Today I spoke over the phone with Dr. Stanislav Grof, author of The Holotropic Mind. Yep, that’s right the same Dr. Stanislav Grof who's book was required reading for the participants of the Angel Valley Spiritual Warrior retreat led by James Ray. This guy has been studying medicine and psychology since before James Ray was even born. His list of educational and professional achievements is long enough that you should just go look for yourself. I’m pretty impressed, but I’m not formally educated in that field so I could be wrong. Joseph Campbell is well respected in the science-fiction/fantasy genre for his work in mythology and psychology and he seemed pretty impressed with Dr. Groff, too, and is even quoted as saying “I know of no work that so well incorporates the findings of Freud, Jung and Rank, adding fresh insights, which the methods of those psychotherapists could never have achieved. I do not doubt that many others working in this field would find Dr. Grof´s discoveries a basis for a whole new strategy of research.” Right, so as far as I can tell, this guy is a pretty big deal in his field. I had a great time speaking with him and learned some really interesting things.
For instance, did you know that Dr. Grof started a certification program for Facilitators through
Grof Transpersonal Training?
The purpose of this is to promote professional and ethical practices governing Holotropic Breath work. When Dr. Groff and his wife retired, the management of the company was taken up by
Cary Sparks and her husband Tav. Interestingly enough, I spoke with Cary and she says
James Ray is absolutely not certified in use of their techniques. This again raises questions about his training, education, and legitimacy to be practicing and combining these techniques.
While some of Dr. Grof’s early work could be considered controversial due to the use of LSD, he has complied with legal guidelines and discontinued study when the substance was outlawed. I asked Dr. Grof if he had ever had any charges of unethical use brought against him and he stated he had not. In fact, he had never even heard of James Ray before this disastrous retreat. Its funny how many experts in the various fields that James Ray has bastardized have never even heard of him.
So, just to be clear, Dr. Stanislav Grof has no affiliation with James Ray and has never been employed by him to speak at an event or anything like that. One of the first things that Dr. Grof made clear to me was that he would never recommend using Holotropic breath work in combination with a sweat lodge. Dr. Grof shares with me that he has experienced a sweat lodge first hand because of his interest in non-ordinary states of consciousness, but that he has not used them in his work. Dr. Grof continued to explain that conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular issues, etc would be even more dangerous when combined with heat, but they should be monitored in relation to the breath work as well.
I asked Dr. Grof about the effects of mixing Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) with Holotropic breath work and he explained the two things are really quite different. Dr. Grof expressed concern over a concept in psychology known as transference, in which a person would develop an emotional dependence upon the facilitator. In standard, ethical use facilitators would deflect this inappropriate bond toward the source of the problems, but James Ray could have very easily abused and encouraged this horizontal projection. Combined with the use of highly coercive NLP, non-ordinary states of consciousness, and hypnotic language, this could leave participants in an extreme emotional dependence on James Ray. What did James Ray do with this emotional dependence? He played God, literally taking up the roll of God in the group games and “killing” participants. This seems to me like he was pretty clearly trying to set up acceptance among the group that he could cause death, making it even that much harder for them to stand up to him when he did start killing them.
Reading over some of the information that Dr. Grof sent me, I found this quote “Although the client's cooperation is an essential part of the therapeutic process, it is the therapist who is seen as the active agent and the source of knowledge necessary for successful outcome.” (Edit for correction: Dr. Grof advised me that this quote is in reference to traditional psychotherapy models, although I would argue that James Ray incorporated many of those into his works as well.) Again, I am not an expert but to me this looks like maybe the facilitator should have some idea of what they are doing. The text also states, “The holotropic state of consciousness tends to function as a universal homeopathic remedy in that it activates any existing symptoms and exteriorizes the symptoms that are latent.” This would make it particularly easy, in my opinion, to encourage transference and emotional dependency, which is clearly not what is supposed to happen. “The task of the facilitator or therapist in holotropic therapy is to support the experiential process with full trust in its healing nature, without trying to direct it or change it in any way.” There is not a single thing at the retreat that James Ray did not try to control – food, water, bio breaks, life, death, I do not think a little subconscious twiddling is surprising here.
Another effect that Dr. Grof asserts is verifiable, “We have been able to confirm repeatedly Wilhelm Reich's observation that psychological resistances and defenses are associated with restricted breathing (Reich 1961). Respiration is an autonomous function, but it can also be influenced by volition. Deliberate increase of the pace of breathing typically loosens psychological defenses and leads to a release and emergence of unconscious (and superconscious) material, which makes it available for processing and conscious integration.” This adds support to my claim that James Ray executed a deliberate attack on the psychological, physical, and emotional well-being on every participant with increasing severity. These attacks are similar to Boiling Frog Syndrome, in that the gradual increase in severity can go unnoticed and by coupling that with a deliberate attack on the decision-making capabilities of the individuals (including such physical stresses such as sleep deprivation, starvation, etc) and emotional dependence, James Ray was able to rapidly increase the levels of danger without participants fully grasping what was going on. This is particularly impressive when looking at the intelligence and educational level of the participants, but completely understandable because the techniques James Ray twisted for inappropriate use are valid and legitimate techniques that can have great healing potential – if used in a proper medical and ethical manner.
