotropic Breathwork™ on personal transformation and healing as reported by participants in the Grof Transpersonal Training. Three specific questions have been explored using a qualitative approach in which data were gathered in four different ways: (a) the recording of people's sharing, (b) the recording of short interviews, (c) the recording of two long interviews, and (d) by consulting people's self-evaluations.  Quantitative data were also gathered through Ring's Life Changes Questionnaire developed by Ring (1984). The three specific questions were: 1.) Will participants have any experiences at the physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual levels, and will these experiences be felt or experienced as transformative and/or healing? 2.) Have participants perceived any life changes as a result of their Holotropic Breathwork™ sessions and, if so, will these changes be consistent over a period of 6 months? 3.) How do they express the essence of their experience in images, symbols, words, or metaphors? All trainees participated in at least 23 Holotropic Breathwork™ sessions both as breathers and sitters.

Healing Through the Remembrance of the Pre- and Perinatal: A Phenomenological Investigation, 1999, by Anne Marquez, Ph.D., 256 pages, 1 MB.

This existential-phenomenological study focused on the experience of healing through pre- and perinatal recall. It asked and suggested answers to the question, "Since birth remembrance is so painful, why would anyone choose to do it?"  Interviews were conducted with 7 adults who, by virtue of recalling their conception, gestation, and/or birth, attested to having healed conditions of: syncope, phobias, arthritis, asthma, migraines, depression, suicidality, obsessive-compulsion, severe side pain, and dysfunctional interpersonal patterns.  From 11 themes, interview data revealed 2 general themes, (1) A Range of Intensely Felt, Mostly Negative, Emotional, Physical, or Feeling States, and (2) Transpersonal Experience. All co-researchers related pre- or perinatal trauma, and post-birth child abuse. While unprecedented in the literature, this continuity of negative circumstances and feeling states may reflect Grof’s (1985) “systems of condensed experience” (COEX).  A 100% reporting of post-birth child abuse suggests that traumatic conception, gestation, and/or birth may contribute to abnormal childhood behavior.  Further, none of the co-researchers felt wanted as children; and if they were truly unwanted/unplanned, it may suggest that parents of such children unknowingly contribute to traumatic birth conditions.

The Language of Holotropic Light: Unpacking the Experience, 2000, by Julie Lapham, PhD., 172 pages, 14.6 MB.

Beginning with a near-death experience in 1972 and continuing with many Holotropic Breathwork sessions, this research study explicates an experiential contemporary rite of passage including a ten-day wilderness quest incorporating four days of fasting with sleep deprivation in solitude with nature. The contextual essay outlines research grounded in the transpersonal paradigm that provides the conceptual framework for the study per Grof. An in-depth examination form using heuristic methodology offers a qualitative research model and the Constitution of the Iroquois Confederacy is proffered as a working indigenous exemplar of human potential. The manuscript includes observations from the six-month preparation, ten-day wilderness quest and full-year of process integration. This study researches the following questions: 1.) How feasible is completion of the proposed model and 2.) What are the ramifications, consequences and social relevance of eliciting bilocation experiences through a rite of passage. The author describes development in personal physiological benefits, an increased emotional well-being and a deepening sense of spirituality.  A facilitator of  Holotropic Breathwork since 1990, Dr. Lapham's research observations note a plethora of developmental difficulties with birth experience; one example is a relationship between migraine headaches and/or loss of direction with forceps delivery. Contact her at Themis Institute, P.O. Box 1536, Greensboro, N.C. 27402.

Predicting the Outcome of Holotropic Breathwork using the High Risk Model of Threat Perception, 2002, by Patrick M. Hanratty, 185 pages, 1 MB.

This study asked the research question: Is holotropic breathwork an efficacious form of psychotherapy, and, if so, what is the mechanism of efficacy?  Selected risk factors from the High Risk Model of Threat Perception were used to evaluate the efficacy using outcome measures on the Brief Symptom Inventory, Positive Affect and Negative Affect Schedule, the Marlowe-Crowne Scale, and Templer's Death Anxiety Scale, as well as the Tellegen Absorption Scale, which correlates with hypnotic ability.  The significant reductions found on psychometric clinical scales in this study suggest lasting beneficial effects as a result of holotropic breathwork for this highly select group of subjects; the mechanism of efficacy in this study was likely high trait absorption.

