Holotropic Breathwork® Double-Breathwork Retreat

A GTT Holotropic Breathwork® module with Marc Banos Aixalà (by video), Vicky Nicholson, and GTT staff

July 5 -July 11th, 2022

In recent years, we have witnessed a renewed interest in psychedelic therapy and research being called “the psychedelic renaissance.” Many people are discovering the potential benefits of psychedelic substances and master plants, and shamanism has become an increasingly sought method for healing. Dozens of clinical trials study the efficacy of psychedelic medicines such as MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine to treat serious conditions like PTSD and treatment-resistant depression. At the same time, the importance of Stanislav Grof’s Holotropic Paradigm and of Holotropic Breathwork® in the development of the psychedelic field still remains unknown to many.

With respect to this new era of psychedelics, those of us involved with the Holotropic paradigm have much to contribute and consider. How do psychedelics compare with or compliment Holotropic Breathwork® as tools for personal development? What is the role of Holotropic Breathwork® now that psychedelics are becoming an accessible therapeutic method? How is the future of Holotropic Breathwork® affected, now that more people can access deep experiences through psychedelics and master plants?

In this module we will explore in depth:

The different paradigms in which psychedelics have been used, and are currently used.
General characteristics of the main psychedelic medicines and the process they induce.
The use of psychedelics from the Holotropic Paradigm developed by Grof, Sparks, and others.
How do psychedelics compare to Holotropic Breathwork®?
The principles of supporting processes from the Holotropic perspective.
Dealing with challenging situations.
The importance of integration of psychedelic experiences.
Previous experience with Holotropic Breathwork® is not necessary.

GTT is the only organization that can certify HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK® facilitators worldwide. Certifying practitioners on four continents, we were the first and are the most established contemporary program for training in expanded states of awareness.

Marc B. Aixalà is a GTT module leader trained in the therapeutic use of Non Ordinary States of Consciousness; in MDMA assisted-psychotherapy for PTSD by MAPS; and in the use of psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression. Marc works as a therapist and mentor in a clinical trial with psilocybin in Sant Joan de Déu Hospital in Barcelona. He has experience as a Team Leader and Trainer helping people through difficult psychedelic experiences at Boom Festival (Kosmicare 2010-2016).

Marc collaborates with ICEERS (International Center for Ethnobotanical Education Research and Service) by offering integration psychotherapy for people in challenging situations after psychedelic experiences, developing theoretical models of intervention and training and supervising therapists. He is the author of “Psychedelic Integration: non-ordinary logics and the challenges of psychotherapy in expanded states of awareness.”

Vicky Nicholson has a passion both for Holotropic Breathwork and education. She has worked on staff at GTT training modules since 2005 in Australia and the US and coordinates the Australian modules. She is particularly interested in working with her community and learning to live the Holotropic principles and paradigm of moving towards wholeness as a daily spiritual practice in everyday life. She is an educator in Tasmania, Australia and works alongside Aboriginal people to support teachers and students to improve educational outcomes, particularly for Aboriginal children. Teachers are encouraged to explore and live from an increasingly holistic worldview, as lived by Aboriginal people, to more fully realise their potential as educators for themselves, their students and school communities. Information about the work Vicky and others are doing this field, including videos, can be seen here. Vicky completed her PhD dissertation which addresses “Questions of knowing and pedagogic relationship” that examines the relationship between effective teaching and how we know ourselves. She is particularly moved and filled with gratitude to be allowed to be a witness to people’s deep journey work as they venture into their soul through Holotropic Breathwork, as she herself has been witnessed and supported by others on her own journey.