Edit to add: Dr. Grof and assosciates specifically warn against doing Holotropic breath work on your own or with people who are not properly trained and certified.
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In case the FTC is wondering, I do not endorse James Ray and he has never compensated me in any way. Dr. Stanislav Grof, however, did send me some electronic bits of his work so I could better understand his field.
Comments
great follow up article Cassandra. Very interesting to know that James was not really trained in anything that he did. Makes me feel a little idiotic for never questioning his credentials in the first place. But it was yet another lesson that I got out of all of it.
Another great part of this article is that it clears up any association between James and Dr.Grof in particular but also with anyone else that James uses as a part of his teachings. It's important for people to know that just because James uses these people in his teachings, that the people he is using have no affiliation what so ever.
Fascinating information, Cassandra.
Good work.
www.RumorRat.com
Ex JRI Warrior: Thank you!
While it's important to check credentials, you should not feel responsible. JR is very good at sounding supportive while encouraging internal guilt and feelings of responsibility. Don't forget, some things really *aren't* your fault.
Thank you for interviewing Stan Grof and setting the record straight. I completed the Grof Transpersonal Training in 1990. The Grofs and Tav and Cary Sparks have been extraordinarily conscientious in training others to do this profound work. What I learned in facilitating Holotropic Breathwork™ inspired me to write a book called "The Ethics of Caring" which explores the subtle ethical vulnerabilities always present in working with people in non-ordinary states of consciousness. Money, Sex, and Power are the usual stuff of ethical pitfalls, but when they combine in expanded states with Love, Truth, Insight and Oneness, (and transference arises, as Stan pointed out), it requires a great deal of willingness to look at oneself with self-compassion and thus to reorient again to "right relationship". While deep work in non-ordinary states can be truly transformative for participants, it also requires a great deal of life-changing self-reflection by those who are assisting the process.
Once again, the white people completely miss the point. Ray should not have been conducting what he imagined to be a "sweat lodge" in the first place. The entire community in Angel Valley should NOT BE CONDUCTING SWEAT LODGES OF ANY KIND. The pain, anger and outrage of Native people who have had their ceremonial way of life RAPED by this man has been largely ignored and all the focus is put on 3 RICH, WHITE WOMEN who were able to give James Ray more money than some Native people earn in a year in order to continue the prostitution and perversion of our sacred ways. The problem wasn't the wrong materials or the wrong psychological techniques being used in the wrong way. The problem was the WRONG PEOPLE doing the WRONG THING with no concern for Native people. All those who gave Ray money are complicit in his spiritual RAPE of Native religion.
Yes, it's so important not to see the institution of psychiatry sullied since so many people on the so-called American left draw their livlihood from it, but WHY isn't it at all important to anyone to see the name "Sweat Lodge" associated with this horrendous perversion? Where's the concern for all the poor Native kids who are now afraid of their sacred birthright? Where's the concern for all the Native people who had NOTHING to do with this, whose sacred of life is being dragged through the mud in the mainstream media and commented on by idiots and greedy sell outs who are NOT qualified to speak for us? Where's the concern for us? It's all about rich white people getting hurt or ripped off isn't it???? Check your whiteness!
A.N.O.N.Y.M.O.U.S NDN: If you would be so kind as to read my article from Oct 16th (Inside accounts of James Ray sweat lodge tragedy and retreat) you will see that the sweat lodge was one of the first things I discussed.
I attended Spiritual Warrior in 2007 and even before the sweat lodge James Ray uses the Dr. Grof's breathing on one of the nights. We were in a large tent that had been set with candles and lights. We were to lie in our sleeping bag while doing holotropic breathing while James and his group make loud noises and a beat played in the background. We did this for quite a while and many of the group had different results. I did have an experience however, the fact that James Ray was not certiied to do this type of breathing just shows his flagrant disregard for others safety to practice what he does not have the authority or teaching to do.