Somatic Memory in Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness, 2003, by Chris Lyons, PhD., 82 pages, 5.2 MB.

This study looked at the incidence and significance of experiences of somatic memory recall in a group of sixty-six people using non-ordinary states of consciousness for the purpose of personal growth or healing. It found that such experiences were common amongst this group, but it was unable to demonstrate their significance for the healing process. It concluded that somatic memory recall was just one of a number of significant experiences that could emerge during non-ordinary states of consciousness work, and that the methodology used was not adequate to measure its significance for healing or personal growth. It suggested, however, that there were theoretical grounds for supposing that non-ordinary states of consciousness work might be a useful tool in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

More dissertations will be made available at this site as author permissions are obtained.

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Ongoing Research

Following are some ongoing research projects related to Holotropic Breathwork:

Call for Case Reports, Tim Brewerton, M.D.

"In addition to being a certified Holotropic Breathwork facilitator, I am also a psychiatrist and clinical researcher with over 25 years of experience. I have agreed to join AHBI in the upcoming efforts to develop a strong research base that we believe will serve to integrate Holotropic Breathwork into the mainstream. As someone who has been involved in academic psychiatry/psychology for most of my career, I have a sense of what will be required in order for this shift to happen. Although Stan Grof has written many books, when one looks into the scientific literature using typical means, i.e., Medline, PsychLit, and CINAHL searches, there is virtually little or nothing. The time is ripe to change this situation.

"Although I am convinced, as most of you are who read this, of the immense healing value of Holotropic Breathwork, many clinical scientists and others who rely on empirically validated techniques are simply not going to listen until there is scientific data to support its usefulness. The fact is that Holotropic Breathwork has not been fully researched from a scientific point of view in order for it to be thought of as an empirically validated thera­peutic option by mainstream psychiatry or psychology. Anecdotal reports strongly suggest its helpfulness for many individuals who have suffered from any number of psychiatric disorders, including alcoholism, drug addiction, depression, dissociation, and anxiety disorders such as PTSD, but these reports are mostly confined to Stan’s writings in books, which are not peer-reviewed.

"Along with Michael Mithoefer, M.D., and others who will be working with me on this project, I plan to begin adding Holotropic Breathwork to the armamentarium of available psychotherapeutic tools by publishing research about it in mainstream journals. The initial step in this plan is to publish case reports that describe sig­nificant improvements in certain psychiatric disorders following Holotropic Breathwork, in conjunction with standard psychiatric or psychological treatments.

"We are therefore asking all licensed mental health professionals to send us reports of cases that you yourself have treated and wit­nessed to have improved as a result of both traditional treatments (psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy) in conjunction with Ho­lotropic Breathwork. We will need as much clinical information and history as possible (including diagnosis) in order to document each case, but of course, without any identifying information. Please send your cases, as well as your contact information, di­rectly to me at . We will document these cases using a standard format and submit them to an appropriate psychiatric journal. Anyone who submits cases that we use will be invited to be a coauthor on the paper. This strategy might then lead to other research projects that could eventually further substantiate the effectiveness of Holotropic Breathwork for various types of psychiatric disorders.

"Thanks for any assistance you can offer to this endeavor."
Best wishes to you all,
Tim Brewerton, M.D.
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry
Medical University of South Carolina

Society of Applied Ethnopsychology and Cognitive Studies in Barcelona, Spain, Iker Puente

Iker Puente has concluded this study which forms his PhD work at the Society of Applied Ethnopsychology and Cognitive Studies in Barcelona, Spain. He analyzed 31 individuals in a Holotropic Breathwork group against 31 individuals in a control group, using three measures. With AHBI he is currently collecting and analyzing the data of a companion study conducted in October 2007 at the Omega Institute in New York State. Completion is expected in Summer 2008.

