Stanislav Grof's theory of perinatal matrixes stems from his experiential clinical research first with LSD and then with holotropic breathwork and trance dance. Through the observation of both himself and his clients in chemically or naturally induced altered states, he deduces the existence of dimensions of the unconscious besides the usual recollective biographical material covered by more traditional therapeutic approaches.
He postulates the existence of four perinatal matrixes of the unconscious associated with four biological stages from gestation to birth. Grof theorizes that during each perinatal (near-birth) stage, psychological states are experienced that become the lens through which most future experiences are perceived. He observes that all biographical recollective experiences can be grouped together in clusters of experience that carry a similar psychological flavor and he calls these clusters COEX systems. He also observes that the roots of the mood of such COEX systems can be traced back to the four perinatal matrixes. The four perinatal matrixes are as follows:
BPM1- The Amniotic Universe- Biological Stage -Womb
The fetus is within the mother's womb and, if all is proceeding well, in a blissful state. Possible threats at this stage are represented by poisons and toxins in the placenta, blood and fluids, lack of nourishment, attempted abortions or threats of miscarriage. Possible archetypal and symbolic images associated to this stage are cosmic and heavenly states, polluted waters and fluids, toxic waste, wastelands, deserts.
BPM 2- Cosmic Engulfment / No Exit - Biological Stage - Onset of Delivery
The fetus feels the effects of chemical signals and first contractions at the onset of delivery. The psychological states experienced here can be of anxiety, engulfment, and awareness of imminent danger and paranoia. Possible archetypal images associated with this stage are whirlpools, spirals, beings swallowed by terrifying monsters, descent into hell etc.
BPM 3 - The Death-Rebirth Struggle - Biological Stage- In the Birth Canal
The fetus is in the birth canal and could be perceiving or experiencing a struggle for survival. The fetus might be lacking oxygen and be deprived of appropriate blood supply, suffocating. The umbilical cord might be around the neck and towards the end of the delivery process might the fetus might come in contact with biological waste such as feces, urine, blood, etc. The psychological states here are ones of struggle between life and death, often associated with sexual arousal and at times with scatological involvement. Grof theorizes that many sexual dysfunctions can be traced back to this phase. Possible archetypal and symbolic images associated with this stage: titanic fight, battles between light and dark, natural disasters, demons, hell, Sabbath of the witches, orgies, etc.
BPM 4 - The Death/ Rebirth Experience - Biological Stage - Birth
The birth struggle is over, the child is born, exposed to light and breathing for the first time. The umbilical cord is cut and the separation from the mother is completed. The psychological states in this phase can be of relief, spiritual liberation, salvation as well as abandonment, separation, terror, if the birth experience is not positive. Possible archetypal images: Gods and deities of all kinds, reunion with great mother, divine experiences.
Grof's theory is an interesting contribution to existing theories. It shows the relevance of the uterine and birth experiences in psychological development and stresses the impact of biological trauma on the psyche, in both prenatal and postnatal situations. I have personally had the opportunity to observe cases in which perinatal and birth trauma impacted the individual as a witness in group therapy and within a healing setting. I think it is important that these facts be acknowledged within a theory of some kind, yet felt uncomfortable with the idea of postulating a birth trauma in people. Somehow, it would seem odd, that a natural process such as birth would be by its very nature traumatic and with such far reaching consequences. I am not sure that Groph is actually saying that we all suffer from a birth trauma of some kind (that shapes all further experience), but if he is, I am not sure I agree.
Also I have a few questions about how the whole experimental procedure and experimental setting leading to the postulation of Grof's theory took place. I know that many of his initial assumptions and interpretations came from LSD sessions. The doses used were very high and it is well known that the expectations associated with the LSD experience mold such experience considerably. How much of Grof's and the sitters' expected results were being witnessed here and how reliable were such experiments? Do we have enough information on the effects of LSD on the psyche to know that we were not just witnessing the effects of the drug itself? The fact that there have been similar effects with holotropic breathwork would suggest that there is some objective value to these experiences but I would like to know more. Furthermore in many of the BPM's, hellish scenarios are described as well as perceived attacks by dark forces of one form or another. Many psychic healers would agree that the ingestion of high quantities of LSD or induced unprotected altered states can cause rupture of the energy field (Brennan1987; Detzler,1999). Could it be that some of these experiences might be a product of the altered state itself? And finally, some of the experiences and archetypal images described as part of the BPM's might be interpreted as past life recall rather than symbolic. My belief is that it is often the past life experiences that are triggered by subsequent trauma, be it perinatal or biographic. However I found Grof's views very interesting.
©2004 Katie Gallanti. All rights reserved. http://katiespapaers.blogspot.com. This article was an assignment for a class on Psychological Theories of Consciousness.
References
Brennan B, 1987. Hands of Light. Bantam Books.
Detzler R. 1994. Soul Re-Creation. SRC Publishing
Grof S,1988. The Adventure of Self Discovery. S.U.N.Y. Press
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