BREATHWORK TRAINING | Transformational GUIDE TRAINING
A profound growth journey to become an authentic Breathwork Facilitator
Sacred Ways’ Transformational Guide & Breathwork Training is an incomparable, personal journey to the Self and the first trauma-sensitive Breathwork Facilitator Teacher Training of its kind in Switzerland and beyond, combining Breathwork, Sound Healing and Frequency Therapy with transpersonal modalities into one. It is a teacher training in the truest sense of the word, in which participants are guided and empowered from the very beginning to connect with their potential and unique inner teacher – and to bring this powerful work into the world on a foundation of safety, trauma sensitivity, integrity, and authenticity.
Sacred Ways Institute of Transformational Arts is an official partner school of the IBF International Breathwork Foundation in Switzerland.
About this Breathwork training
This intensive, 6-month, trauma-sensitive transpersonal program goes beyond a typical Breathwork Facilitator training. It is a profound personal growth journey that will beautifully shape you and give you self-awareness and self-acceptance. It comprises more than 200 hours – a carefully designed on-site training*, combined with virtual and in-person support and inter-module check-ins. During this certified program, you will be nurtured and empowered within your group to unleash the full potential of your true essence. Before this teacher training, we also offer ‘Sanctuary of Stillness’, a comprehensive online course on breathing practices and pranayama (full training comes to 8 – 9 months) so that you have a solid foundation before embarking on this transpersonal journey.
During the program you will gain invaluable knowledge of the science of breath, the nervous system, sound, humanistic and transpersonal psychology, inner child and shadow work, as well as ancient wisdom teachings.
Upon completion of this training, you will not only have a deep connection to your true self, but also the confidence to lead individual and group breathwork sessions. You will learn to authentically and calmly hold space, set boundaries, communicate honestly with your clients, connect with your intuition and create sessions with your unique style by incorporating different instruments and music playlists that resonate positively with your authentic self.
This in-depth facilitator training gives you an understanding of the human psyche and equips you with the skills and knowledge to facilitate Breathwork sessions that support your clients’ process and help them realize their full potential. By completing this training, you will gain more than just a skillset; you will embody a way of being that translates into personal transformation for both yourself and your clients.
Graduates of this teacher training program include a wide variety of people, from psychologists and psychotherapists to entrepreneurs and professional athletes.
*We consider the power of real encounters in ceremonial settings and the support of the group to be essential in a profound training. Although there are numerous online trainings – and without judging other schools or institutes – we firmly believe that for this kind of breathwork, especially transpersonal / psychotropic breathwork, it is essential to learn in real settings. This requires both the depth of on-site training – taking into account a manageable group size – and the continuous guarantee of integration of transpersonal processes and their accompaniment.
Feedback on the training
Some voices from different classes of our Breathwork Teacher & Transformational Guide training.
About the Naikando Method®
The Naikando Method® is based on 3 essential pillars:
Self-knowledge
As within, so without. As teachers, we cannot convey to others what we have not experienced ourselves – we can only pass on what we have explored within ourselves. In order to lead authentically, it is essential to embrace the interplay of light and shadow and to maintain an absolute presence in the present moment.
Breath
We are breath. Understanding the correct breathing patterns and their tremendous benefits, as well as mastering basic pranayama techniques, paves the way for transpersonal breathing techniques, especially Conscious Connected Breathwork/Conscious Energy Breathwork, on which the method is based.
Sound & frequency
The third pillar covers knowledge of the use of sound and frequency therapy methods, both as therapeutic tools in their own right, but more importantly in their use as an integral part of breathwork sessions. This includes working with tuning forks and harnessing the power of ‘toning’, which can often trigger a transformative shift in participants.
The Naikando Method® is based on Conscious Connected Breathing / Conscious Energy Breathwork, a technique that dates back to the 1970s and was developed by Leonard Orr and deals intensively with the topics of immortality and rebirth. Central to this method is circular breathing, which forms the basis for a powerful personal development tool that can bring about profound changes in consciousness.
By integrating elements of frequency and sound therapy, Marc has enriched the Naikando Method® with the use of tuning forks and conscious ‘toning’ through the voice, the latter especially in deep meditative states. This innovative approach enhances the method’s ability to heal itself. You will thus acquire additional, independent coaching tools and a solid foundation to become a trauma-informed Transformational Guide. The program covers various techniques in the field of transpersonal psychology, nervous system regulation, breathwork and sound therapy and enables you to determine the most appropriate tools for your clients in preparation for transpersonal breathwork sessions.