The Graduate Institute, Chris Robodee

Chris Robodee, in a masters program in Conscious Evolution at The Graduate Institute in Connecticut, will interview several individuals who have experienced a minimum number of HB sessions. He will be looking for evidence that connects HB to stage development, possibly using the Leadership Development Framework of Susanne R. Cook-Greuter. All data will be anecdotal rather than empirical.

Birth Trauma and Beyond, Gregg Lahood and Judy Cottrell

Gregg Lahood, PhD, (an anthropologist of child-birth and consciousness) and Judy Cottrell (midwife and midwifery educator at New Zealand’s National Women’s Hospital), have designed a study entitled "Birth Trauma and Beyond" to thoroughly explore the transpersonal dimensions of women’s and men’s experience in child-birth. AHBI is working with Gregg and Judy in locating participants to describe ‘extraordinary’, ‘spiritual’ or ‘transpersonal’ experiences of consciousness during birth-giving. If you are interested in participating in this study, or would like to know more, please read the call for participation.

Intuitive Study with Holotropic Breathwork Mandalas, Rubye Cervelli

Rubye Cervelli, a fourth year Ph.D. student at the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, California, is looking for participants for her dissertation research. She is interested in hearing about your experience of Holotropic Breathwork and its subsequent mandala artwork. The main requirement is that an interview be held within two weeks of your participation in a six-day Grof Transpersonal Training (GTT) breathwork retreat. The following is her description of the research:

"My study uses Intuitive Inquiry, a qualitative, hermeneutic style research method to explore the nuances of your experience of Holotropic Breathwork and the mandala artwork. Participation involves 1) signing a consent form, 2) completing a demographics inventory, 3) doing an in-depth, taped telephone interview, 4) providing a copy of your mandala artwork from your GTT retreat and 5) reviewing the transcription of your interview. Altogether, participation will take about three hours. This research project is intended for broad publication, but confidentiality will be maintained through the use of pseudonyms. This study is not affiliated with GTT in any way. If you would like to participate in this study, please contact me at or by telephone in the U.S. (650) 776-1002."

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Research Directions

In due course, research proposed by Stan in the Inner Door, February 1995, that is currently under consideration by the AHBI Planning Committee, will invite the participation of all facilitators. As this is being prepared, we would like to encourage individual facilitators, particularly medical professionals and/or those with institutional affiliation, to consider mounting their own independent case studies. As a potential aid to such endeavors, we recommend four peer-reviewed journal articles and one editorial that address both case-study research and the early phase of research that we are currently in, as follows:

Kazdin, Alan E. (1981). “Drawing Valid Inferences from Case Studies”; Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 49, 183-192.  Reprinted in Methodological Issues and Strategies in Clinical Research; Kazdin, A. E. (Ed.); Chap.28.

Prentice, Deborah A. and Dale T. Miller (1992); “When Small Effects are Impressive”; Psychological Bulletin, Vol 112, No 1, 160-164.

Aickin, Mikel (2007). “The Importance of Early Phase Research”; Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol 13, No 4, 447-450.

Schwartz, Gary E. (2007). “Early Phase Research and the Process of Scientific Discovery”; Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Vol 13, No 4, p. 399.

Borckardt, Jeffrey J. et al. (2008). “Clinical Practice as Natural Laboratory for Psychotherapy Research; A Guide to Case-Based Time-Series Analysis”; American Psychologist, Vol 63, No 2, 77-95.

These articles are available to interested individuals by request from .

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How You Can Help

Research into the healing potential of Holotropic Breathwork is imperative for this approach to assume its rightful place within the healing and therapeutic communities. There are a number of research projects, currently being designed, that require additional funding for their successful completion.  Please consider financially supporting the work of AHBI’s dedicated volunteers in these important research efforts with your donation.

AHBI is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit corporation so donations are usually tax deductible for US taxpayers. Membership dues may also be deductible for professional members and partially deductible as a donation for non-professional members.

You can donate to help support AHBI and its research projects. By becoming a member of AHBI you are also supporting its goal of publishing and sponsoring research.

Click here to go to the Join/Donate page of the AHBI web site.