What is the Hoffman Process?

The Hoffman Process, founded by Bob Hoffman in 1967, is a week-long, in-person retreat. It is the only programme of its kind offering evidence-based transformational work proven to deliver lasting results.

Childhood at the core

Our early upbringing has a profound effect on our lives. Bob Hoffman recognised that as children we unconsciously adopt the negative behaviours, belief systems, moods, attitudes and insecurities of our caregivers in order to be loved. These patterns of behaviour pass from generation to generation and it is only when we recognise and deal with them that the cycle can be broken. We call this ‘Negative Love Syndrome‘.

The Hoffman Process teaches us how to release and resolve persistent negative behavioural patterns of feeling unloved and unlovable. We examine the major influences on our lives, trace the root of the adopted negativity, and release any pain, grief, anger, shame or resentment that has been stored there.

The ultimate aim of the Process is to help everyone reach forgiveness and acceptance for themselves and others. This allows for a more compassionate approach to personal relationships and family life.

The Process journey

We’re with you every step of the way, from initial enquiry to port-Process support.


Frequently-Asked Questions


The Hoffman Process appeals to people who are looking for concise and real results to get to the bottom of what is holding them back from a fulfilling life. They want more love, success, creativity, peace, and empowerment in their lives.

Hoffman Process participants come from all income groups, professions, cultures, and spiritual beliefs. They range in age from 21 to 80+. Despite varied backgrounds, those who come to the Process usually have a sense of dissatisfaction with their lives and a deep desire to change.

Our self-assessment page might give you an indication of whether the Process is a fit for your current circumstances.

Take a self-assessment


The benefits of the Hoffman Process are as varied as the people who attend, but the most frequently reported areas for improvement are:

  • Relationships / divorce / parenting
  • Work / leadership / career remapping
  • Adoption / ancestral work / family dynamics
  • Compulsive behaviours / feeling stuck in a loop
  • Retirement / change of circumstance / crisis of identity
  • Bereavement / grief recovery
  • Lacking joy in life / directionless / unfulfilled

You can read first-hand accounts from people who have done the Hoffman Process here.


One of the reasons so many people experience positive long-term outcomes from the Hoffman Process is the time we take to ensure that participants are fully prepared for what the course entails and that it’s a fit with their current circumstances.

To provide maximum benefit, the Process requires a certain level of stability, maturity and emotional robustness. In certain circumstances, this may mean that we suggest you pause your enrolment and come at a later date.


Because the Hoffman Process is a highly individualised inward journey, we do not recommend taking the Process with a friend or someone you know.

We have found that it can be hard for participants to completely focus on doing their own work if they are paying attention to or checking in with someone they know in the room. It’s more rewarding to devote your whole Process completely to you.

Couples inevitably have intertwined dynamics that are difficult to separate during the Process. So while we encourage you both to come separately (many couples do!) please don’t attempt to attend the same retreat date.

Once both people in a relationship have taken the Process, we welcome you both to attend post-Process events together.


Many people have reported that the Process is an important addition to their therapeutic experience, and many therapists recommend the Process as a complement to therapy – however the Hoffman Process is not intended as a substitute for therapy.

You do not need to have any experience of therapy or personal-development work to attend the Hoffman Process.

If you are currently in therapy, we do ask that you inform your current practitioner about your choice to participate. We have resources on this site that you can share with them if that’s helpful – you’ll find those here.

Whilst several of our facilitators do have backgrounds in psychotherapy or counselling outside of the Process, their role on site is to deliver the structured, immersive experience offered. This requires rigorous training, which can take several years to complete.

Our whole team is supported by an MBACP accredited Clinical Consultant who works closely with our facilitation and enrolment teams.


Yes, Hoffman UK is part of a global network of Hoffman Process providers, overseen by Hoffman Institute International. If English isn’t your first language, or a trip to the UK isn’t for you, there may be another Hoffman centre that can help. Find out more here


Yes, the Hoffman Process and Hoffman Essentials are both independently accredited for CPD with the CPD Standards Office. The Process counts as 63.5 hours of CPD credit; the Essentials is 11.5. A certificate can be issued at the end of your course upon request. Find out more here


We understand how important it is that you’re supported after the Process, so we offer two Hoffman-led follow-up sessions in the first two months after your course.

After that, there are regular facilitator-led support groups, retreats, workshops and online events throughout the year.

Details of events for those who have done the Process are emailed monthly through our graduate e-newsletter, we have a dedicated private Facebook group, and an Instagram page, you’re welcome to contact the office at any time by phone or email.

Many Process attendees also choose to stay in contact with the other members of their group after the course has finished – this is entirely optional, but available should you choose.

Graduate stories…

See all stories


New to Hoffman?

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The Hoffman Essentials

The Hoffman Essentials

Two days, two ways

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You can change your life

The Hoffman Book

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