GTT is a program for experiencing and studying Holotropic Breathwork and the transpersonal perspective. It is a two-track program that can be used either to become a certified practitioner or simply to experience this practice in a more in-depth format.
Current and past guest teachers have included Monika Wikman, Cait Branigan, Jack Kornfield, Andrew Harvey, Angeles Arrien, Richard Tarnas, and others.
Besides the practice and theory of HB, module topics include Shamanism; Addiction & Recovery; The Psychedelic Experience; Movie Yoga; Addiction and Spirituality; The Art of living and dying; The Books of the Dead; Astrology; Gender; The Lord of the Rings; and others. A special event is Ecstatic Remembrance, featuring Kirtan (chanting) led by Jai Uttal (nominated for a 2002 Grammy for his album Mondo Rama). Advanced trainings have included Trauma & Transformation; Facilitationg Holotropic Processes, and Fantastic Art - held at the HR Giger Museum in Gruyeres, Switzerland.
You may participate when you choose, in a residential setting, in groups of moderate size, for one or two six-day modules at a time. You will be with people from around the world who are excited about Holotropic Breathwork and its possibilities, and you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the breathwork and your personal journey than usually possible in shorter workshops. And you will be part of the larger community of HB practitioners and experiencers.
In keeping with the HB tenet that your inner wisdom is the best guide, GTT is designed to be flexible. You may participate in any of the six-day modules, which are usually offered in pairs so you can take one or both. Pairs of modules are spread out through the year, and you may attend as many or as few as you wish, and at whatever time. Thus each person can participate at her or his own pace depending on one's own process, available time, and financial considerations. You do not have to become certified, and if you do, you are welcome to continue attending modules at any time (at a reduced fee).
For those who wish to become certified, there are two tracks, Educational and Practitioner. Both have the requirements of attendance at seven modules (four on required topics and three elective), and a two-week closing intensive. In addition, the training includes ten hours of consultation with a certified practitioner and participating in 10 HB workshops (including those done before starting the training) led by any certified practitioner. In addition, those wishing to become independent workshop leaders (Practitioners), must apprentice at least four times at workshops with previously certified practitioners before leading groups of their own. Practitioner certification is not guaranteed but is at the discretion of the training staff.
The program is designed to work for people with various levels of interest and needs. If you have previously tried HB, either a few or many times and want to learn more about it while going even deeper into your personal journey, you may want to attend at least one module. Even if you have no prior experience with HB but are drawn to try it, the modules can be a great place to start.
Although many in the program are in the helping professions, it is in no way a requirement for participation, or even to become a practitioner. People with all kinds of backgrounds have come through the training, including business people, artists, academics, ministers, nurses, filmmakers, teachers, bodyworkers, writers, builders, doctors, musicians, veterinarians, attorneys, and more.
A training group generally consists of people from many countries, and of varying ages and income levels. There has been limited racial diversity, but we hope this will change. People come with widely varied interests and reasons for participating. There are all types of spiritual paths represented, and individuals in many different stages of life. Gay and straight people attend, sometimes in couples, and occasionally siblings or parents with grown children attend together. What they have in common is a passion for Holotropic Breathwork, and based on this and on taking the inner journey together, groups usually bond quickly, and deep connections are made.
Currently, modules are held in Europe at retreat centers near Vienna, Poland, Italy Asssis, California; and the Connecticut River Valley. Internationally, training groups are currently underway in Australia, Austria, and Poland. Past groups have completed certification in Spain, Austria, Italy, Russia, the Scandinavian countries and Spain. We make every effort to find venues that support the Holotropic perspective and deep inner work, by being in or near nature, in private settings, and with comfortable accommodations; balanced with affordability.
In Europe you can attend modules without any previous experience with Holotropic Breathwork, and without joining the training. For most events, just contact us for registration information. All modules you attend will retroactively be counted toward your certification requirements in Europe. After attending the first time, you will be sent notices for upcoming training events.
Please note that you must complete the training program, meeting all the requirements to become a Certified Holotropic Breathwork facilitator, before offering or running any Holotropic Breathwork events.