Breathwork Zurich

Transpersonal psychology is an area of psychology that is based on the spiritual aspects of human life. It has its roots in the work of humanistic psychologists such as Carl Jung, who was particularly interested in the spiritual aspects of human nature. Transpersonal psychology is a holistic psychology that supports the important role of transcendental and mystical states, psychedelic experiences and other forms of extraordinary states of consciousness in promoting personal transformation.

Humanistic psychology recognized consciousness, introspection, and the other uniquely human characteristics that psychoanalysis and behaviorism ignored. This new holistic and multimodal approach to psychology also shifted the focus from the dysfunction-based models of psychoanalysis and the animal research foundations of behaviorism to an approach that focuses on growth, well-being, human potential, self-actualization and the unity of mind and body.

As one of the key figures in the history of transpersonal psychology, Stanislav Grof, put it: “Western science is approaching a paradigm shift of unprecedented proportions that will change our concepts of reality and human nature, bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science, and reconcile the differences between Eastern spirituality and Western pragmatism.”

Ultimately, transpersonal psychology is based on the fact that we are spiritual beings, that a soul exists that can store experiences materially and temporally independent of the body, even before the time of our conception. This approach is expressed by the adjective ‘transpersonal’.

A transpersonal guide or mentor does not insist on a particular scheme or method, but often chooses the intuitive approach from the presence of the unified field of consciousness. The guide places more emphasis on ‘not knowing’ than on anything else. This may be the most important prerequisite for him: to be open enough to go beyond what he has learned and to engage with the wisdom that arises from the here and now. The presence of the guide/mentor thus creates a deeper awareness of the client’s self, which initiates the actual healing process. This can provide access to one’s own inner wisdom, which reveals that healing does not primarily come from outside, but from within.

The great C.G. Jung described healing as an alchemical process that can only take place when people essentially meet. The paths into the transpersonal realm may be different, but ultimately the goal is always to arrive in the here and now of pure being. There is no longer anything personal that wants to impose itself on another, as the non-dual experience of presence transcends all concepts and beliefs.

Transpersonal breathwork is an essential, practical component of transpersonal psychology, a specific approach to breathwork that goes beyond the individual ego and personal identity and delves into the realm of transpersonal experiences and higher states of consciousness. It is a form of experiential psychotherapy that aims to explore and integrate aspects of the self beyond the ordinary self-concept.
In transpersonal breathwork, practitioners use conscious and connected breathing techniques to bring about altered states of consciousness. These altered states can open the door to deep insights, expanded perception and a sense of connectedness with everything in existence. Participants can experience spiritual or mystical dimensions, encounter archetypal symbols or recall memories from different times or even past lives.

The aim of transpersonal breathwork is not only personal healing and development, but also the exploration of universal or collective aspects of the human experience. It can lead to a deeper understanding of one’s purpose, a connection to a greater meaning and a sense of oneness with the universe.
Transpersonal breathwork is often done in a safe and supportive environment that allows participants to explore their inner landscapes and work through unresolved emotions and trauma. It can be a powerful tool for personal transformation, self-awareness and spiritual development, enabling individuals to tap into their highest potential and connect to the vastness of the human experience.
Well-known breathwork methods in the transpersonal field include Holotropic Breathwork, Consciously Connected Breathwork (also known as Rebirthing) and Transformational Breathwork. Each of these powerful techniques share a common foundation, but have their own unique nuances that make them stand out.

The breathwork of Synthesis, inspired by Holotropic Breathwork, is considered one of the most powerful and effective methods of experiential psychotherapy and deep self-exploration in transpersonal psychology. It offers the opportunity for self-exploration, self-knowledge, spiritual awakening and expansion of consciousness.
By entering holotropic states, we can go beyond the boundaries of the ego and connect with our true identity. The method uses the healing potential of expanded consciousness to integrate different levels of experience. Its main aim is to promote a deeper self-understanding and to tackle emotional and psychosomatic problems at their root. It also enables the liberation of inhibiting aspects of the personality, allowing the free expression of our innate talents and creativity.
Transpersonal breathwork gets to the root of underlying issues rather than masking them. This increases the likelihood of an authentic solution and leads to both personal transformation and spiritual openness. We carry traces of various traumatic events within our psyche and body, which can manifest themselves as symptoms and disorders. By consistently applying this transformative tool, we can address and transform these unresolved issues.

No, you do not need any previous knowledge or experience with breathwork. If you are aware that transpersonal breathwork can bring deep insights on a psychological, emotional and spiritual level, our sessions are suitable for both beginners and experienced participants. Above all, openness, commitment and trust in the process are important – even if it can be challenging in certain phases.

Our approach is based on both the cultivation of acceptance – for the entire spectrum of our being – and the cultivation of presence. From this basic attitude, deep insights are revealed, which are enormously supportive in the context of our process and are often perceived as life-changing.

Breathwork is therefore suitable for people who want to open up to personal development, inner healing, emotional balance or conscious self-awareness.

Many people experience more clarity, emotional relief, deep relaxation, new perspectives or a stronger body awareness. This can also be accompanied by emotional or cathartic experiences and a subsequent ontological shift – which is why integration is so essential in this work. Each experience is individual – activating, gentle, intense or meditative – and can vary from session to session. It is important for you to know that our spaces are anchored in safety and integrity to best support your process.

The ceremony is accompanied by dynamic, rhythmic, and ethereal music, supported by live instruments. This means that attendees must be prepared for a certain level of noise, which may also increase due to emotional outbursts from participants.

We recommend eating only light snacks 1–2 hours before the session, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, and wearing comfortable, warm clothing; avoid caffeine for 4 hours before the ceremony. If possible, take some time before the event to slow down so you don’t arrive at the session feeling stressed from your daily routine. Many participants also find it helpful to consciously put their cell phones away a little earlier and treat themselves to a mini digital detox.

Optionally, you can bring an eye mask. This can help you to focus inwards and immerse yourself more deeply in the process. Above all, it is important to go into the experience open, present and without great expectations. However, it can be supportive to come to the ceremony with a clear intention.

Breathwork is fundamentally safe if it is accompanied consciously and professionally. Before each session, we clarify important health aspects and create a safe framework for the experience.

Precautions and possible contraindications:

Severe cardiovascular diseases, heart surgery, pacemakers, chronic high blood pressure, pregnancy, epilepsy, severe psychotic disorders, glaucoma. Group breathing sessions are not recommended in cases of severe post-traumatic stress disorder or mental illness. We also do not recommend group ceremonies for those who are sensitive to high noise levels (music and emotional processes).

If you have recently worked with plant medicine or psychedelic substances, we recommend a longer integration period before you embark on transpersonal breathwork.

If you are unsure, please contact us.

2-3 times a year the ‘Deep Dive Advanced’ ceremonies take place at the Seeschau in Erlenbach. These are aimed at our training graduates and people who already have experience with transpersonal or psychotropic breathwork and are ready to dive deep into the inner landscapes through an extended breathwork session according to the holotropic protocol (2+ hours).

The session is embedded in an extended ceremonial framework that includes cocoa, a communal singing circle and conscious attunement and integration. Additional space is also deliberately given to the integration phase in order to process and anchor the experiences in the long term.