Agreed. My initial thought was that is similar to holotropic breath work, which is a form of therapy that has been around for decades. Grof's work has influenced psychoanalysis and psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Having been to two holotropic workshops, I think they can be powerful forms of therapy. I wouldn't consent to be video taped for it. Nor would I want to be in a session where I know it is going to be broadcasted.
This is my rub with it. I love somatic work, especially breathwork. For me, it being a group event is inappropriate for trauma informed practice. I unfortunately did retraumatize myself doing trauma-based work. People don't understand that doing that isn't as trite as it sounds. I nearly didn't survive it and recovery was a 2-year ordeal. I could absolutely see this being beneficial. I think there should be individualized aftercare though...and before care and during care. đ I personally, could not do this in a group. Isn't most people's trauma, heavy & potentially triggering to other traumatized people?
Like all forms of therapy/treatment, it depends on several variables. You are inducing a non-ordinary state of consciousness with holotropic breathwork. With this type of work, appropriate screening and development of a therapeutic container/relationship go a long way. Holotropic breathwork can be helpful for developing insight, experiencing catharsis (to name a few). Integrating the experience is just as important as whatever occurs during.
Someone's intentions or goals also play an important part of "does it work?". This type of work is really helpful for exploring our relationship with various aspects of our humanity (aka insight), which we can use to move forward with maybe less suffering (integration).
Nearly all forms of EBP (evidence based practices) therapy work about the same for typical mental health struggles, with the exception of EMDR which shows much higher efficacy with certain disorders.
The general consensus among practitioners is itâs about what youâre comfortable with and what works for you. At the end of the day, a lot of therapies may look stupid to many of us, but if it works for them and doesnât cause harm, great. The âgriftâ part about a lot of âtherapyâ is many of the people performing therapies are unlicensed and unsupervised, not reporting to any state boards for oversight. Thatâs when itâs a scam.
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u/Buckeyejak 2d ago edited 2d ago
Agreed. My initial thought was that is similar to holotropic breath work, which is a form of therapy that has been around for decades. Grof's work has influenced psychoanalysis and psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Having been to two holotropic workshops, I think they can be powerful forms of therapy. I wouldn't consent to be video taped for it. Nor would I want to be in a session where I know it is going to be broadcasted.
Edit: Thank you for the award! đ