Psychotherapeutic Mechanisms of Holotropic Breathwork Through Charles Tart's Model of Altered States of Consciousness: A Conceptual Analysis
SungShin Hong, Sunghyun Park
The Korean East West Mind Science Association May 31, 2026 DOI: 10.55586/kewms.2026.29.1.127 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Intervention | Holotropic Breathwork |
| Topics | Altered states of consciousness Breathwork |
| Keywords | Altered state Consciousness Experiential learning State computer science Quality philosophy Transition genetics Epistemology Cognitive science Psychotherapist Cognitive psychology Process computing Psychological theory Perspective graphical Conceptual model Mechanism biology Psychoanalysis Transpersonal psychology |
| Key points | Argues that psychotherapeutic change from Holotropic Breathwork can be understood as a disruption and reorganization of psychological patterns via a new discrete state of consciousness, with set and setting being critical for therapeutic benefit. |
Abstract
This study theoretically explores the psychotherapeutic mechanisms of Holotropic Breathwork, an experiential technique developed by Stanislav and Christina Grof, by employing Charles T. Tart's model of altered states of consciousness as a theoretical framework. Through literature review and conceptual analysis, Tart's three conditions of state transition (set, setting, and trigger) and his stages of consciousness change were conceptually linked to the session structure and therapeutic mechanisms of Holotropic Breathwork. Psychotherapeutic change may be understood not simply as catharsis, but as a process in which rigid psychological patterns are disrupted and reorganized through a new d-SoC, and later reintegrated into a more flexible psychological structure upon returning to the ordinary state of consciousness. Furthermore, the quality of set and setting, rather than the altered state itself, can be understood as the critical condition determining whether a state transition leads to therapeutic benefit or psychological crisis. By repositioning Holotropic Breathwork within theories of altered states of consciousness, this study aims to strengthen its theoretical foundations for clinical application in transpersonal psychotherapy.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on breathwork, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breathwork as a Therapeutic Modality: An Overview for Counselors | 2010 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Breathwork in body psychotherapy: Clinical applications | 2013 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Enhancement of inter-hemispheric brain waves synchronisation after Pranayama practice | 2011 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| The Relationship and Mechanism Underlying the Effect of Conscious Breathing on the Autonomic Nervous System and Brain Waves | 2017 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Holotropic Breathwork, Second Edition | 2023 | Theoretical or philosophical paper |