Next Transformational Guide & Breathwork Teacher trainings
We offer the Transformational Guide & Breathwork Teacher Training in Switzerland twice a year. The dates are as follows:
January 2026 – July 2026
(sold out | waiting list)
Module 1 | Friday evening, January 9 – Sunday, January 11
Module 2 | Saturday, February 7 – Sunday, February 8
Module 3 | Friday evening, March 6 – Sunday, March 8
Module 4 | Saturday, April 11 – Sunday, April 12
Module 5 | Friday evening, May 8 – Sunday, May 10
Process and closing days
Thursday, July 2 – Sunday, July 5
August 2026 – January 2027
(sold out | waiting list)
Module 1 | Friday evening, August 28 – Sunday, August 30
Module 2 | Saturday, September 19 – Sunday, September 20
Module 3 | Friday evening, October 16 – Sunday, October 18
Module 4 | Friday evening, November 20 – Sunday, November 22
Module 5 | Saturday, December 19 – Sunday, December 20
Process and closing days
Thursday, January 14 – Sunday, January 17, 2027
February 2027 – July 2027
(Open spots | Application process)
Module 1 | Friday evening, February 5 – Sunday, February 7
Module 2 | Saturday, March 6 – Sunday, March 7
Module 3 | Friday evening, April 9 – Sunday, April 11
Module 4 | Friday evening, May 7 – Sunday, May 9
Module 5 | Saturday, June 5 – Sunday, June 6
Process and closing days
Thursday, July 8 – Sunday, July 11, 2027
Who will guide you through this training
At Sacred Ways, our dedication goes far beyond designing experiences and programs for individual transformation. We consciously choose partners and locations that share our values.
As lead teacher, Marc, with the support of Valérie, will guide you through this training together with some renowned guest teachers.
Marc Grüninger
Marc is a father, Transformational Guide & Breathwork Teacher, Transpersonal Integration Coach, Certified Sound Therapist, Certified Esalen® Bodyworker, Speaker (EHL Hospitality Business School) and author of ‘Sacred Ways – A Guide to Your Essence’.
Valérie Grüninger
As a mother, Reiki Master and Somatic Experiencing practitioner (SE™ method of trauma resolution) according to Dr. Peter Levine, Valérie places great importance on providing a safe space where people feel welcome and at home and where well-being and connection can be experienced in a beautiful and accessible way.
Alan Steinborn
For over 20 years, Alan Steinborn has been helping people all over the world to approach life in a mindful and loving way. In addition to working extensively in the USA, he has also worked in Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Bali, India and Brazil. In recent years, he has dedicated his to the Gong. Over the years, he has seen time and again how the gongs, when played in a sensitive and creative way, can bring about tremendously profound personal experiences and transformations.
Marc Brändli
Marc Brändli is a consultant, lecturer and mentor at Holistic Business Solutions and the Holistic Institute. With great enthusiasm, he accompanies and supports individuals and companies in developing their full potential. In his work, Marc combines universal laws with strategies and concepts from the business world. Through a holistic identity process, he helps organizations and individuals to create conscious resonance and achieve sustainable success.
Flavia Ghidossi
As a Shamanic Reiki Master, Bhakti Yogini and trainer, Flavia Ghidossi has been working in Switzerland and abroad for many years. Her work is as multifaceted as the people themselves. Through authentic ceremonial work, she integrates the emotional, physical and mental so that people can recognize their potential and make the necessary changes. Flavia accompanies her clients through her gentle way on the path to the self – back to inner strength.
Who is this Breathwork training for?
This program is open to anyone who has a solid emotional foundation* and is ready to embark on this transformative journey, including:
- Therapists
- Coaches
- Teachers
- Birth attendants
- Palliative care companions
- Entrepreneurs
- Businessmen / Businesswomen
- Seekers
- Career changer
- Family persons
Although it may be beneficial to have some basic knowledge of breathwork, humanistic psychology and an interest in transpersonal psychology, this is not a strict requirement to enroll in this program.
*Physical and emotional well-being are crucial for participation and it is always advisable to consult a doctor if in doubt.
Voices of our graduates
FAQ
We are happy to inform you here about the most frequently asked questions. However, if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us by e-mail.
What does trauma sensitivity mean?
For us, trauma sensitivity is much more than just a methodological concept. Based on the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care, it encompasses knowledge about trauma, recognizing trauma, dealing with it mindfully and consistently avoiding re-traumatization.
