KERRI MICHALICA, PhD, RP Gestalt Psychotherapy and Holotropic Breathwork
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Why Holotropic Breathwork?
Holotropic Breathwork™  is a powerful approach to self-exploration and healing that integrates insights from modern consciousness research, anthropology, depth psychology, 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.

Holotropic Breathwork uses a combination of enhanced breathing, specialized music, and body work to enter an expanded state of awareness which can activate the natural inner healing process. Instead of suppressing symptoms, as is done in traditional psychiatry, this technique
activates unconscious material, suppressed emotions, and blocked energies in the body, temporarily bringing symptoms to greater awareness so that one can move though and beyond them,  As they say, the only way out is through.  The word Holotropic means moving towards wholeness.



What Happens in a session?

The day begins with an opening circle that includes introductions and a discussion about the theory behind Holotropic
Breathwork.  The room is then darkened and prepared with cushions, mattresses and 
blankets. The object is to
create a safe space so that breathers are able to fully surrender to all the sensations, emotions, movements, visions
and sounds that may arise or need to be released.  All participants work in pairs, taking turns being the
breather and the sitter.  In the first session, 
the sitter attends to the breather, then the roles are switched
in the second session,  Both sessions begin with a relaxation exercise.  After each session, breathers begin
their integration process by means of drawing a mandala and/or writing.  Lunch and dinner are provided.


During the breathwork session, the music transitions from fast rhythms to begin the journey, to more dramatic pieces 
to facilitate breakthroughs, and finally to slower music to bring the breather back and begin integration.  Each
breathwork session typically lasts about three hours.  Bodywork is provided if needed or requested to facilitate
the release of tensions and energies held in the physical body. 


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. 



What to Bring?

Comfortable clothing, a sheet, eye shades if you have your own (I have extras), and a water bottle. 
Please eat lightly on the day of the session.   



What are the Contraindications?


Due to the physical nature of Holotropic Breathwork™ . there are some contraindications: 
Pregnancy
Cardiovascular Disease, including heart attacks, angina, and severe hypertension
Epilepsy
Glaucoma or Retinal Detachment
Severe Arthritis 
Recent Surgeries or 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)


Please consult me with any questions you may have before registering. 

To Find out more about Holotropic Breathwork, here are some resources:
​www.psychotherapynetworker.org/article/holotropic-breathwork/
http://www.holotropic.com/media/articles/


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INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS

For those who prefer individual sessions, or cannot make it to group sessions
​$285
​Sessions generally last 4-5 hours and include a meal

SESSIONS IN PAIRS or PRIVATE GROUPS

Sessions for 2 people or smaller private groups are available.  
​$250 per person or $175 per person if the group is larger than 4 people.  Food is provided

GROUP SESSIONS

This is the preferred method as the community of the group adds another element to the ​healing process
$150 per person / $140 early bird rate
Sessions generally last 9-10 hours and include 2 light vegetarian meals
Upcoming Group Sessions
Group sessions are limited to 14 people. 
​Here are the dates for the next few sessions: 
June 7th, 2025
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  • Home
  • GESTALT PSYCHOTHERAPY
  • HOLOTROPIC BREATHWORK
  • Contact
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