Hi - as a psychotherapist and certified Holotropic Breathwork facilitator, I just want to clear up a little misunderstanding from this article, because it gives an impression about Stan Grof's approach that is opposite from the truth. The article says: "Reading over some of the information that Dr. Grof sent me, I found this quote 'Although the client's cooperation is an essential part of the therapeutic process, it is the therapist who is seen as the active agent and the source of knowledge necessary for successful outcome.'" Actually, this quote does NOT describe the holotropic model; Dr. Grof is referring here to the standard Western model of therapy, in order to differentiate it from the holotropic model, in which the therapist is NOT seen as the active agent or source of knowledge, but rather as a facilitator for the healing potential inherent in the participant. (Part 2 follows.)
(Part 2 of 2) Even so, I agree wholeheartedly with the comment that "maybe the facilitator should have some idea of what they are doing," as it takes a fair amount of training to hold space for the huge variety of material that can emerge from the process and to allow the deepest possible healing to occur without unnecessary intervention. In addition, a facilitator needs to keep his own agenda for dramatic results in check, and, at a bare minimum, must guarantee the physical safety of the participants.
A.N.O.N.Y.M.O.U.S NDN
if you go to the top of the page, you'll see a 'previous' button
(under 'tweet this') click that, and then click the same button on the page that comes up, and do this a total of 7 times, you'll find the beginning of this discussion, (and read all the comments, sometimes there are more than just one page of comments on each page and you'll have to click 'next' to read all of them.)
I think you'll see that all (or most of us) who have commented here, agree with you completely. (white or non-white!) I'm not native, but have participated in hundreds of traditional sweat lodges since 1980. I am just as angry as you to see the negative attention this incident has given Sweat Lodges. It is unfair, since Ray's sweat was not solely responsible for the outcome, as there were many other factors during Ray's retreat that all contributed to the outcome!
My hope is that many people come forward and speak the truth about what happened in the lodge.
Cassandra have you looked into this at all? David Schirmer of the Secret is accused of coning clients for money …. Just Google “David Schirmer exposed” and you will find a 6 part investigation on him. What is interesting is that David Schirmer talks about Bob Proctor being his mentor, well guess what … James Ray always talked about Bob Proctor being his mentor too. Coincidence? Also interesting David Schirmer put a video out on youtube in response to the incident in AZ … Google “David Schirmer” “James Ray” and you will see that video too. The Secret Conmen??? Cassandra keep up the good work. You are doing a great job!
I was at the 2005 Practical Mysticism event where we did what JR referred to as Holotropic Breathwork and remember they had issues getting two of the participants to snap out of it and I remember thinking that JR and his staff really didn’t look like they knew what to do.
If you were not there you have no business making assumptions or speculations about the experience. The concept of blame is a systemic problem in our society and personal responsibility is ignored. Each participant was told what was going to happen and knew the dangers going in.
The breath work occurred 48 hours prior to the Sweat Lodge and had no bearing upon the outcome that day.
So get your f-n facts correct and stop this witch hunt. It was a tragic accident. There was no malice or criminal intent involved.
Ace, I just watched that Schirmer video you mentioned and he pulls the 'Jesus' card!
Attendee, how many consenting people does Ray have to kill with his methods until he is stopped? Let's see, the count is now 3, or is it 4?
I'd love to see an article on the Secret Con-men!!
Attendee,
You are incorrect. Based on your logic no one in the future is able to assess the Nazi war crimes/holocaust because "we were not there". That is faulty reasoning. If it were true no Court of Law would even exist as no judge/jury was ever "there" for the crime.
Additionally, the "waiver" that you reference was misleading and scandalously inaccurate as it most certainly did not document the true level of careless, wanton exposure to physically shocking environments without the proper research into safety precautions, medical demands and proper nutrition and health care provided.
Attendee is either James Ray, an employee of James Ray or in complete denial.
For anyone to say that this was a tragic accident is wishful thinking. I agree you are entitled to your opinion, James, but no one in your camp believes that anymore.
pathetic capitolist pigs pandering and pimping spirituality. it is no wonder this country is occupied by therapy thugs.. war whores and infidels...
I have been to several James Ray events, one of which used holotropic breathwork. The experience was amazing, and that retreat completely rocked my world.
While I don't think "brainwashing" has played a part in my appreciation for James Ray's teachings, this article has really opened my eyes to the unconscious elements that could have lead to a dependence on the facilitator. It's highly ironic, because the whole time we were directly focusing on our unconscious processes- literally studying how these processes work.
Thank you for this research. It is really helping me through a difficult time. It has been a challenge to let down my guard and open up to the possibility that i was wrong. Especially when there have been so many people commenting on what a bunch of fools we are for spending our money on JRI events. I still know that what I learned was powerful and life changing information. But there is much more stuff than I thought that was going on.
Thanks again for your help.