At the same time, we understand trauma sensitivity as a lived attitude: in order to truly understand knowledge and recognition, it requires an honest examination of one’s own biography (self-inquiry) and a clear commitment to one’s own process and continuous integration in everyday life. As we often mention: You can only accompany clients as deeply as you yourself are willing to go – and how much you have learned to meet, integrate and remain present in the entire spectrum of your being.
Our training is designed with this in mind: Intensive weekends are accompanied by 4-5 weeks of integration phases before we can move on to the next module. This concept is based on the essence of what trauma sensitivity means: enabling the nervous system and psyche to process and sustainably integrate what has been experienced. In our view, pure block weeks, on the other hand, often lead to excessive demands – there is a point at which the system has no further capacity for absorption (overload).
Integration is central to us. Based on what Dr. Peter Levine calls the titration principle (dosage), development is made possible in manageable – albeit intense – steps so that security, trust, stability and genuine transformation can emerge.
The group size is also part of this trauma-sensitive framework: with 12 to a maximum of 18 participants, we create a manageable space that promotes co-regulation, honors individual processes and enables genuine support. Very large groups – as are common in some teacher training courses – are often unable to meet this requirement.
In summary, trauma-sensitive work means maintaining a safe, respectful and conscious space in which individual boundaries are respected, resources are strengthened and processes are accompanied at a healthy, integrable pace.
Place of training
The lessons will take place in our exclusive, valued partner studios in Zurich.
Be:Life Studio (Kreuzplatz) and Downdog Yoga (Stauffacher)
The process and final days take place alternately in the middle of the Grisons Alps at the Berghotel Sterna in Feldis-Domleschg.
Group size
For our Breathwork training, we deliberately work in small groups of 12 to a maximum of 18 people: In the spirit of trauma-sensitive work, this ensures that healing and continuous process work can take place in the collective field in a safe, integral framework, while each individual biography is carefully considered – while the manageable group size promotes co-regulation and prevents the possible dysregulation that can arise in very large groups.
Lesson times
Fridays 17:30 – 22:00, Saturdays & Sundays 8:30 – 17:30
Language of instruction
The training will be held in German, unless all participants have a good command of English, so that we can also offer the program to English-speaking applicants. Thank you for your understanding.
Overview of the training
Number of hours: 200h +
Previous online course:approx. 15h – 20h
Classroom teaching: approx. 130h
Own process and study group: approx. 60h
Total training hours: 200+ h
The essence of training:
– Direct transpersonal experience on site
– Hands-on experience and work as a Breathwork Facilitator and space holder
– Self-knowledge and personal development in the context of transpersonal psychology, psychotropic breathwork, sound healing, frequency therapy, nervous system regulation and polyvagal theory, trauma release modalities and the ancient wisdom teachings
– Continuous support between modules, 1:1 guidance with Marc and Valérie during intensive processes (integration)
– Zoom-Check Ins & Discourses between the modules
– Support before, during and after the training by Marc and Valérie, including assistance with ceremonies
– Unlimited access to ‘Sanctuary of Stillness’ online course
– Whats App study group for exchange, inspiration and support
– Detailed manuals and workbooks of 300 pages
Costs Transformational Guide & Breathwork Teacher Training
*The costs for the seminar house accommodation and meals (depending on room choice Sfr. 550 to approx. Sfr. 850.-) for the 4-day consolidation phase are not included.
*The advance online course has been included in the training price, but must be paid for separately (Sfr. 49.-) via the video platform, as this is a prerequisite for accessing it.
Payment:
The reservation of your place requires a deposit of CHF 1000.- (non-refundable) / or total amount within 5 days after receipt of this email. The remaining amount is otherwise due 30 days after receipt of the confirmation. If payment by installments is agreed – we offer you this interest-free – the reservation of your place follows with the down payment of CHF 1000. The subsequent installments, unless specifically agreed otherwise, follow on the 25th day of the month (after 2 and 4 months after reservation of the place). In special circumstances, we are open to transferring the amount to a later training program if there are justified reasons for cancellation at an early stage.
Requirements for diploma:
Ongoing self-study and self-reflection. Please note that participation in all modules is essential for the individual and group dynamic process. If participation in a module is not possible for unavoidable reasons (illness etc.), we insist – depending on the module or modality – on 1:1 catch-up (therapeutic hourly approach) of specific parts of the module for quality assurance purposes.
Click here for more information and cancellation conditions etc: AGB’s