Holotropic Therapy is empirical (experiential). Philosophically, it  is based on the notion that in daily life a human being functions far from his real potential. This impoverishment is due to the fact that he identifies with only a small part of his being – the physical body and the ego. 

This false identification with the fragments of his being leads to an inauthentic, unhealthy and unsatisfactory way of living, and is the main cause of psychological and physiological disorders. 

The manifestation of psychic disorder (with no organic cause) signals that one has reached a point when the former fallacious way of living
can no longer operate. A collapse may occur in specific areas (family and sexual relations, professional sphere, etc.) or cover the entire spectrum of life simultaneously. Although such a crisis may pose certain danger, it provides substantial opportunity for personal growth.

The symptoms reflect the organism's attempt both to release itself from the old order or traumatic experience as well as to simplify its functioning. Given beneficial conditions and proper support, this process results in radical problem-solving, psychosomatic healing, and consciousness-evolution.

In order to achieve the above and to reach one's full potential, one must regularly dwell in a state of conciousness called holotropic – literally “oriented towards wholeness” (from the Greek 'holos' – whole, and 'trepein' – moving towards or in the direction of). 

Holotropic conciousness allows a person to experience and integrate various aspects of his personality connected not only with his postnatal biography, but also with realms inaccessible by conventional therapeutic methods. These realms are the prenatal stages of life as well as the transcendental aspects of the ego.  These realms refer to and involve the Higher Self and intuitive wisdom.

When holotropic states of consciousness are induced in a therapeutic environment, and this experience is successfully integrated, the healing effect greatly exceeds years of conventional talk therapy.