The core of the training consists of six-day modules, each devoted to a different theme. During the training, seven modules must be completed, four of which are mandatory.
Due to the many questions about the holotropic training certified by the Institute for Holotropics and its modules in our country, I would like to share some information about how it works. In this first text, I will describe the requirements needed to complete the training.
1. Training Modules
The main component of the training consists of six-day modules with different thematic focuses. During the course of the training, participants must complete seven modules.
Four of them are mandatory:
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Holotropic Paradigm
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Spiritual Emergency
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Music & Transcendence
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The Power Within – Bodywork Module
The remaining three modules can be selected from a broader series of additional topics.
Each module includes two days of holotropic breathwork sessions (the training is strongly based on one’s own inner work). During the remaining days, participants receive the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to work within the holotropic model.
Unlike traditional therapeutic schools, the modules can be completed with considerable flexibility. It is possible to complete the training relatively quickly (the absolute minimum is two years), but it can also take more than ten years. Some people feel that after a single module they need at least a year to integrate what happened during it—both in terms of their personal therapeutic process and their approach to working with others.
Modules can be completed in different countries across four continents and in any order.
The standard practice is to conduct the teaching in English with translation into the local language.
Aside from certain health considerations, it is possible to join the holotropic training without any formal prerequisites. Some time ago a false rumor circulated that participation in five holotropic workshops was required before joining; this is not true. When enrolling in a module, there is also no requirement to commit to the entire training program.
The price of a module varies depending on the country and the hotel where it takes place. Typically, it ranges (converted into Polish złoty) between approximately 5,500 and 7,500 PLN, which includes accommodation and meals for the entire duration of the module. We are working to ensure that in Poland the price will be somewhat lower, at least for Polish participants and people from countries with lower average incomes.
2. Holotropic Workshops
In addition to the modules, participants must attend 10 holotropic workshops with a certified holotropic facilitator. Double workshops count as two. Workshops completed before joining the training program are also included.
3. Music Set for Breathwork
Participants are required to prepare their own three-hour music set for holotropic breathwork, following the guidelines taught in the Music & Transcendence module. Technical assistance from others may be used, but the participant remains responsible for the selection of the music.
4. Ethics Course
If none of the modules attended cover ethical issues, participants must complete a short course on ethics in working with expanded states of consciousness, conducted by Kylea Taylor.
5. Individual Consultations
Participants complete 10 individual consultations with facilitators, focusing on their personal process during the training and the challenges encountered when working with others.
At least five of these consultations must be conducted with the most experienced facilitators from the training team. One of the consultations should address the music set prepared by the participant.
6. Apprenticeship Practice
After completing five modules (including the Bodywork Module), participants may begin working at workshops as apprentices, gaining practical experience with participants in a real setting under the supervision of an experienced facilitator.
At least four such apprenticeship experiences are required.
7. Formal Requirements
Participants must pay an application fee to the training program (75 USD). Toward the end of the training, they must obtain a recommendation from a facilitator with whom they have breathed or practiced several times. This facilitator confirms that the participant is ready to work within this approach.
After meeting all these requirements, participants may be admitted to certification, which is the final stage of evaluation.
8. Certification
Certification lasts between 11 and 15 days and is a very intensive experience.
Holotropic breathwork sessions take place almost every day. Participants go through their own processes (often particularly intense due to the cumulative and final nature of the event) while also working with participants breathing that day. They receive continuous feedback on their facilitation.
At the end of the training, there is a certificate ceremony, after which—if the outcome is positive—participants may begin leading their own holotropic workshops.
Admission to Certification
It is important to emphasize that permission to attend certification and to work with participants ultimately rests with the certification team.
In some cases, even after completing all recommended requirements, a participant may not receive approval if their personal processes prevent them from maintaining an appropriate level of presence during workshops or from working according to holotropic guidelines. In most situations, participants receive this feedback well in advance, giving them time to work on relevant issues.
Complete denial of certification is very rare, occurring perhaps once in several hundred cases, and is usually apparent to everyone except the person involved. Personally, I know of only one such case and have heard of another.
More common is conditional certification. In such cases, a facilitator may be required to attend an additional module, to co-facilitate workshops with someone of similar experience, or to lead only small workshop groups until they gain more practice. Sometimes participants are also encouraged to undertake therapy around a specific personal issue that may interfere with effective facilitation.
Continuing Development
Completing the training is only the beginning of the path, and continued personal work and supervision are strongly recommended. Looking back, I can see how little I truly knew after certification, and how years of further work—especially in the right professional community—gradually ground and deepen facilitation skills.
Holotropic facilitators are expected to participate in workshops at least twice a year as participants (continuing their own personal work) and every three years attend holotropic modules as facilitators (supervision). In this way, ongoing development is maintained and facilitators remain connected to the evolving practice.