The Holotropic Series 

The Grof COEX: The Psyche’s Greatest Hits

Edward Sellman PhD & Francesc Guinart & Basia Zieniewicz

This is a promotional series of webinars for Grof® Breathwork: A HOLOTROPIC Retreat Weekend in Epping Forest

The Holotropic Series: Psyche Snacks for Holotropic Hungry 

What actually happens when we access non-ordinary states of consciousness (NOSC)? And why does it so often feel like the body knows the way, long before the mind catches up? 

The Holotropic Series is a collection of bite-sized webinars exploring the fascinating terrain of Holotropic and Grof Breathwork (and psychedelic therapy?) and the revolutionary cartography of the psyche developed by Dr. Stanislav Grof—psychiatrist, LSD researcher, and quite possibly the Carl Jung of expanded states. 

Whether you're completely new to this work or you've already hyperventilated your way into the cosmos and back, this series offers intelligent, experiential, and surprisingly down-to-earth insights into what makes Grof’s approach to NOSC so unique. We explore the principles, patterns, and poetic messiness of the deep psyche: from COEX systems to neurogenic tremors, energetic yawns, and the mysterious intelligence that moves us in non-ordinary states. 

This isn’t therapy as you know it—it’s a reunion with your inner healer on its own terms. You’ll also meet some of the trusted facilitators, peers and fellow travellers who are bringing this work to life across the UK and Europe—each with their own unique lens on the mapless territory of expanded states.

The Grof COEX

Why your inner playlist keeps skipping to track 5 Some memories are like songs—you don’t know all the words, but your whole body remembers the chorus. 

In this session, we delve into COEX systems—short for Systems of Condensed Experience—a foundational concept in Stan Grof’s cartography of the psyche. These are the deep, emotionally charged patterns that link memories and impressions across different times in our lives, often without our conscious awareness. They’re layered, thematic, and occasionally dramatic—like the psyche’s version of a greatest hits album that keeps pressing repeat. 

You’ll discover how COEX systems live in the unconscious, shaping perception, emotion, and behaviour—until something (say, breathwork) cracks the surface and gives us a glimpse of what’s looping underneath. We’ll explore how these systems arise and unravel in non-ordinary states of consciousness, and why Holotropic Breathwork is particularly well-suited for working with them—not through talk, but through experience. 

This session includes a blend of Grofian theory, real-world examples, and facilitator reflections from the field. It’ll be an illuminating look into the terrain you (or those you support) may be moving through in deep process work. 

Expect a few ah-ha’s, and a much deeper understanding of why certain emotional themes just keep coming back—until they’re ready to move.

YOUR FACILITATORS

Edward Sellman, BA (Ed), PGDip, PhD works as an academic in the field of education, with a focus on mental wellbeing and human flourishing, a topic he has written many journal articles about. He is a trained Mindfulness Teacher, Integrative Transpersonal Counsellor and Grofian Psychedelic Psychotherapist. He is an expert in humanistic and transpersonal psychology, an approach to understanding human experience as psychospiritual, which respects the innate intelligence of the psyche and how the subconscious interplays with health and daily life. Edward is experienced in supporting client’s holistic development. He is also a trained facilitator in TRE® (Tension and Trauma Release Exercises) and SoulCollage®, which integrates creativity with learning about the Self.
 

Francesc Guinart is a facilitator of self-discovery, inner healing, and deep personal connection. Based in Spain, his journey began through yoga and breathwork, later deepened by training in Caycedian Sophrology, Holotropic Breathwork®, non-dual philosophy, and sacred plant therapies. Since 2008, he has supported therapeutic processes using both micro- and macrodoses of sacred plants, alongside the MindDetox Method to address deep-rooted stress and anxiety. 

Francesc organises and leads workshops and silent retreats, offering spaces for deep rest, healing, and reconnection with the authentic self. His work draws on integral attention to the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of being. Grounded in the power of silence and reflection, his retreats create a sacred pause—supporting participants to release what no longer serves and move toward greater wholeness.

Basia Zieniewicz, Co-founder of Yoga in The Stars, B.Ed., PGDip Integrative Art Therapy, PGCert Psychedelics, Altered States & Transpersonal Psychology, EMCC PGC Psychosynthesis Leadership Coaching Psychology, Reiki Master, IYN RYT, certified Grof® Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist, and in her final year of 4 as a trainee of Grof® Breathwork through the Grof Legacy Training®

Inspired by an interweaving of esoteric mysticism, sacred arts, and evidence-based modalities, Basia's special interest is in the liminal spaces, supporting individuals who seek inner and outer balance to resource their heart's desire. She offers constructive guidance in both the preparation and integration of NOSC, with tender care, helping clients navigate their experiences into lasting transformation.

MORE INFO ON SANISLAV GROF - HOLOTROPIC BREATHING

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