Cassandra, I enjoy reading each and every one of your articles. You are doing a great service for the JR retreat survivors and all others interested in this. My interest stems from the fact I came close to doing a similar retreat with Victor Sanchez, a Mexican-born writer based in Santa Fe NM. He wrote "the Teachings of Don Carlos: Practical Applications of the Works of Carlos Castaneda" in which he gives a series of practical exercises to enable one to have some of the same experiences Castaneda wrote about in his book.
Castaneda certainly did not endorse him (and even sued Sanchez for damaging his reputation and business) but he did study with "surviving Toltec indigenous people" in Mexico and he was trained as an anthropologist. He has made remarks on the tendency of westerners to look for gurus: "Part of my work has been to show that trying to get to freedom following illuminated persons is a good way to get into psychological dependence, confusion and cult-like problems."
(cont.) Nevertheless, what is very interesting is that the "homeless bum" exercise that apparently led to the suicide of Colleen Conaway in San Diego (who had already been billed for the death lodge retreat she had also signed up for) was also used by Victor Sanchez in his workshops! He might even be the originator of this exercise, as I don't recall coming across it in one of Castaneda's books.
So I think it might be very interesting to hear his views on JR, also to rehabilitate the good guys in this field.....
This is his contact info:
avpoffice<at>toltecas.com
(505)796 5715*
To Instant Karma and everyone else who's thrown info my way - THANKS! I cannot figure out why the traditional media isn't mining this free and public wealth of knowledge y'all are helping to create here. All I can say is Vive La Internet!
I do not think, Chilon Ephor, that James Ray meant to bestow the kind of evil that was seen in Nazi Germany. I do believe, Attendee, that JR thinks he can do and be anything without repercussions (I've been to a seminar and saw "The Secret"), and that he abused his power over these poor victims and should take responsibility for this tragic event.
By the way, Cassandra Yorgey, thank you for taking the time to interview Dr. Grof. This was a very informative article, well done and much appreciated!
To Thank You: I think your comment represents the vast majority of James Ray's followers - NOT brainwashed, but able to recognize the seeds that were planted that could lead to it. It's important to remember that while the mind can be susceptible to outside influence, ultimately it controls itself. There are plenty of useful teachings in James Ray's work - many of which can now be used by those affected to heal themselves. The hard part is identifying the "land mines" James Ray added that are unethical and harmful. Nobody is a fool for seeking to learn from James Ray, I myself am learning a *ridiculous* amount because of his work. The techniques are tools, the one using them is the one that determines if they are used for harm or for benefit.
By the way, Cassandra Yorgey, thank you for taking the time to interview Dr. Grof. This was a very informative article, well done and much appreciated!
Larry King Live tonight at 9 EST / 6 PST will be covering the JR incident. Also this morning CBS's "The Morning Show" did a piece on it. Its nice to see that people are standing up and sharing what they know.
Thanks for interviewing Grof on this one. He is indeed a very well-respected author and psychologist in the field of transpersonal psychology.
Hello Cassandra, I can't believe what I'm reading. You are giving your readers the impression that the breath work was done in the sweat lodge. As a participant of a few years ago I can tell you flat out that the breath work took place at least 2-3 days before the sweat lodge. They were separate activities. Dr. Stanislav should be educated enough to do a little research before attacking someone.
It’s clear you are only looking for as many ways as possible to trash James Ray and you’re doing a good job at it. I don’t have the answers for what happened that so many people took ill and even died but I can assure you that James Rays only mission in his work is to help people.
Clearly you are a woman living with a world of pain in your heart as it is expressed so well in your writing. What I’ve learned and know that works is to forgive yourself as well as those that have disillusioned you.
Hello
I suspect James Ray is actually possessed. Look at him closely, he sweats a lot and is very astral. Probably from when he was younger and he took those steriods for body building.
I would not doubt he has been into coke as well.
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Although Dr. Grof has a rather lengthy C.V., he remains on the outskirts of traditional main-stream psychology and has found of a way introducing a lot of pseudo-science in his practice. The general field of psychology has had a long history of keeping hands off certain offshoots of traditional methods as "spiritual psychology". In my opinion, a horrible mistake. Psychology has the dark cloud of being a "soft science" and these practitioners make it even worse. Although Dr. Grof certainly has more training, and compassion, than these New Age hustlers, it is important to not assume that his methods have any research to support their conclusions.
Ever notice that the "personal responsibility" mantra is ALWAYS excreted from the mouths of victim-blamers and apologists for sociopathy? Always. Every time. Without exception.
It's time to wake up and realize the MASSIVE brainwashing job that's been done on us with these two magic words - "personal responsibility." Whenever you hear those words, be SURE that something sinister is going on somewhere. These words do not represent anything good and wholesome. They represent an attempt to abolish altruism and compassion.
"Personal responsibility" isn't the problem, but James Ray liked to use that term to trick people into taking responsibility for things they had no control over.
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