Holotropic Breathwork was developed in the 1970s by Stanislav Grof and Christina Grof as a non-drug method for accessing expanded states of consciousness.

Stanislav Grof devoted over six decades to the study of these states, becoming one of the most influential figures in the field. Beginning in the 1950s as a clinical psychiatrist, he conducted pioneering research into the therapeutic use of psychedelics, particularly LSD, working with thousands of patients in both Europe and the United States. Between 1955 and 1973, he facilitated over 4,000 psychedelic sessions in clinical and research settings.

Through this work, Grof observed that individuals in expanded states of awareness often accessed deep emotional material, early life experiences, and, at times, experiences that seemed to extend beyond the personal. These observations challenged conventional models of the mind and laid the foundation for a broader understanding of the psyche.

With the restriction of psychedelic research in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Stan and Christina Grof sought a way to continue this exploration within a safe, legal framework. This led to the development of Holotropic Breathwork at the Esalen Institute in 1976.

The method was designed to evoke similar states of consciousness using simple means - breath, music and focused bodywork - within a carefully supported setting. Over time, the Grofs observed that the experiences and therapeutic outcomes of Holotropic Breathwork were comparable in many ways to those seen in psychedelic therapy.

Since its development, Holotropic Breathwork has spread worldwide. Today, trained facilitators offer workshops around the world. Training is provided through Grof Transpersonal Training, supported by an international network of practitioners and organisations, including the European Association for Holotropic Breathwork.