Editing Stanislav Grof (section)

===Psychedelics and breathwork===
Grof's early studies were of [[LSD]] and its effects on the [[Psyche (psychology)|psyche]]—the field of [[psychedelic therapy]]. Building on his observations while conducting LSD research and on [[Otto Rank]]'s [[The Trauma of Birth|theory of birth trauma]], Grof constructed a theoretical framework regarding [[prenatal and perinatal psychology]] and [[transpersonal psychology]]. In Grof's view, LSD sessions reveal the [[psychopathology]] of an individual to reflect their experience of the stages of birth.{{sfn|Rowan|2005|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=16uhwBOiNJkC&pg=PA39 39–42]}} He describes four stages: (1) embryonic peace and transpersonal connection, (2) inundation with bodily matter during fetal growth, (3) the stress of the prenatal period, and (4) the release of birth.{{sfn|Grof|1985|pp=102-127}} Various neuroses are mapped to traumas at particular stages, e.g. [[ennui]] could be caused by [[Caesarean section]], resulting in an individual feeling like they have little reason to exert effort.{{sfn|Grof|1985|pp=252-253}} [[Suicidal ideation]] is explained by the deep memory of prenatal suffering being terminated by release from the [[womb]] (transposed to an escape from life itself).{{sfn|Grof|1985|pp=263-267}} Chemical [[Addiction psychology|addiction]] could stem from the use of [[anesthesia]] during birth.{{sfn|Grof|1985|pp=267-268}} Religious belief (e.g. identification with the [[crucifixion of Jesus]]) is also linked to birth, with [[reincarnation]] explaining transpersonal experiences.{{sfn|Grof|1985|pp=239, 241, 274}}

Grof called a developed form of his theory an "expanded cartography of the human psyche". Following the suppression of legal LSD use in the early 1970s, Grof pursued this therapeutic direction without drugs, by codeveloping with his wife, Christina Grof, a combination of deep and rapid breathing, evocative music, focused bodywork, and mandala drawing.{{sfn|Cortright|1997|p=100}} Originally termed "[[Holotropic Breathwork]]", he now uses the trademark Grof Breathwork to describe this technique.{{cn|date=May 2024}}