Grof Breathwork (GB) is a therapeutic technique developed by Stanislav Grof in the 1970s. This method focuses on inducing altered states of consciousness through rapid breathing, music therapy, and bodywork to achieve a holotropic state of consciousness, which allows for the release of emotions or other contents from our unconscious mind that are not normally accessible.
In recent years, Grof Breathwork has become increasingly popular among adults, but what about children? Thanks to its ability to help people cope with stress, anxiety, and depression, this self-development technique has become a valuable tool for therapists who want to help not only adults but also children who are experiencing some form of emotional or psychological stress.
Children often face various problems, including stage fright, nightmares, anxiety, or even behavioral disorders such as ADHD. Grof Breathwork can be one way to address these problems in children.
At what age can children use GB?
According to information from therapists who perform GB on children, the age limit is very individual and depends on how mature the child is. It is always assessed individually based on a personal meeting with the child, their parents, and the therapist. From practice, it follows that GB is usually performed on children from the age of 6.
How does GB work for children?
The process itself is the same as for adults. Children create pairs with their parents – a sitter–breather pair – and take care of each other during the process. The therapist monitors the entire process and helps those in need in case something happens, while also ensuring that children can cope with the whole process as best as possible.
What are the benefits of GB for children?
Grof Breathwork can be very useful for children and bring many benefits. Among the main advantages are the release of pent-up emotions and subsequent relief, which can be accompanied by catharsis and breakthroughs. Grof Breathwork can also deepen relationships with parents and help children heal from certain psychological conditions.
Some people wonder if Grof Breathwork can help children overcome various types of fears, such as fear of public speaking, fear of monsters, nightmares, or fear of the dentist. Although such effects may sometimes occur, it cannot be predicted whether these particular issues will arise during the holotropic process. Grof Breathwork acts as an "inner healer" that determines which theme of the process will emerge, what is most important for our psyche, and what we are ready to encounter.
There is also a question of whether Grof Breathwork can help with various disorders such as ADHD, neurological disorders, speech disorders, etc. Holotropic breathing can help with hyperactivity and ADHD by releasing the psychological and physical tension of the child. Similarly to adults, Grof Breathwork can help with migraines, anxiety, depressive states, and eating disorders. Regarding different specific learning disorders such as dyslexia or dysgraphia, there is currently not enough information, but it can be assumed that Grof Breathwork could help as it generally increases brain connectivity.
Grof Breathwork can also be very useful for children who are trying to cope with various traumas such as bullying, death in the family, or divorce. However, as with adults, it is important that Grof Breathwork is placed in a broader therapeutic context. Before the child engages in Grof Breathwork, thorough preparation is necessary, which includes first using gentler therapeutic techniques such as verbal therapy or sandplay therapy. It may also be necessary for other family members to be involved in the therapeutic process because it is often parents who need to process their own issues in order to be good support for their children.
What are the risks associated with GB in children?
Just like in adults, Grof Breathwork can be intense and emotionally demanding for children. Because the technique can evoke strong feelings and reactions, it is important for it to be performed under the supervision of an experienced therapist.
In addition, there are situations where Grof Breathwork should not be used. This applies to children with epilepsy, heart problems, head injuries, or some serious mental illnesses.
It is also important for parents and therapists to be familiar with any medications the child is taking and to ensure that Grof Breathwork is safe and appropriate for the child.
Overall, Grof Breathwork can be a safe and effective therapeutic technique for children if done under proper supervision. Because every child is unique, it is important to take an individualized approach and carefully evaluate whether Grof Breathwork is suitable for that particular child.
Conclusion
Many adults have experienced the healing effects of Grof Breathwork firsthand. This technique can also help our young children in many ways, as mentioned in the previous paragraphs. At Holos, Dr. Milan Hrabánek has been successfully practicing Grof Breathwork with children for twenty years and maintains long-term contact with families. Are you interested in Grof Breathwork? Would you like to share these significant moments with your children and allow them to discover their "inner healer"? Join us at the "Health in me, health in us – Grof Breathwork for children" event that we organize at Holos. Do you have any questions about this event? More information can be found on our website.
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