Can I do holotropic breathwork alone is a question that many who try breathwork with a faciliator ask themselves. Before we explore and answer this question, I’d like to first explain what breathwork is because many people confuse the term with pranayama, breathing exercises to improve breathing capacity, or relaxation inducing breathing techniques.
What is Breathwork?
Breathwork is a modality where you use a conscious, connected breathing pattern (without a pause between the inhale and exhale), for the purpose of transformation. Holotropic breathwork along with Rebirthing are the two ‘birthers’ of modern-day breathwork. And pretty much any breathwork school (including Unity Breathwork) that uses cirular breathing to alter states of consciousness and open the door for deep healing, is an offshoot of these two schools. Breathwork is typically done in a group or one-on-one setting with the coaching of a facilitator. A facilitator is someone who has (hopefully) undertaken an extensive facilitator training order to safely guide and support you on your breathwork journey.
The Answer to ‘Can I Do Holotropic Breathwork Alone?’
While the answer to this question is technically yes, without a facilitator, breathwork may be incredibly challenging, and for some, even unsafe. Because we lack the internal responsibility of knowing that the facilitator is present while we are alone, it can be challenging to maintain the breathing pattern. For most of us, our ego will go into full on resistance mode and try and talk us out of continuing. The ego may say things like “This is too difficult,” “You don’t have time for this,” “You NEED to go do x,” “This isn’t going to work,” “This is unpleasant, make it stop!”, or other similar phrases to try and convince us to stop. This isn’t because our ego is bad, but because it is trying to keep us safe. It recognizes we’re on the precipices of something big in breathwork, and it thinks that any change – good or bad – is dangerous.
Without the facilitator or other breathers present, a large chunk of people will give in to the ego’s initial opposition and give up before the transformation takes place. And sadly, the few individuals who manage to maintain the connected breathing pattern might still find themselves inclined to revert to a gentler and slower breath. Because deep breathing is required in order for an altered state of consciousness to occur, breathing slower or gentler can impede the capacity to embark on a profound inner exploration.
The Benefits of Joining a Group Breathwork with a Facilitator
When it comes to practicing breathwork, whether individually or in a group, many people find that participating in a group setting enables them to delve more profoundly into the practice and expedite their healing process. One key factor contributing to this is the accountability it offers. Being part of a group encourages a commitment to maintaining a consistent and connected breathing pattern, leading to the realization of its full therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the group dynamic generates an increased sense of energetic and psychological support, allowing one’s psyche to descend further into the realms of healing and personal growth.
Another benefit of group breathwork is the safe container that a facilitator with a comprehensive training creates. Most facilitators will thoroughly explain the process, what can arise, and how to handle heavy experiences and emotions before the session begins. This explanation plus the reassurance of knowing that the facilitator is there to support you, further bolsters the psyche’s willingness to engage in a more profound exploration. Supportive touch from the facilitator can also be offered if it’s an in-person session and this allows for co-regulation and can enhance the process of releasing deeply suppressed emotions that seem too daunting to confront on your own. Lastly, the act of sharing with the group after the session and the resulting sense of community connection, can often be as healing and transformative as the breathwork itself.
The Benefits of Embarking on a Solo Breathwork with a Facilitator
While harnessing the collective energy of a group can prove invaluable for delving deeper into one’s breathwork journey, individualized attention during a solo session can offer even greater benefits to certain individuals. In the presence of a proficient facilitator, a one-on-one setting can furnish the essential safety required for the effective processing of profound traumas, and the resolution of deeply ingrained negative belief systems and self-sabotaging patterns.
Personalized support is particularly valuable for individuals grappling with addiction or navigating the aftermath of abuse. In such cases, the benefits extend to coregulation, affirmation, safety, and the opportunity to openly discuss their experiences both before and after the session, which can prove immensely therapeutic. A trauma-informed facilitator who understands the window of tolerance can also ensure that the participant doesn’t go too deeply into process and bring up more than they are ready to cope with. This will allow them to gently process the trauma at a safe and customized pace, and ensure that they do not over-extend the nervous system or trigger retraumatization.
Final Reflections On the Question: Can I Do Holotropic Breathwork Alone
If you would like to try holotropic breathwork or any of its offshoots on your own, you absolutely can. However, there is a high likelihood you won’t have as deep of an experience as you would with a facilitator. There is also a risk that things may be stirred up in the session which feel daunting or even destabilizing without the safe container that a facilitator creates. Plus you will miss out on the sharing, grounding, and integration that a good facilitator will emphasize after a breathwork session – and all three are key elements of creating lasting healing and transformation with breathwork.
If you would like to experience breathwork for yourself either online or in person (in Whitby May-Sept and Sayulita Oct-May), please reach out.
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