Our Recommended Reading
Books to support your Holotropic Breathwork journey
We’re often asked how to continue the journey between sessions, or where to learn more about the deeper context of Holotropic Breathwork and non-ordinary states of consciousness.
While the real work happens through experience, the right books can provide reassurance, language, and support for the unfolding integration process. Below is a small library we lovingly recommend to our participants and to anyone curious about this work.
Holotropic Breathwork — Stanislav & Christina Grof
If you’d like to understand the roots of the practice, this is the place to start. This book introduces the philosophy, therapeutic framework, and expanded map of the psyche that underpins Holotropic Breathwork. Many participants feel a deep sense of validation when reading it — experiences that once felt strange or hard to explain suddenly make sense in a bigger picture of healing and human potential.
You can find the book here.
The Stormy Search for the Self
- Christina Grof and Stanislav Grof, M.D.
Personal transformation isn’t always gentle. Sometimes growth arrives as upheaval, confusion, or emotional intensity. Christina Grof compassionately describes what she called spiritual emergency — times when deep psychological and spiritual change can feel overwhelming.
For many breathwork participants, this book brings comfort and reassurance that these phases are not signs of something going wrong, but signs of something profound unfolding.
You can find the book here.
Psychedelic Integration — Marc Aixalà
Integration is where the real change happens. Marc Aixalà offers practical tools for making sense of powerful experiences and weaving their insights into everyday life. Though written with psychedelic experiences in mind, it beautifully applies to breathwork and other non-ordinary states.
This is one of our favourite books to recommend after workshops because it helps bridge the gap between the session and daily living.
Marc Aixalà is actively teaching Holotropic Breathwork Facilitator trainings around the world, often centred on the topics of integration of non-ordinary states. We can highly recommend seeking out the opportunity to experience Holotropic Breathwork and his teachings at such an event.
You can find the book here.
The Power Within — Tav Sparks
This book speaks to the body. Tav Sparks explores integration as an embodied, nervous-system process rather than just a mental one. It gently reminds us that transformation takes time and unfolds through our physical, emotional, and relational lives.
We love this book for participants who want to stay connected to their experience long after the music stops.
You can find the book here.
The Ethics of Caring — Kylea Taylor
Kylea Taylor writes about the importance of safe, ethical, and supportive containers for deep inner work. While often read by facilitators and therapists, we believe it’s equally empowering for participants.
Understanding the role of safety, boundaries, and integration support can deepen trust in the process and help you feel more resourced in your journey.
You can find the book here.
