Integrative Breathwork

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Table of Contents



History

Integrative Breathwork was developed out of Holotropic Breathwork by Jacqueline Small. Please read about the Holotropic Breathwork history before continuing here.

Jacqueline Small had a Near Death Experience (NDE) a number of years ago which changed her perspective about human existence. Several years later, after a painful divorce process, she was "called" to write a book about a new form of psychology. The book was entitled, "Transformers."

In the 1970s, Jacqueline Small was trained in Bioenergetics and breathwork. She worked at the University of Texas Counseling Center as a therapist. In 1983, she met Stan Grof and began to study with him at the Esalen Institute in California. In 1985, she became co-leader with Stan and Christina Grof and worked with them to set up a certification program. In 1991 they parted ways. Jacqueline Small made some changes to the Holotropic Breathwork process and began what is now called Integrative Breathwork. Along with the teaching staff at Eupsychia, Jacequeline Small conducts classes, retreats and facilitator training in Integrative Breathwork.


Description of Process

The process for Integrative Breathwork is nearly identical to that of Holotropic Breathwork. Please read about the Holotropic Breathwork process before continuing here.

Integrative Breathwork includes an "invocation" before the breathwork begins to invoke the help of the Higher Power (however you view it) in promoting healing and transformation. There is usually less bodywork in Integrative Breathwork. The open sharing session after the breathwork experience includes the opportunity for the person sharing to feel deep into the experiences they are sharing about. This encourages integration and transformation of these feelings. Finally, the Integrative Breathwork retreats combine several different healing modalities. The 14-day retreats offered by Eupsychia include other healing practices such as shadow work, psychodrama, expressive artwork, myth and story, movement and play, guided imagery, journal work, yoga classes, bodywork, meditation, optional Twelve-step meetings, nature outings and nutritional counseling.


Contraindications

The contraindications for Integrative Breathwork listed on the training form include: I would also add that I believe that persons who have active addictions (food, drugs, alcohol, etc.) should probably not do breathwork until the addiction is under control (e.g., sober). Persons undergoing an emotional or spiritual crisis should consult with the breathwork facilitator before deciding whether to participate.


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