Therefore, the Grofs developed a safe and effective way of using one's own breath to induce nonordinary states of consciousness. In the early 1980s, Stan and Christina Grof travelled all over the world conducting workshops and giving lectures related to Holotropic Breathwork and Transpersonal Psychology. By 1987 they had developed their first structured training program. Between 1987 and 1994 the Grofs facilitated Holotropic Breathwork Sessions for more than 25,000 people. Holotropic Breathwork is usually conducted in a workshop or class setting.
Private sessions are sometimes available as well.
Before the breathwork session begins there is usually a brief period where each individual in the group expresses how they are feeling and discusses key issues in their life. This is also the time when the breathwork facilitator may provide tips to the participants and answer questions. In a class, everyone pairs up with a partner. Each person in the pair takes turns as a breather and a sitter. The sitter provides tissues, help to the bathroom, emotional support, reminders to breathe, extra pillows and blankets, etc.