“The key experiential approach
I now use to induce non-ordinary
states of consciousness and gain access to the unconscious and superconscious psyche is
Holotropic Breathwork, which I
have developed jointly with
Christina over the last fifteen years.
This seemingly simple process, combining breathing, evocative music
and other forms of sound,
body work, and artistic expression,
has an extraordinary potential for
opening the way for exploring
the entire spectrum of the inner world.”
― Stanislav Grof, The Holotropic Mind: The Three Levels of Human Consciousness
and How They Shape Our Lives
Lehigh Valley Holotropic Breathwork®
Lehigh Valley Holotropic Breathwork™ is located in the beautiful mountains of Bethlehem, PA.
We offer daylong and weekend workshops for inividuals, couples and groups in the
Pocono Mountains in PA and the Catskill Mountains of NY State. Holotropic Breathwork
is a powerful approach to self-exploration and healing that integrates insights from
modern consciousness research, anthropology, various depth psychologies, transpersonal psychology,
Eastern spiritual practices, and mystical traditions of the world. Holotropic Breathwork™
was pioneered by Stanslov Grof, MD and utilizes the natural healing capacity of the psyche.
Enhanced, focused breathing and specialized music sets are used to enter an expanded state of awareness
which can activate the natural inner healing process. By activating the unconscious and mobilizing blocked energies,
this work gives us access to all levels of human experience and activates the spontaneous healing potential of the psyche.
With the eyes closed and lying on a mat, each person uses their own breath and the music in the room to enter a enhanced state of consciousness. This state activates the natural inner healing process of the individual's psyche, guiding him or her to a particular set of internal experiences. .
The Practice of Holotropic Breathwork
The physiological symptoms and psychologically evoked enhanced states of awareness
established during Holotropic Breathwork are achieved in an organic way. The intensity,
duration and effect of each breathwork session are guided by the breathers “inner healer”
or innate wisdom. The room is darkened and prepared with cushions, mattresses and
blankets. All participants work in pairs, one breather and one “sitter.” In the first session,
the sitter attends to the breather. The roles are then switched in the next session, as the
sitter remains attentive to the breather for the duration on the second session.
In the beginning of the session, the breathers are lying on their mat with their eyes closed.
A relaxation exercise helps people to open up and let go more easily. At the end of this
relaxation exercise, the participants are asked to breathe more quickly and deeper and
allow any feelings, images, sounds and movements to naturally arise. The process is
intensified by evocative music.
In the first hour of a breathing session, music with fast rhythms, such as drum music is used to support breathing. In the second hour, more dramatic pieces of music are used to facilitate breakthroughs. In the last hour, integrating, slow or spiritual music is played. A breathwork session typically lasts three hours although there is no rigid time limit for a session. At the end, the breather is encouraged to draw a mandala as a visual representation of their breathwork experience. Bodywork is also provided if needed or requested to facilitate release of tensions held in the physical body.
The basic premise is that we all have a deeper wisdom that lies beneath our thinking mind. In Holotropic Breathwork, the emphasis is on creating a safe space in which each participant can surrender fully to all the sensations, feelings, experiences, energy movement and visions that can arise during the session. This work is of value to those interested in inner exploration, self-discovery and spiritual awareness. It is a wonderful adjunct to psychotherapy and other forms of inner work, as well as a powerful method of self-care for helping professionals.
Holotropic Breathwork™ can promote experiences accompanied by strong physical and emotional release.
Therefore, it is contraindicated for the following conditions:
Pregnancy
Cardiovascular Disease, including heart attacks and angina
Severe Hypertension
Epilepsy
Glaucoma or Retinal Detachment
Osteoporosis
Recent Surgeries
Recent Physical Injuries
Recent Infectious/Communicable Diseases
Asthma (if you have asthma, you must bring your inhaler to the workshop)
Psychiatric Hospitalization or Mental Illness (please discuss prior to registering)
If you have any questions about whether you should participate, please consult
Dr. McGlynn before registering for any of our workshops.
Dr. McGlynn completed the Grof Transpersonal Training Program in 2015 and is a
Certified Holotropic Breathwork facilitator.
GROUP SESSIONS
We typically offer four weekend workshops per calendar year. In addition, we can provide two days workshops to your group, business or organization. Please email drmcglynn6@gmail.com for more information.
CONSULTATIONS & APPRENTICESHIPS
As a Holotropic Breathwork® certified facilitator, I offer consultations to individuals completing their requirements for the Grof Transpersonal Training program. This service is currenly being offered remotely. In addition, we are happy to offer apprenticeships at our weekend workshops. These apprenticeships meet the certification requirements of the Grof Transpersonal Training Program.
For information about our upcoming holotropic breathwork retreats, please visit the Upcoming Workshops page of this website.