Holotropic Breathwork — Stanislav & Christina Grof
This is a comprehensive and accessible book written by the founders of Holotropic Breathwork. This book introduces the philosophy, therapeutic framework and expanded map of the psyche that underpins Holotropic Breathwork.
It also explores the perinatal dimension of experience - suggesting how early developmental stages, including the time in the womb and the process of birth, may leave deep imprints that can continue to influence how we feel, relate, and move through the world as adults.
The book also includes a number of fascinating case studies.
The Body Keeps The Score — Bessel Van Der Kolk
A widely regarded book on trauma, The Body Keeps the Score explores how trauma is held in the body and how it can continue to shape thoughts, emotions, and behaviour long after the original experience has passed.
Drawing on decades of clinical work, the book outlines a range of approaches to healing, emphasising the importance of working not only with the mind, but with the body.
The Myth of Normal — Gabor Maté
The Myth of Normal offers a powerful exploration of how modern culture contributes to chronic illness, stress, and disconnection. Drawing on over four decades of clinical experience, Maté challenges conventional ideas of what is considered “normal,” highlighting the roles that trauma, pressure, and emotional suppression play in shaping both mental and physical health.
The book connects individual suffering with wider cultural patterns, and points toward a more compassionate, holistic understanding of healing - one that recognises the importance of the body, emotional life, and lived experience.